Jhansi Rani

Jhansi Rani

Jhansi Rani Lakshmiboi was a famous Indian freedom fighter against British government. Her real name was Manikarnika the queen of Maratha-ruled Jhansi state situated in the north central part of India.She was born on 19 November 1828 in the holy city of Varanasi. Her father Moropant Tambe and her mother Bhahirathi sapre. She was educated at home and was more independent in her childhood. Her studies included shooting,horsemanship,fencing. Rani Laksmiboi was accustomed to riding on horse back accompanied by a small escort between the palace and the temple. Her horse included Sarangi,Pavan and Baadal. She married Raja Ganghadar Rao Newalker in May 1842. Unfortunately her husband died and it is sad moment to Jhansi Rani. She became widow and ruled Jhansi. British East India company asked Jhansi Rani to surrender the British government. But Jhansi Rani forget this and told that she should not surrender her Jhansi. 

On 10 May the Indian rebellion started in Meerut. When new of the fighting reached Jhansi the Rani asked the British political officer for permission to raise a body of armed men for her owned protection. Lakshmiboi was reluctant to rebel against the British in June 1857. From August 1857 to January 1858 Jhansi under Ranis rule was at peace. After that Rani gathered heavy guns which could fire over the town and nearby countrywide. British forces demanded Rani for surrendering but she refused and she said that -we fight for independence and we win if we defeated and killed on the field of battle we shall earn external glory and salvation.

She depended Jhansi against British troops besieged Jhansi on 23 March 1858. The bombardment began on 24 March but was met by heavy return fire and damaged. After that war Rani escaped in that night with her son surrounded by guards. Then she had alliance with Tantia Tope, Nawab of Banda and Roa Sahib. They came to Gwalior and joined the Indian forces who now held the city. The Rani was unsuccesful in trying to prepare the depend Gwalior against British attack. Large Indian forces command by Rani Lakshmiboi about 5000 Indian soldiers in that war. In this war Rani injured heavily and bleeding by the road side. The British captured the Gwalior. Rani Lakshmiboi died. The British government said that Rani was the most dangerous for all Indian leaders.