Jhansi Ki Rani Laxmibai - Khub Ladi Mardani
Indian History is totally different from the World. Because in India, Warfare is not registers on the name of men. Indian women's contribution is also equally counted since epic period to till date.
In India Woman is worshipped as "Maa Adi Para Shakti" and respect as the ultimate "Daiva". She ot equal rights with respect to Man since beginning. Here some examples of Women Warriors of ndia, how they show their braveness and become a great Heroines of the time, inspiring all especially omen. These women with a typical quality "They did what they knew they should and could, with no regard for what was generally deemed their 'Place' in the society".
Kittur Chennamma
Kittur Chennamma was famous as the freedom fighter who led an armed force against the British East India Company in 1824. She was one of the first female freedom fighters to resist British Government. Kittur Chennamma is a National Heroine well known in Karnataka and a symbol of the Independence Movement in India.
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Kittur Rani chennamma told that Unite and Fight |
Bibi Dalair Kaur
Fatehgarh Sahib or Sirhind is famous for its women warriors Bibi Dalair Kaur and her 100 armed women warriors. Wajir Khan one of the army leader of Mughal Empire, loudly told to his soldiers “Cowards, are you afraid of women? They are gifts for you, capture them and do what you want with the rewards of your hunt”.
Bibi Dalair Kaur replied with a roaring sound like a lion, “We are the hunters, not the hunted. Come forward and find out for yourself!”. Thus she fought with Wajir Khan's army very bravely, when they are trying to enter through the walls of Sirhind fort.
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A woman warrior - The Proud of Sikhs |
Rani Abbakka Chowta
Rani Abbakka Chowta Queen of Ullal near Manglore in Karnataka, hailed as one of the first female freedom fighters of India and as being “the only woman in history to challenge the British, fight and repeatedly defeat the Portuguese”. She defended the region for 4 decades in the latter half of the 16th century.
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The fearless Queen of Tulunadu - Karnataka |
Rani Velu Nachiyar
Madhurai was famous for Rani Veeramangai Velu Nachiyar, who fought with British Empire, in Tamil Nadu, was the queen Shivagangai kingdom—now Madurai, Tamil Nadu—(Rani Veeramangai Velu Nachiyar ruled from 1769 to 1790). Rani Veeramangai Velu Nachiyar was now celebrated by Tamilians as Veeramangai or Brave woman, as Rani was the first female Indian ruler to successfully revolt and triumph against the British empire.
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Queen Velu Nachiyar - Woman Freedom fighter from Tamilnadu |
Rani Rudrama Devi
Rani Rudrama Devi was a monarch of the Kakatiya Dynasty in the Deccan Plateau from 1263 until her death. She was famous for her rule as monarchs in India, she ruled like a man. And she died 1295.
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A Telugu Woman Warrior of Kakatiya Dynasty |
Onake Obavva
Chitradurga is famous for its brave woman warrior called Onake Obavva. Once Hyder Ali's troops trying to enter into the Chitradurga fort through a small and narrow opening, Onake Obavva saw that and started to kill the army one by one by her pestle. In Kannada Language pestle means 'Onake'. Because of Onake Obavva's action Chitradurga fort was saved and win the war in 1779.
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A Brave Woman of India - Karnataka |
Nayakuralu Nagamma
Nayakuralu Nagamma was from Karimnagar districts of Telangana. She was the daughter of a wealthy farmer and at Palnadu in Andhra Pradesh where she attained the titles what for she is recognised.She became a significant character in the 12th-century epic war of Palnati Yudham and she was famous as ‘female pioneer’
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A Great Womwn Warrior From Telengana |
In the same way Rani Laxmibai,left a lasting impression as great and as motivating with a highly respected queen of Jhansi. Her Courage and Honesty in Warfare was the inspiration to all one who love their Mother Land especilly Women. The way she fight against the British Government might has no parallel in the Indian history.
Rani of Jhansi was an Indian queen of the Maratha princely state of Jhansi in North India currently present in Jhansi district in Uttar Pradesh, India. She was one of the most leading warrior of the "First Independence war Against British Government in 1857" and became a great symbol of resistance to the British Raj for Indian Nationalists.
