Rani Lakshmi Bai: 1828-1858
Rani Lakshmi Bai is the Indian emblem of female bravery. She defied the gender norms of her day. While many people know she rode into battle with her child strung to her back, not many know about the female platoon that stood by the queen.
She was a woman ahead of her time. She could ride a horse better than any soldier; manage a province better than any king. The Peshwa’s favorite, the feisty girl fondly called ‘Manu’ was once refused an elephant ride with the Peshwa king. She is famously known to have remarked-
“I will have 10 elephants for every one of yours.”
It was perhaps her unconventional upbringing in a Peshwa household that helped her understand the limitless potential of a woman. When she married Gangadhar Rao, Raja of Jhansi, she made sure to have her imperial guard comprised women. The state was combed for talented girls whose will, wit, and strength deserved a place at the palace. Combat, sword fighting, pistol firing, horse riding, and chess were tested.
Once recruited into the queen’s army, the women swore their life and heart to the queen. They were figures of prominence, some becoming ministers when Lakshmi sat on the throne. They were with the queen through thick and thin. They accompanied her to the Mahalakshmi temple as she celebrated the birth of her son. They consoled her when she lost the child four months later, and her husband.
Spring was over at Jhansi as the British came swooping, denying the adopted heir any inheritance. Bloody annexation followed, the Rani rose to the challenge riding into battle in her shining armor.
“Main Jhansi ko nahi doongi” (I shall not surrender my Jhansi).
Jhalkari Bai of the imperial guard, the Rani’s closest advisor stayed behind in the palace. She is known famously to have had an uncanny resemblance to the Rani. She volunteered to disguise as the Rani in her pearls and armor to distract the British troops. This would buy time for the Rani. She was martyred when the British burned the place down and rejoiced in false glee. She is now a fiery local legend.
What seemed like a definite win crumbled as the British brought in reinforcements, forcing the Rani to flee disguised as a peasant. Despite further attacks, it was over for the queen. She succumbed to her injuries on the battlefield. The Rani ordered that her body be burnt immediately. The enemy shall not lay hands on a speck of her ash.
She lives on as a symbol of ferocious femininity. In the words of the Hindi poetess, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, “Khoob ladi mardani woh toh Jhansi wali Rani thi” (It was the queen of Jhansi who fought so valiantly).
Watch this space throughout International Women’s Month to know more about some strong and impactful women who shaped India’s history!
