Rani Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi, a small Maratha principality in Bundalkhand in India can best be described as a reluctant
rebel. Drawn into circumstances for which she had absolutely no training to handle, she fought valiantly to save her honour and the
honour of Jhansi.
She was one of our greatest patriots and heroic role models for future generations of women.
Her
marriage to Gangadhar Rao was short-lived leaving the administration of Jhansi to Lakshmi Bai. As Rani Lakshmi Bai was totally
inexperienced to handle the affairs of the State, the British took advantage of this opportune moment and annexed Jhansi under the
pretext that it would do good to the State and its people.
The mutiny of 1857 triggered off a phenomenal racial passion in
India. Riots were rampant in Jhansi . There was also widespread massacre of British authorities by the rebels. At this point, Rani
Lakshmi Bai`s chose to preserve her honour and fight along with the rebels against the British. She fought against the British
insurgence and died fighting valiantly.
[1836 - 1858]