Lakshmi Bai Rao

19th-century Indian queen who led rebellion against British colonial rule and inspired women's empowerment

Lakshmi Bai Rao (1828-1858), also known as the Rani of Jhansi, remains one of India's most iconic figures for her courageous resistance against British colonialism during the 1857 Revolt. Born into a Brahmin family in Varanasi, she defied societal norms by mastering martial arts, horseback riding, and military tactics. After her husband Raja Gangadhar Rao's death, she courageously prevented the British from annexing Jhansi using innovative guerrilla warfare tactics. Her famous cry 'Dhool ka phool dobara na khile' ('Let the flower of freedom never bloom again') became a rallying cry for independence movements. Beyond military leadership, she established schools for girls and created India's first female military unit. Her legacy inspired later leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose and continues influencing modern feminist movements. A statue at Jhansi Fort (Wikipedia) and annual commemorations at the Rani Mahal museum (India Archaeology) preserve her memory.