Rani laxmi bai dress photo

Rani of Jhansi. Photo courtesy: Wikimedia ​Laxmi Bai, theRani (Queen) ofJhansiand a leader during the First War of Indian Independence of 1857–58, is remembered as one of the very first women freedom fighters in India. Her intrepid life is still etched in the memory of Indians and she is an inspiration for future generations. Most people know her only for the part she played in the revolt, but her achievements highlight the fact that women are equal (if not better) rulers than men. Her legal wrangles with Lord Dalhousie and governance of Jhansi showcase her intelligence, perseverance and refusal to surrender tamely. Early Life Laxmi Bai was born Manikarnika to Bhagirathi and Moropant Tambe in 1827 or 1828. Her mother died when she was very young, and her father served as an advisor to Chimnaji Appa, brother to Peshwa (ruler) Baji Rao II, who was the last of the Maratha peshwas. Chimnaji Appa died when Manikarnika was about three and her father moved to Bithur and became a member of the court of Baji Rao. As a result of her father's position, she spent her childhood in the palace. Laxmi Bai's brithplace. Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Brought up in the household of the PeshwaBaji Rao II,she had an unusual upbringing for aBrahmangirl. Growing up with the boys in thepeshwa’s court, she was trained in martial arts and became proficient in sword fighting and riding. A popular anecdote about Laxmi Bai recounts that when she was denied a ride on his elephant by Nana Sahib, she declare...

In a world filled with male rulers, characters, and other figures it is a very unique and distinctive thing to read about a woman who single-handedly and bravely fought for her kingdom, self-respect, husband and the People of her kingdom. She was born into a Marathi Brahmin family and her nickname was Manu. Her parents came from Maharashtra and had their linkage with Nana Sahib and it is said that they both were cousins. Her father Moro Pant Tambe vault in the court of Bithoor district for the Peshwa of Bithoor. Peshwa was an honest man and he brought up Manikarnika like his own daughter, given her gleeful, jovial, playful and notorious personality the Peshwa called her Chabeli, which means playful in English. Just like others she was educated at home, during that time education was scarce and schools only allowed male participants so it became very hard for a girl child to obtain education in any manner but given Lakshmibai's background and the acceptance level of her parents, they were very supportive of her education. Manu was more independent in her childhood than any other child of that age, it is fascinating to know that her studies included activities such as shooting, horsemanship, fencing and Mala Khamba and she practised it with childhood friends Nana Sahib and Tantia Tope. Manikarnika had a very bold upbringing because her mother died when she was of four years and her father was left with a fierce child-like Manikarnika. Manikarnika's own life has been very dis...