Lakshmibai, Rani of Jhansi

A fearless queen who led rebellions against British colonial rule, embodying resistance and empowerment for marginalized communities

Lakshmibai, Rani of Jhansi (1828–1858), was a warrior queen whose defiance against British colonialism made her a symbol of resistance and courage. Born Manikarnika into a Maratha Brahmin family in Varanasi, she married Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, the Raja of Jhansi, at age 14. After her husband’s death in 1853, the British annexed Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse, refusing her adopted son’s right to rule. This injustice ignited her transformation into a revolutionary leader.

In 1857, during the First War of Indian Independence, Lakshmibai mobilized Jhansi’s army and fortified the city. Her tactical brilliance and fearlessness in battle, including riding into combat atop her horse Badal with her infant son tied to her back, inspired soldiers and civilians alike. After British forces captured Jhansi in 1858, she joined rebel forces led by Tantia Tope and Rao Sahib, fighting in the Battle of Kalpi and the Siege of Gwalior. Though she died in battle on June 18, 1858, her legacy lives on as a beacon of resistance against oppression. Modern historians highlight her role in challenging patriarchal norms through her leadership and her establishment of schools for girls in Jhansi. UNESCO recognized her contributions by including her in its Women’s Empowerment initiatives.

Her story transcends national borders, influencing movements for decolonization and gender equality. The Indian government honors her with the Rani of Jhansi Award for bravery, while films like 1857 – The First War of Independence (2020) and documentaries on PBS celebrate her legacy. Scholarly works such as Rani of Jhansi: Beyond the Legend (2019) analyze her strategies and their relevance to modern leadership paradigms.