Rani Lakshmi Bai was the queen of the Maratha Princely state, Jhansi. She was known for her courage and bravery. Rani Lakshmi Bai played a major role in the first war of Indian independence. She is regarded as one of the greatest freedom fighters of all time.

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Biography of Rani Lakshmi Bai

• Rani Lakshmi Bai was born on November 19, 1828.
• She was named as Manikarnika Tambe and was also known as Manu.
• Moropant Tambe was her father and Bhagirathi Sapre was her mother.
• She was taught to ride elephants and horses. She used any weapon of her times efficiently.
• She was educated and was taught to read and write from her home.
• In May 1842, she was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao Newalkar.
• After her marriage she was called as Lakshmibai, in honor of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi.
• Rani Lakshmi Bai had a son named Damodar Rao, who died after four months of birth.

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Rani Lakshmi Bai and Doctrine of Lapse

• The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy introduced by Governor-General Lord Dalhousie.
• According to this policy, the adopted son of any Indian ruler had the right to inherit only the private property of the ruler and not the state.
• British had the ultimate power to decide on whether to bestow the state to the adopted son or to bring it under British rule.
• It was mandatory for the ruler to seek permission from the British officers to adopt an heir.
• Since the son of Rani Lakshmi Bai died, Gangadhar Rao adopted his cousin’s son Anand Rao and renamed him as Damodar Rao.
• After the death of Gangadhar Rao, Lord Dalhousie applied Doctrine of Lapse policy on Jhansi and denied Damodar Rao the right to inherit the throne.
• The Rani of Jhansi was given an annual pension of Rs.60000 and was asked to leave the fort.

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Rani Lakshmi Bai’s Confrontation with British

•  A huge British force under Sir Hugh Rose was sent to Jhansi during the Revolt of 1857.
• Rani Lakshmi Bai was asked to leave the fort by Sir Hugh Rose. But she refused to leave and fought the battle against the British Army.
• She proclaimed that “ We fight for independence. In the words of Lord Krishna, we will if we are victorious, enjoy the fruits of victory, if defeated and killed on the field of battle, we shall surely earn eternal glory and salvation.”
• The battle lasted for two weeks and the Rani of Jhansi fought the battle with her son tied to her back.
• Rani Lakshmi Bai lost the battle and along with her son she fled to the fortress of Kalpi.
• Again in 1858, British attacked Kalpi and Rani of Jhansi was defeated.
• Rani Lakshmi Bai along with Tanya Tope and Rao Sahib left for Gwalior and joined the army to defend the city.
• On June 16, 1858 the British army waged war against Gwalior and Rani Lakshmi Bai died on June 18, 1858 while fighting the war.

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Rani Lakshmi Bai fought bravely against the British till her last breath. She was martyred for the cause of freedom. She is known for her patriotism and courage. Indian Army named its first women regiment after her as Rani of Jhansi Regiment.

Know Simon Commission – Modern History NCERT Notes for UPSC

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