Early life was Very Industrious
Manu was born on 19 November 1828 in Varanasi town into a Marathi Karhade Brahmin family. Manu was her nick name and actual name was Manikarnika Tambe. Manu was born to Moropant Tambe and Bhagirathi Sapre. Manu's parents are the migrants from Maharashtra. When Manikarnika was four years old her mother was died. Her father, Moropant Tambe was a Pandit in the Bithoor court and worked for Peshwa Baji Rao II of Bithoor district. The Peshwa Baji Rao called her "Chhabili", it means "playful".
A Brahman girl, brought up in the household of the Peshwa Baji Rao IId an(ruler), Laxmi Bai had an unusual upbringing quality. In the Peshwa’s court she grwon up with boys having a manly strength. She was trained in martial arts and became proficient in sword fighting and riding.
Trained as a Warrior
Tatya Tope trained Manu in the arts of war including horse riding, how to use sword, gun, fencing and mallakhamba etc. She was educated at home, able to read and write. Her nature was more independent comparing to other child of her age.
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Queen of Jhansi -Khub Ladi Mardani |
Vishnu Bhatt Godse told that "the Rani Laxmi Bai would exercise at weightlifting, wrestling and steeplechasing before breakfast". An intelligent and simply-dressed woman, ruled in a different way like a business man.
Rani Lakshmibai contrasted many of the men ruling and men domination cultural expectations for women in India's society at this time. Rani Lakshmibai was accustomed to riding on horseback accompanied by a small group of soldiers one who take care of her, between the palace and the temple although sometimes she was interested to wander by palanquin. The name of her horses are Sarangi, Pavan and Baadal, she took the help of Baadal to escape from the fort with her adopted son in 1858.
Manu Married Maharaja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao Newalkar
In May 1842, Manu was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao Newalkar and her name was changed to Rani Laxmibai in honour of the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi, according to the traditions of Jhansi Kingdom. In 1851 she gave birth to a male child and named Damodar Rao but Damodar Rao died after four months. The Maharaja adopted a child, the son of Gangadhar Rao's cousin called Anand Rao, who was renamed Damodar Rao, on the day before the Maharaja died. The adoption was took place in the presence of the British political officer who was given a official letter from the Maharaja instructing that the child be treated with respect as the heir of Jhansi Kingdom and that the Government of Jhansi should be given to his widow for her lifetime.
Served as Kranti Guru
Before the marriage, Manikarnika was called Kranti Guru because she never accept the British rule on India, and takes the form of Kranti Guru to fight against British Government. Manu become a thorn in the side of Manson, a British official. British Officer called Marshal kills Prachi the little daughter of Bajirao Peshwa, to take revange Kranti Guru(Manu) killed Marshal. Then Manu married
Maharaja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao Newalkar and become Rani Laxmibai, her life changes drastically. During that period the court of Jhansi was headed by Raghunath Singh and Narsingh Rao.
At Jhansi a servant called Moti Bai was closely working with British officer called Captain Fraser, when Rani Laxmi Bai came to know this she changes Moti Bai and ask her to stop helping enemies of India but not only Jhansi. When the Maharaja of Jhansi came to know that Kranti Guru is Rani Laxmi Bai, their relationship was become worse. Maharaja of Jhansi agrees with a British Officer that Kranti Guru will not be accused of Marshal's death if he hands over Rani's friend, called Samar Singh. When Rani saves Samar Singh, the Maharaja casts her away.
Laxmi Bai back as the Maharani of Jhansi
When Rani Laxmi Bai came to know that the Britishers are mistreating villagers outside Jhansi, she persuades them to fight against British Rule. She finds Samar Singh who helps her to protect the villagers and Karma (who was appointed to kill the Maharaja of Jhansi. Captain Martin promises Karma the leadership of the villages if he works for him, but Captain Martin then refused to help Karma. Rani saves Karma, who becomes an ally. Martin challenges Rani. Rani Laxmi Bai disguised as a man like a Raja(King) to fight against a madman, Raja wins the fight against Martin, but is then revealed as Rani. By this brave incident the Maharaja of Jhansi become very happy and takes Rani Laxmi Bai back as the Maharani, after this great event Martin was retired by British Government and is replaced by Captains Malcom and Ross.
