Who is the Rani of Jhansi?

Rani Lakshmibai (born Manikarnika Tambe, c. 1828 — 18 June 1858) was the queen consort of the princely state of Jhansi and one of the foremost leaders of the Indian Revolt of 1857. Born into a Marathi family in Varanasi, she was married to Raja Gangadhar Rao of Jhansi. When Gangadhar Rao died in 1853, the couple's adopted son Damodar Rao was denied succession by the British under the Doctrine of Lapse, and Jhansi was annexed.

When the Revolt of 1857 broke out, Lakshmibai assumed leadership and organised her forces to resist the British. In March 1858, she defended Jhansi against Sir Hugh Rose's forces for about two weeks before the city fell. She then joined Tantia Tope's forces and captured Gwalior, where she died fighting on 18 June 1858. She remains one of India's most celebrated symbols of resistance and nationalism.

Key Features / Provisions

# Feature Details
1 Birth name Manikarnika Tambe
2 Born c. 1828, Varanasi
3 Married to Raja Gangadhar Rao of Jhansi
4 Adopted son Damodar Rao — rejected by British under Doctrine of Lapse (1853)
5 Role in 1857 Led armed resistance in Jhansi; organised troops in Bundelkhand region
6 Defence of Jhansi Held off Sir Hugh Rose's British forces for ~2 weeks (March 1858)
7 Capture of Gwalior Joined forces with Tantia Tope; captured Gwalior Fort
8 Death 18 June 1858, Battle of Gwalior
9 Famous quote "Main apni Jhansi nahi doongi" (I will not give up my Jhansi)
10 Legacy Symbol of Indian nationalism; celebrated in Subhadra Kumari Chauhan's poem

Historical Background

  • c. 1828 — Born as Manikarnika Tambe in Varanasi; raised in a Brahmin household, trained in horse-riding, swordsmanship, and firearms
  • 1842 — Married Raja Gangadhar Rao of Jhansi; named Lakshmibai
  • 1851 — Son born to the couple, but he died in infancy
  • 1853 — Gangadhar Rao adopted Damodar Rao as heir; Gangadhar Rao died; British refused to recognise the adoption
  • 1854 — Jhansi annexed under Doctrine of Lapse; Rani given a pension and asked to leave the fort
  • May 1857 — Revolt broke out; Rani initially maintained order in Jhansi
  • September 1857 — Neighbouring rulers attacked Jhansi; Rani defended her state
  • March 1858 — Sir Hugh Rose's British forces besieged Jhansi; Rani defended for ~2 weeks
  • April 1858 — Jhansi fell; Rani escaped with Damodar Rao to Kalpi, then joined Tantia Tope
  • June 1858 — Captured Gwalior Fort with Tantia Tope's forces
  • 18 June 1858 — Killed in battle at Gwalior; buried by her own followers
  • 1857 poem — Subhadra Kumari Chauhan's Hindi poem "Jhansi Ki Rani" immortalised her bravery in popular culture
  • Legacy — Rani Lakshmibai remains one of India's most celebrated national heroes; her birthday (19 November) is commemorated annually
  • Modern recognition — Indian Army named a regiment in her honour; multiple institutions and awards bear her name

UPSC Exam Corner

Prelims: Key Facts

  • Birth name: Manikarnika Tambe; born c. 1828 in Varanasi
  • Husband: Raja Gangadhar Rao of Jhansi
  • Annexation: Jhansi annexed in 1853 under Doctrine of Lapse
  • 1857 Revolt: Led armed resistance; defended Jhansi against Sir Hugh Rose
  • Death: 18 June 1858 at the Battle of Gwalior
  • Allies: Tantia Tope, Nana Sahib

Mains: Probable Themes

  1. "Rani Lakshmibai symbolises the spirit of resistance in the Revolt of 1857." — Analyse her military leadership and legacy
  2. "Examine the role of women in the Revolt of 1857." — Lakshmibai, Begum Hazrat Mahal, and others
  3. "The Doctrine of Lapse was the immediate cause of Rani Lakshmibai's rebellion." — Link British policy to the uprising in Jhansi

Sources: Wikipedia — Rani of Jhansi | Britannica — Lakshmi Bai | Vajiram & Ravi | Drishti IAS