The recent visit of the Prime Minister of India to Jhansi on the occasion of Rani Lakshmibai’s birth anniversary has brought the focus back to this historical figure. But who was Rani Lakshmibai and why does she continue to be a symbol of Indian resistance?
Rani Lakshmibai: Birth and Early Life
Born on 19th November 1828 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Rani Lakshmibai was originally named Manikarnika. As a young girl, she pursued formal education while also training in martial arts such as horse riding, shooting, and fencing. Among her companions were notable figures such as Nana Sahib, the adopted son of the Peshwa, and Tatya Tope.
The Journey from Manikarnika to Jhansi Ki Rani
When she turned 14, Manu was married to Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar of Jhansi, who was seeking an heir to succeed him at the throne after the death of his first wife without having a child. Thus, the young Manikarnika was transformed into Laxmibai, the queen or Rani of Jhansi. Although she bore a son, the child lived only for three months. This led to the couple adopting Damodar Rao from Gangadhar Rao’s extended family.
Rani Lakshmibai: A Warrior Queen
True to her martial arts training, Rani Lakshmibai evolved into a fearless warrior during India’s struggle for independence. Following the death of her husband in 1853, the British, under Governor-General Lord Dalhousie, refused to recognize their adopted son as the rightful heir and claimed Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse. Faced with the loss of her realm, the queen fought valiantly against the British. She made the ultimate sacrifice, dying on the battlefield on 17th June 1858.
In Honor of the Brave: The Indian National Army’s Female Unit
Such was the impact of Rani Lakshmibai’s bravery that when the Indian National Army set up its first female unit in 1943, it was named in honor of the queen of Jhansi.
Understanding the Doctrine of Lapse
The Doctrine of Lapse is a significant policy from this time period. It was applied extensively by Lord Dalhousie during his tenure as India’s Governor-General from 1848 to 1856. According to this doctrine, if a ruler of any princely state under the East India Company’s direct or indirect control had no legal male heir, that state would be claimed by the company. This policy explicitly stated that any adopted son could not be declared as the rightful heir to the throne. States like Satara, Jaitpur, Sambalpur, Baghat, Udaipur, Jhansi, and Nagpur were annexed via this doctrine.
Through this factual exploration, the legacy of Rani Lakshmibai, her courageous resistance, and the circumstances that led to the historic conflict become clearer. She remains an enduring icon of resilient female leadership and India’s fight for independence.