After several failed attempts to kill the Maharaja of Jhansi, Captain Nelson kills Ross, Samar Singh is framed for the murder of Ross and hanged Samar Singh, the best friend of Rani Laxmi Bai. During this time Rani Laxmi Bai visits Baji Rao Peshwa, who is severely ill in Bithoor, he dies when Manson tries to conquer Bithoor Fort. Rani Laxmi Bai fights victoriously, and cuts off Manson's leg.
Rani Roared Like a Lion "Main apni Jhansi nahi doongi"
Nelson, British Officer try to kills Damodar but he failed in his attempt, Ali Bahadur kills the Maharaja and Captain Hamilton is sent to Jhansi to conquer Jhansi. Jhansi Rani Laxmi Bai declares war against the East India Company against the backdrop of the "First Independent war against British rule in India, 1857".
Hamilton success make a difference, Jhansi and the city of Orchha against each other. Orchha's queen, Ladai Sarkar, is kind to the British and holds a grudge against Jhansi. Ladai Sarkar initially imprisoned Tatya Tope,Raghunath Singh and Gauss Khan but Rani Lakshmi Bai frees them all and wins the battle of Orchha's. The victorious Rani returns to a Jhansi, which she reclaims after threatening the life of the 1st Earl of Dalhouise. Nelson frames her for the death of the king of Mot, and when Ladai Sarkar, the king's sister-in-law, captures Rani Laxmi Bai, Nelson betrays Sarkar. Both the queens become friend in prison, and after Rani Laxmi Bai escapes from the Jail, Ladai Sarkar's sister-in-law kills Nelson.
In November 1853, the Maharaja of Jhansi died and Damodar Rao was considered as an adoted son of Maharaja, Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of the East India Company, applied the Doctrine of Lapse, rejecting Damodar Rao's claim to the throne and annexing the state to its territories under British Government. When Rani Laxmi Bai was informed of this, she cried out "Main apni Jhansi nahi doongi" (I shall not surrender my Jhansi). In March 1854, Rani Lakshmi Bai was given an annual pension of Rs. 60,000 and ordered to leave the palace and the fort.
The First Independent War against British Rule was started in 1857
The revolt against Britishers started in Meerut, on 10 May 1857. Rani Laxmi Bai came to know that about the fighting, she asked the British political officer, Captain Alexander Skene, for permission to raise a body of armed force for her own protection. Skene agreed to this.
The city was very calm, the Rani Laxmi Bai conducted a Haldi KumKum ceremony with a great splendid form in front of all the women of Jhansi to provide assurance to her subjects and declared that the British were cowards and not to be afraid of them. She convinced them in the summer of 1857 and told the instance what is going on in Meerut and Delhi.
Until this point, Lakshmibai was unwiling to rebel against the British. In June 1857, rebels of the 12th Bengal Native Infantry seized the Star Fort of Jhansi containing the treasure and wealth, some official documents with weapons, and after persuading the British to lay down their arms by promising them no harm, but rebels broke their word and massacred 40 to 60 European Officers of the armed troops along with their wives and children. The Rani's involvement in this massacre is still a subject of doubt and it becomes the subject of debate.
After four days the soldiers of the massacre left Jhansi, receiving a large sum of money from the Rani Laxmi Bai as the donation for the continuation of revolt against British Government.Then Rani Laxmi Bai wrote a letter to Major Erskine, commissioner of the Saugor division explaining the situation of the events, what was happend in the city. In reply, Erskine wrote, requesting her to "manage the District for the British Government" until the arrival of a British Superintendent. Meanwhile, The Rani's forces defeated an attempt by the soldiers of the revolt to assert the claim to the throne of a rival prince Sadashiv Rao who was the nephew of Maharaja Gangadhar Rao, was captured and imprisoned.
