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Birth & Early Life (1828 – 1842)
1)Birth: Born as Manikarnika Tambe on November 19, 1828, in Varanasi, India.
2)Nickname: Known as Manu, she was raised in a traditional yet progressive Marathi Brahmin family.
3)Early Skills: Received training in horse riding, sword fighting, archery, and martial arts, skills uncommon for women at the time.
4)Family Tragedy: After her mother’s death, she moved with her father, Moropant Tambe, to Bithoor, where he worked under Peshwa Baji Rao II. -
Marriage & Becoming Queen of Jhansi (1842 – 1853)
1)Marriage: Married Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar of Jhansi in 1842, becoming Rani Lakshmi Bai.
2)Royal Duties: Assisted her husband in governance, showcasing leadership and administrative skills.
3)Personal Tragedy: In 1851, her son died shortly after birth, leaving her devastated.
4)Adoption of Heir: Adopted Damodar Rao as the legal successor before her husband's death in 1853.
5)Annexation Threat: The British East India Company rejected her adopted son’s claim using the Doctrine of Lapse. -
British Annexation of Jhansi (1853 – 1857)
1)Annexation: The British East India Company annexed Jhansi in 1853 under the Doctrine of Lapse.
2)Legal Battle: Filed multiple appeals to the British but received no recognition for her adopted heir.
3)Resistance Declaration: Refused to surrender declaring, “I will not give up my Jhansi”
4)Military Preparation: Strengthened Jhansi’s fortifications and trained soldiers, including women, for defense.
5)Strategic Alliances: Sought alliances with Indian leaders like Tatya Tope and regional rulers. -
Revolt of 1857 – The Fight for Freedom (1857 – 1858)
1)Rebellion Leadership: Became a key leader during the First War of Independence in 1857.
2)Defending Jhansi: Successfully repelled British forces in early battles, defending her kingdom.
3)British Siege: Faced a massive siege led by Sir Hugh Rose in March 1858.
4)Escape to Gwalior: Fled with her son tied to her back and regrouped in Gwalior for further battles.
5)Alliance with Rebels: Joined forces with Tatya Tope and other leaders to continue the resistance. -
Final Battle & Martyrdom (1858)
1)Battle of Gwalior: Led her troops in the decisive battle at Kotah-ki-Serai in June 1858
2)Disguise Strategy: Fought disguised as a male soldier to inspire her troops and lead from the front
3)Death in Battle: Mortally wounded on June 18 1858 during intense combat against British force
4)Cremation: Her followers burned her body to prevent the British from capturing her remains
5)Enduring Legacy: Became a symbol of Indian resistance inspiring future freedom fighters and remaining a national hero