Rani Lakshmi Bai was the queen of Jhansi and was one of the most important women of the revolt of 1857. Lakshmi Bai dressed completely in men’s wear, holding the reins of her horse in her mouth, she used the sword with both hands and led her soldiers to war against British. Her brave and fearless attitude was admired by all the other men and women. She marked herself as a true fighter who fought with courage and had a brave heart. She fought till her last breath for India’s independence with perseverance and bravery.
Rani Lakshmibai was born on November 19, 1835. Her father was a Brahmin. Her mother was a brave God fearing lady.
She learnt horseback riding, sword fighting, and shooting on a target with a gun. She was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi; his name was Raja Gangadhar Rao.
In 1851, Rani had a son; he unfortunately died when he was barely four months old. So she adopted a son, his name was Damodar Rao.
The British weren’t satisfied with the idea that Damodar was the legal heir to the throne.
Because of that, a war broke out between the citizens of Jhansi and the British. This was the first war of independence.
Rani was not ready to give up Jhansi, she was a symbol of patriotism and self respect. On March 1858, the British decided to attack Jhansi. The Rani did not surrender, the battle continued for two weeks.
Rani Lakshmibai was very active. She herself was looking over the city. Rani dressed as a man, had her baby strapped to her back, she held the horse reins in her mouth, and held two swords in her hands.
When the time was ripe, the army and Rani escaped. At the age of 22, the Rani lost her life. That day was June 18, 1858.
Vocabulary
Give up—surrender
Ripe—appropriate