The forces of East India Company allies Orchha and Datia invaded on Jhansi to "divide and rule" policy of British. Their intention however was to divide Jhansi between themselves. During this period without the help of British, Rani Laxmi Bai set up a factory to cast cannon to be used on the walls of the fort and assembled forces including some from former feudatories of Jhansi and elements of the soldiers of the revolt, which were able to defeat the invaders in August 1857. At this time, her intention was very clear to hold Jhansi on behalf of the British. But the British Government never understand and support Rani Laxmi Bai.
Nearly half year, from August 1857 to January 1858 Jhansi under the Rani Laxmi Bai's rule was at peace and people of the Jhansi were very happy, feel better.
The British had announced that troops would be sent there to maintain control from invaders but the fact that none arrived to strengthened the position of Jhansi. Meanwhile a group of advisers of Rani Laxmi Bai wanted independence from British rule. And they approach Rani Laxmi Bai and advise her for independence from British rule.
Besieged Jhansi Fort, 1858
When the British forces arrived in March they found that the Jhansi was well-defended and the fort had heavy guns which could fire over the town and nearby countryside. Hugh Rose, ordered the British forces and demanded that "surrender of the Jhansi city" if this order was rejected Jhansi would be destroyed. After due discussion with her advisers very carefully the Rani Laxmi Bai issued a public announcement, "We fight for independence from British rule. In the words of Lord Krishna what he told in 'Bhagvadgita'(a Holy Epic of Hinduism), we will if we are victorious, enjoy the fruits of victory, if defeated and killed on the battle field, we shall surely earn eternal glory and keep away from evil power." She defended Jhansi against British troops when Sir Hugh Rose surrounded and attacted on Jhansi on 23 March 1858.
The bombardment and destroying the Jhansi City was began on 24 March but was met by heavy return fire which was very tough to defend and British troops realised that fighting with the Rani Laxmi Bai was highly challenging. The defenders sent a message for help to Tatya Tope, an army of more than 20,000, headed by Tatya Tope was attacted on British troops to relieve Jhansi but they failed to do so when they fought the British on 31 March.
During the battle with Tatya Tope's forces part of the British troops on 2 April success the breaking the walls of the fort and enter into the Jhansi city and approch the palace. Parts of the British force destroy the palace without leaving a single room and they continued their attack down the street, stated to give trouble to women and children. After looking all this massacre the Rani Laxmi Bai consult their advisors and decided that since resistance in the city was useless she must leave Jhansi and join either Tatya Tope or Rao Sahib (Nana Sahib's nephew).
Rani Lakshmibai Jumped From the Fort on her Horse called Baadal.
As usual she tied Damodar Rao on her back and jumped on her favorite horse Baadal from the fort, "this was the great history which is written and remember always" they survived but the horse Baadal died. The Rani escaped in the night with her son, surrounded by guards. The escort included the great warriors Khuda Bakhsh Basharat Ali the commandant, Gulam Gaus Khan, Dost Khan, Lala Bhau Bakshi, Moti Bai, Sunder-Mundar, Kashi Bai, Deewan Raghunath Singh and Deewan Jawahar Singh. She reached to Kalpi with a few guards, where she joined additional rebel forces, including Tatya Tope and started to fight with enemy forces like anything. The Rani Laxmi Bai and her team occupied the town of Kalpi and prepared to defend it. On 22 May British force attacked on Kalpi with a huge forces, the opposite side of the forces were commanded by the Rani Laxmi Bai herself and were again defeated.
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Queen of Jhansi - Inspired for Indian Independence |
Flight to Gwalior with Her Supporters
The leaders such as the Rani of Jhansi, Tatya Tope, the Nawab of Banda, and Rao Sahib fled once again. All they came to Gwalior and joined the Indian forces who now held the city with great warriors of the group. During this time the Maharaja Scindia took the charge and started to fight with Britishers at Morar, ultimately Maharaja Scindia having fled to Agra from the battle field at Morar. They moved on to Gwalior intending to occupy the strategic Gwalior Fort and the rebel forces occupied the Gwalior city without any difficuly. Then the rebels declared that the Nana Sahib as the Peshwa of a revived Maratha dominion with Rao Sahib as his Subedar(the Governor General) in Gwalior. The Rani Laxmi Bai was failure in trying to persuade the other rebel leaders to prepare to protect Gwalior against a British attack which she expected would come near future. General Rose's forces took Morar on 16 June and then made a successful attack on the Gwalior city.
