RANI LAKSHMIBAI (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to the symbol of the bravery of Indian women power, Rani Lakshmibai on her birth anniversary.

Rani Lakshmibai

• Early Life: Born on November 19, 1828, in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Rani Laxmibai hailed from a family of Marathi Karhade Brahmins.
• Family: Her father was Moropant Tambe, and her mother was named Bhagirathi Bai. She, in turn, was given the name Manikarnika Tambe and affectionately nicknamed Manu.
• Marriage: At the age of 14, she was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao in 1842.

Contributions in the Indian Freedom Struggle

• Doctrine of Lapse: Lord Dalhousie, born on April 22, 1812, aimed to annex Jhansi using the Doctrine of Lapse after the Maharaja's death due to the absence of a natural heir.

oAccording to this doctrine, the Rani was granted an annual pension and instructed to vacate the fort of Jhansi.

• Revolt of 1857: During the outbreak of the Revolt of 1857 in Meerut, Rani Laxmibai governed Jhansi as a regent for her minor son.

oIn 1858, British forces, led by Sir Hugh Rose, reached Jhansi with the intention of capturing the fort. He demanded the city's surrender, threatening destruction if refused.

oRani Laxmibai, dressed as a soldier, met her demise in Gwalior on June 18, 1858, at the age of 23, while actively engaged in combat.