Top 10 Facts about Queen Rani Lakshmibai

Photo by Gilliat, Edward – Wikimedia

Top 10 Facts about Queen Rani Lakshmibai

Queen Rani is known as India’s warrior that did not back down from the British. Also known as the Rani of Jhansi, she fought against Britain’s plan to be attached to her kingdom in the 1850s. This made her an icon of freedom in India.

She grew up as a commoner and rose to be queen mid-19^th century. She started by being a regent while still in her mid-20s. her first encounter on a battlefield was in 1857 during the Indian Rebellion.

This was India’s first War of Independence. Queen Rani led thousands of soldiers into battle against the British. On the battlefield, Queen Rani fought with a sword in each hand while riding a horse. 

Many have compared her to Joan of Arc, France’s heroine. Both these women left a great impact on the history of their countries.

Here are the top 10 facts about Queen Rani Lakshimibai.

1. Queen Rani’s date of birth is contentious

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The exact date of birth of Queen Rani is not known. Records however indicate that she was born in 1828 in Varanasi. Her family was known as Karhade Brahmin. Others believe that she was born in Jhansi but Varanasi was her birthplace. Her parents came from Maharashtra.

2. Her birth name was Manikarnika

Queen Rani given name at birth was Manikarnika Tambe. Her father was a Brahman who worked at the court in Peshawar as a legal adviser. He worked for the Maratha Empire under Baji Rao II.

Young Rani lost her mother when she was 4 years old. She moved to the court and lived with her father.

Growing up in the imperial court, Queen Rani’s upbringing was different. She did not grow up like ordinary Brahmani girls. Rani grew up among boys and was trained in martial arts.

This made her skilled in sword fighting, horse riding and riding. She became more independent than other girls her age.

Queen Rani was used to riding a horse while being accompanied by guards between the palace and the temple.

3. Queen Rani Lakshimibai lost both her husband and son

Rani Lakshmibai got married to Gangadhar Rao Newalkar in 1842. Her husband was the Maharaja of Jhansi. He took her name Rani Lakshmibai.

Rani was 14 years old when she got married to the Maharaja. When she turned 18, she became the ruler of Jhansi. She was given a new name in honour of Goddess Lakshmi.

A few years later, the couple got pregnant and Rani gave birth to a baby boy they named Damodar Rao. Unfortunately, their son died after only 4 months.

Queen Rani and her husband adopted a boy called Anand Rao. Another unfortunate event happened, her husband died after a short illness.

4. Queen Rani Lakshmibai fought against the British

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Queen Rani never obliged to the British Doctrine of Lapse. Her adopted son was not recognized by Lord Dalhousie, the then British Governor-General of India.

He, therefore, attempted to enforce the Doctrine of Lapse as a way of extending her kingdom. This did not go well with Queen Rani who fought back to retain her kingdom.

She refused to surrender to the British and took control of Jhansi in her own hands and protected the city. Rani also declared war against the British to defend Jhansi.

This siege lasted two weeks. During this time, Queen Rani fought the British with her son Damodar Rao on her back while holding swords in both hands.

5. The British considered her to be the most dangerous and brave woman

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Queen Rani was a force to reckon with, it is no surprise that one British commander termed her as the most dangerous Indian leader. In contrast, he also described her as a pleasant, smart and beautiful woman.

The British were the first to write about Queen Rani’s steadfast spirit. Writing about her funeral, they described the ceremony as one befitting a Queen.

She had a great dislike for the British and this was because they pushed her into rebellion. Queen Rani loved her country which she lived and died for.

6. Queen Rani used to dress like a leader

Traditionally, Indian women wear saris. Queen Rani Lakshmibai turned this traditional attire into her uniform. She wore it to the battleground.

At the battlefield, she tied a scarf on her head to keep her hair in place. She also wore her sari the typical way an Indian lady would.  

7. She died like a warrior

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Queen Rani fought like a soldier and died like one. She died on the battlefield on June 17, 1858, while fighting the British. The Queen was dressed like a cavalry leader.

She always fought while riding on horseback. On this fateful day, she was badly injured. Before she died, she asked that her body be burnt since she did not want the British to take her body.

During this battle, over 5000 Indian soldiers were killed. The Queen bravely put up a good fight and died a heroic death.  

8. Queen Rani was commemorated in India

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The heroic actions of Queen Rani continue to inspire many generations in India. A women’s unit of the Indian National Army was named Rani Jhansi Regiment in 1942.

The country also had two postage stamps issued in 1957 to commemorate the centenary of the rebellion. There are several statues around India that celebrate her bravery and resilience.

Institutions of higher learning in India have also been named after her.

9. Her former home is now a museum

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Queen Rani Lakshmi memory will live on from generation to generation. To preserve this, her former home was converted to a Museum.

The museum is known as Rani Mahal. Inside, you will archaeological artworks and sculptures dating back to the 9th and 12th centuries.

There are also weapons that were used by Queen Rani while on the battlefield. Other weapons used in the mutiny can be found in this museum.

10. Her adopted son survived the war

Queen Rani’s adopted son was part of the troop that went to war with her. Luckily, her son survived the battle of Gwalior. He fled from the camp of Rao Sahib of Bithur.

He continued with his mother’s mission of fighting the British. Damodar faced opposition from villagers who were afraid of retaliation from the British.

Together with a few soldiers, he escaped with, they lived in the forest. They lived there for two years until 1860 when he surrendered to a British official.