The Rani of Jhansi

The rani or queen of Jhansi was quickly noted in chapter 14 under the section "The Revolt of 1857" and I felt a little ashamed that we do not give so much attention to women's reigns, legacies, or deaths in history. I decided that since March is the Women's History Month, I would like to elaborate more on who she was. Rani of Jhansi was named Manikarnika and was queen of the Maratha state Jhansi. She is remembered in Indian history as a hero and leading figure in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British imperialism.

At a young age, she was often called Manu and was raised by her father. She was well educated and even took up martial arts. She was born on November 19, 1835 and died on June 17, 1858. Her father worked in the courts giving her a higher status and she married the Raja (King) of Jhansi at the age of 14. Her husband died in 1853, so the protection of their people rested in her hands. When the British went from tolerant and enthusiastic of Indian culture to imperialistic, she gathered voluntary men and women to create an army that would defend Jhansi. She did not allow her people to surrender even when the British military made its way to Jhansi. She was able to escape, but later died of battle wounds on June 17, 1858.

In recent years, her story and pictures are used as a symbol of the Women's Movement in India.

http://www.liveindia.com/freedomfighters/jhansi_ki_rani_laxmi_bai.html