Rani Laxmibai
The brave daughter of India, Rani Laxmibai was born on November 19, 1835. Her father was a Brahmin. Her mother was a brave God fearing lady. In her childhood she was called Manu.
Bajirao Peshwa was the son of Nana Sahib. Manu grew up with Bajirao. As a child, she learnt to read and write, horse riding and wrestling.
She was married to the maharaja of Jhansi, his name was Raja Ghangadhar Rao. After her husband’s death, she started ruling the kingdom. Rani Lakshmi Bai no child of her own, so the Rani adopted a son, his name was Damodar Rao.
The British weren’t satisfied with the idea that Damodar was the legal heir to the throne. The governor of India said that Jhansi would be broken down since Gangadhar had left no heir to the throne.
Because of that, a war broke out between the citizens of Jhansi and the British. This was the war of first war of independence.
Rani was not ready to give up Jhansi, she was a symbol of patriotism and self-respect. On March 1858, the British decided to attack Jhansi. The Rani did not surrender, the battle continued for two weeks.
Rani Laxmibai was very active. She herself was looking over the city. Rani dressed as a man, had her baby strapped to her back, she held the horse reins in her mouth, and held two swords in her hands.
When the time was ripe, the army and the Rani escaped. Rani Lakshmi Bai fought bravely, but she could not withstand the British army for long. At the age of 23, the Rani lost her life. That day was June 18, 1858.
