India's Joan Of Arc

Jansi's father worked at the Peshwa court of Bithoor and because of his influence at court, Laxmi bai had more independence than most women, who were normally restricted to the zenana. She studied self-defense, horsemanship, archery, and even formed her own army out of her female friends at court. Here we present some facts you should know about the greatest women fighter of India.

The exact date of birth of Lakshmi Bai is still a topic of debate. It is believed that she was born probably on November 19, 1828, in Varanasi and was named Manikarnika.

She got married to the King of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao Newalkar at the early age of 7 in May 1842 and was renamed, Lakshmi Bai.

Her mother died when she was only 4 years old. She was educated at home and her studies included shooting, horsemanship, and fencing.

She was more independent than other girls of her age and was raised in a manner more usually associated with sons at that time.

She became the ruler of Jhansi when she was only 18 years old.

Her marriage to Gangadhar Rao was short-lived and being inexperienced in handling the affairs of the state, the British officials took advantage of the situation and seized Jhansi. She was given a pension of 5,000 and was ordered to abdicate the fort as a ruler.

It is said that not wishing the British to capture her body, Lakshmi Bai asked a hermit to burn it.

She was cremated, later, by a few locals.

In a British report of this battle, Hugh Rose, a senior British Army officer, described her as ‘personable, clever and beautiful’.

The Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education in Gwalior, Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, the Rani Jhansi Marine National Park located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been named after her. A women’s unit in the Indian National Army is named the ‘Rani of Jhansi Regiment’.

Two postage stamps were also issued, in 1957, to honor the birthday of the rebellion.