warriors

Rani Lakshmibai

Queen of Jhansi

Lived: 1828 – 1858

Legendary warrior queen who fought against British colonial rule in 1857.

Rani Lakshmibai (1828–1858) was the queen of the Maratha-ruled princely state of Jhansi and one of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Born Manikarnika Tambe in Varanasi, she married Maharaja Gangadhar Rao of Jhansi. When the British East India Company annexed Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse after her husband's death, she refused to cede her kingdom. She led her troops in the defense of Jhansi, escaped the siege, captured Gwalior, and died fighting on June 18, 1858. She remains one of India's most celebrated freedom fighters.

Legacy and achievements

• Led defense of Jhansi against British siege (1858)
• Captured Gwalior fort with Tantia Tope
• Symbol of Indian independence movement
• Called "Indian Joan of Arc" by British historians