HISTORICAL HEROINE “JHANSI KI RANI”
Rani Lakshmi Bai was the great heroine of first war of Indian freedom. Her name shines in golden letters in the history of Indian freedom struggle. The chivalry valour and bravery of this great leader was a unique example in the history of mankind.
She was born on 19th November, 1835. Her father was Moropanth and mother was Bhagirath Bai. Her real name was Manu Bai. She lost her mother while she was four years old. Along with formal education she acquired skill in sword, fight, horse riding and shooting with a gun.
Rani Lakshmi Bai was married to Gangadhar Rao, Maharaja of Jhansi, in 1842. She gave birth to a son in 1851. The child died within three months. After it, Maharaja Gangadhar Rao and Rani Lakshmi Bai adopted a child. His name was Damodhar Rao. Few days after adaptation, Gangadhar Rao died on 21st November, 1853. She became widow in the 18th year age.
On an unfortunate day in March of 1854 Lord Dalhousie, governor, refused to gave recognition of the adoption of Damodhar Rao as heir of Gangadhar Rao. Thus the British annexed her kingdom and gave her a monthly pension of five thousand rupees. At this reason she kept herself ready for war against the British.
She became once more the queen of Jhansi by capturing the fort from the British queen. The Rani became ruler and once again the flag of the state flattered gaily on the top of the fort. She had crushed Sada Shiva Rao who rebelled against her rule. In a period of ten months, June 1857 to March 1858 of rule, she made the treasury full and well organized men and women army to defend the fort.
The British army under Sir Hugh Rose declared war on 23rd March, 1858. She faught like goddess of war attired in men’s clothes. Organization of her forces, her fight, her skilled wield in sword surprised and shocked Hugh Rose. Rani of Jhansi on 4th April, 1858 went with few followers from Jhansi to kalpi.
The Rani put her men’s clothes and was ready for war. The extra ordinary courage of her ‘Sardars’, the war strategy and valour of the Rani inflicted defeat on the British army. Then the Rani was about to cross the Swarn Rekha canal a shot struck her from British soldier whom she put an end with a sword from her left hand. She died uttering “har har mahadev”.
In her tender body, there was a lion’s spring. She had a good foresight and made from mature decisions. She was bravest and greatest commander.