Font size:
Print
Rani Laxmi Bai
About:
Rani Laxmi Bai, born Manikarnika Tambe on November 19, 1828, in Varanasi, was the Queen of Jhansi and a key figure in the Indian resistance against British colonial rule. Her leadership particularly marks her legacy during the Revolt of 1857, where she emerged as a symbol of courage and defiance.
Contributions Towards British Resistance:
- Opposition to the Doctrine of Lapse: After the death of her husband, Maharaja Gangadhar Rao, in 1853, the British East India Company refused to recognise the claim of her adopted son as heir to the throne, invoking the Doctrine of Lapse.
- This policy allowed the British to annex territories without a male heir. Rani Laxmi Bai vehemently opposed this annexation, asserting her right to rule and refusing to surrender Jhansi.
- Her resistance was rooted in a broader discontent with British policies that undermined local governance and traditions.
- Military Leadership and Defence of Jhansi: When the rebellion broke out in May 1857, Rani Laxmi Bai took charge of Jhansi’s defence. She organised and trained an army comprising both men and women, demonstrating exceptional military leadership. Under her command, Jhansi was fortified against British forces.
- When Sir Hugh Rose demanded its surrender, she famously proclaimed: “We fight for independence. In the words of Lord Krishna, we will if we are victorious, enjoy the fruits of victory; if defeated and killed on the field of battle, we shall surely earn eternal glory and salvation“.
- Despite fierce resistance, Jhansi fell to British forces in April 1858 after a prolonged siege.
- Escape and Continued Resistance: Following the fall of Jhansi, Rani Laxmi Bai escaped on horseback with her adopted son tied to her back. She joined other rebel leaders like Tatya Tope and participated in capturing Gwalior, where they attempted to revive the Maratha Empire by proclaiming Nana Saheb as Peshwa. Her ability to rally troops and maintain morale amidst overwhelming odds showcased her resilience and strategic acumen.
- Final Stand at Gwalior: In June 1858, during a battle near Gwalior, Rani Laxmi Bai fought valiantly against British troops. Despite being outnumbered, she displayed remarkable bravery until she was mortally wounded. Even in her final moments, she managed to hand over her son to a trusted general before succumbing to her injuries.
- Her death on June 18, 1858, marked a poignant moment in Indian history, solidifying her status as a martyr and symbol of resistance against colonial oppression.
