Today is Rani Laxmi Bai’s death anniversary. One of the greatest freedom fighters of India, she was born in a Varanasi, to a Brahim family on November 19 1828. Her father’s name was Moropant Tambe, and mother was called Bhagirathi Sapre. She got married to the king of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, in 1842, and gave birth to a baby boy in 1851, who died because of complication when he was just four months old. The couple adopted the child of Gangadhar Rao’s cousin, and renamed him Damodar Rao. However, after the death of Gangadhar in 1953, the The British East India company stated the Doctrine of Lapse, according to which Damodar Rao couldn’t inherit the throne because of being adopted, and it annexed the state.
At first, Jhansi ki Rani was not ready to rebel against the Britishers, and used to get a pension of 60, 000. It changed, in 1958, when, taking advise, she armed the fort with guns and other weapons, which made Sir Hugh Rose, demand that the city surrenders to them, and it’d be destroyed to bits if the queen declines.
But the fire of freedom had been ignited in the heart of Jhansi ki rani and she told him, that even if they’re defeated on the battlefield, their victory is going to be salvation. Today, she is seen as the symbol of strength and bravery, and the image of her on horseback with Damodar tied to her back, fighting the British troops has become an unforgettable image of hope and rebellion. Jhasi Ki Rani has become a relevant icon for women empowerment and freedom fighters, and as a result, her story has been told in a variety of cultural means, from epic poems to television serials to the upcoming movie, Manikarnika, starring the acclaimed actress, Kangana Ranaut. Rani Laxmi Bai, through her valour has become immortal part of India.
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