Jhansi Ki Rani
One of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and a symbol of resistance to British rule in India, Rani Lakshmibai (famously known as Jhansi Ki Rani) is one of the most prominent Indian women in pre-revolutionary India.
Because of her father’s influence at court, Rani Lakshmi Bai had more independence than most women, who were normally restricted to the zenana: she studied self defense, horsemanship, archery, and even formed her own army out of her female friends at court.
Because she was unable to conceive a child with her husband, they adopted a son who would be the heir to their throne. However, the British rulers refused to accept him as the legal heir and seized all the assets in Jhansi including valuable jewels. She resisted.
Her hesitation finally ended when British troops arrived under Sir Hugh Rose and laid siege to Jhansi on 23rd March 1858. Rani Jhansi with her faithful warriors decided not to surrender. The fighting continued for about two weeks. Shelling on Jhansi was very fierce. In the Jhansi army women were also carrying ammunition and were supplying food to the soldiers. Rani Lakshmi Bai was very active. She herself was inspecting the defense of the city. She rallied her troops around her and fought fiercely against the British.
She died on June 18th, 1858 during the battle for Gwalior. She donned warrior’s clothes and rode into battle to save Gwalior Fort, about 120 miles west of Lucknow in what is now the state of Uttar Pradesh. The British captured Gwalior three days later. In the report of the battle for Gwalior, General Sir Hugh Rose commented that the rani “remarkable for her beauty, cleverness and perseverance” had been “the most dangerous of all the rebel leaders”.
Because of her bravery, courage, wisdom, sacrifices and her progressive views on women’s empowerment in 19th century India, she became an icon of the Indian independence movement.
Guess who else was born in Jhansi? Thats right, yours truly. Even though I was like 3 months when I moved outta there and never went back, people always call me “Jhansi Ki Rani” whenever they hear where I was born. I guess thats why I’ve always kinda liked her. I can only hope to grow up to be half the badass she was.
(via notzainab)