The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh has recently announced that the Jhansi Railway Station will henceforth be referred to as Veerangana Lakshmibai Railway Station. The name change pays tribute to Rani Lakshmibai, a crucial figure in India’s struggle for independence, and her significant contributions to the country’s history.
Early Life of Veerangana Lakshmibai
Veerangana Lakshmibai was born on 19th November 1828 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Her father, Moropant Tambe, initially named her ‘Manikarnika’, but she was commonly known as ‘Manu’. Unfortunately, her first son Damodar Rao died at the age of four months. In the aftermath of her son’s death, Lakshmibai’s husband adopted a cousin’s child, Anand Rao, who was renamed Damodar Rao immediately before the Maharaja’s death.
Veerangana Lakshmibai’s Role in India’s Struggle for Independence
Rani Lakshmibai established herself as one of the key warriors during India’s fight for independence. When her husband, the Maharaja of Jhansi, passed away in 1853, Lord Dalhousie implemented the Doctrine of Lapse and seized Jhansi. Determined to preserve her kingdom, Rani Lakshmibai displayed immense bravery in her struggle against British forces. She tragically died on the battlefield on 17th June 1858. In recognition of her courage, the Indian National Army formed its first female unit in 1943 and named it after the heroic queen of Jhansi.
Understanding the Doctrine of Lapse
The Doctrine of Lapse was an annexation policy enforced by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. This policy allowed the East India Company to annex any princely state under its control if the ruler did not have a biological male heir. As a result, adopted sons were barred from becoming heirs to any kingdom. This policy led to the annexation of various states, including Satara in 1848, Jaitpur and Sambalpur in 1849, Baghat in 1850, Udaipur in 1852, Jhansi in 1853, and Nagpur in 1854.
Process of Changing a Name
To rename a village, town, city, or station, an executive order must be passed by the State legislature with a simple majority vote. Changing the name of a state requires a Constitutional amendment and a majority vote in Parliament. The Union Home Ministry approves the proposal to change the name of any railway station or place after receiving consent from the Ministry of Railways, Department of Posts, and Survey of India.
Source: Livemint
