Rani of Jhansi

Lore & Background

Born into a Marathi family in Varanasi, Manikarnika Tambe was married to the raja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao, at a young age, taking the name Rani Lakshmibai. The British East India Company refused to recognise this succession and annexed Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse, ignoring the Rani's vigorous protests to Governor-General Lord Dalhousie. In May 1857, Indian troops stationed at Jhansi mutinied and massacred most of the British in the town; the Rani's complicity in these events remains contested. She took over the rulership of Jhansi and recruited an army to see off incursions from neighbouring states. The Rani escaped the siege on horseback and joined other rebel leaders at Kalpi, where Rose defeated them on 22 May. The rebels fled to Gwalior Fort, where they made their last stand; the Rani died there in battle.

Reader's Guide

After the rebellion, the Rani's name and actions became closely associated with nationalist movements in India. Her legend, influenced by Hindu mythology, became hugely influential because of its universal applicability. She was regarded as a great heroine by the Indian independence movement and remains revered in modern India, although Dalit communities tend to view her negatively. Little is known for certain about her life before 1857, as there was then no need to record details about an as-yet ordinary young girl; every biography relies on a mixture of factual evidence and legendary tales, especially concerning her childhood and adolescence.

Did You Know?

• She escaped the siege of Jhansi on horseback and joined rebel leaders at Kalpi before dying in battle at Gwalior Fort.
• Her childhood playmates in Bithur are said by uncorroborated legend to have included Nana Sahib and Tatya Tope.