Rani Laxmi Bai is considered one of the greatest rulers from India’s monarchical past. Here are some interesting facts about Jhansi Ki Rani. On the 18th of June 1858, Rani died while battling the Britishers in Gwalior.
1. Laxmi Bai’s date of birth is still a topic of debate but reports state she was born on the 19th of November in 1828. She was born in Varanasi and originally named Manikarnika.
2. Rani was married to the King of Jhansi Gangadhar Rao Newalkar at the age of 7. After her marriage, she changed her name to Laxmi Bai.
3. She grew up learning shooting, horsemanship and fencing. Rani showed amazing strength and courage from a young age making her a good candidate to rule.
4. Laxmi Bai was made the ruler of Jhansi just at the age of 18. A British Commander described Rani as “personable, clever and beautiful.”
5. Laxmi Bai’s first son died shortly after being born which led to the ruler adopted a boy. She strapped her son to her back while she fought her way through the British forces.
6. She was one of the few rulers who refused to lay down the sword for the Britishers. She refused the Doctrine of Lapse which was forcefully imposed by the Britishers. The Doctrine states if a ruler dies childless the kingdom would be ruled by the Britishers.
7. Rani fought till her last breath but feared the Britishers would capture her body. She instructed her men to burn her body once she was killed in battle.
8. Her palace in Uttar Pradesh called Rani Mahal was converted into a museum to keep Laxmi Bai’s historic past alive.
9. In 1957, two postage stamps were issued to honor Rani Laxmi Bai.
10. After deliberating the situation with the Britishers Rani made a proclamation. She said, “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.”