Died after a Great war against British Rule.
On 17 June, near the Phool Bagh of Gwalior in Kotah-ki-Serai, a squadron of the 8th Hussars of King's Royal Irish, under Captain Heneage, fought a very large Indian force commanded by Rani Lakshmi Bai. The 8th Hussars charged into the Indian force, killing around 5,000 Indian soldiers, including any Indian "over the age of 16". They took two guns and continued the charge right through the Phool Bagh military camp. In this engagement, Rani Lakshmi Bai put on a sowar's uniform like a man and attacked by one of the hussars, probably by his small sword that time she was unhorsed and also wounded. Shortly afterwards, as she sat bleeding by the roadside, she recognised the soldier and fired at him with a pistol, whereupon he "dispatched the young lady with his carbine". Rani Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi, dressed as a cavalry leader, was badly wounded and not wishing the British to capture her body, she told a villager to burn her. After her death a few local people cremated her body.
Queen Victoria Accepts Defeat
Actual Queen Victoria want to caught "Rani Laxmibai Queen of Jhansi and brought to London". But she was not success in her plan and accepts the defeat against Indian Queen called Mardani of Jhansi. Then Queen Victoria sends General Hugh Henry Rose, who attacks Bithoor Fort, where many of Rani Laxmi Bai's loyal followers and allies such as Guass Khan, Karma, Moropant Tambe, Jhalkaribai, Ladai Sarkar, Kashi, Raghunath Singh and Vahini Saheb dies. Bithoor fort was conquered by British troop. Nana Saheb the Peshwa of Gwalior flees to Nepal.
After three days, the British captured the city of Gwalior. In the report of British Record about the battle did by Rani Laxmi Bai, Hugh Henry Rose described that Rani Lakshmi Bai Queen of Jhansi was "personable, clever and beautiful young woman warrior" and she is "the most powerful warrior of all Indian leaders". Rose reported that she had been cremated "with great respect and perform a ceremony under a tamarind tree under the Rock of Gwalior, where I saw her bones and ashes".
Rani's "Samadhi Mandir" the Holy Temple is in the Phool Bagh area of Gwalior.
After Twenty years of the "Rani Laxmi Bai's" death Colonel Malleson wrote in the History of the Indian Mutiny, vol. 3, at London in 1878 'the Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi lived and died for her country, We cannot forget her contribution for India and the First Independace war against British Rule in 1857'.
Descendant of Rani Laxmibai
Damodar Rao, the young prince was among his mother's troops fled from the camp of Rao Sahib of Bithur, people of Bundelkhand was not ready to help them because of fear of punishment from the British. Prince Damodar Rao spend around two years in the forest of Bundalekhand with some 60 retainers with 60 camels and 22 horses. They suffer, because not enough food and other necessary things, around 24 refugees encountered near the city of Jhalrapatan where there were yet more refugees from Jhansi. In 1860, the prince Damodar Rao surrendered himself to a British official, then he was allowed a pension of Rs. 10,000, seven retainers, and was in the guardianship of Munshi Dharmanarayan.
The Rani Mahal, the palace of Rani Lakshmi Bai, has now been converted into a beautiful museum. It houses a collection of archaeological remains of the period between the 9th and 12th centuries AD.
Statues of Rani Lakshmibai are seen in many places of India, which show her and her son tied to her back.
1. Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education in Gwalior.
2. Laksmibai National College of Physical Education in Thiruvananthapuram.
3. Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi are named after her.
4. Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University in Jhansi was founded in 2013.
5. The Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the
Bay of Bengal. And her statues are installed in Many More Places of India.
A women's unit of the Indian National Army was named the Rani of Jhansi Regiment.
In 1957 two postage stamps were issued to commemorate the centenary of the "First Independence war against British Rule in India, 1857".
Jhansi Ki Rani Laxmi Bai represents in Indian History, in novels, poetry, and film tend towards an uncomplicated valorization of Rani Lakshmibai as an individual solely devoted to the cause of Indian Independence.
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