Rani Lakshmibai

19 November 1828 – 18 June 1858

Rani Lakshmibai (1828–1858) was the queen of the princely state of Jhansi and one of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Renowned for her courage and horsemanship, she died in battle defending Gwalior and became an enduring symbol of resistance to British rule.

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Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Rani Lakshmibai.

Life events

Born in Varanasi
19 November 1828

Born Manikarnika Tambe into a Marathi Brahmin family in Varanasi.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Married Maharaja Gangadhar Rao of Jhansi
May 1842

Married the Maharaja of Jhansi and took the name Lakshmibai, becoming the state's queen.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Adopted a son, Damodar Rao
20 November 1853

With her infant son having died and the Maharaja gravely ill, the couple adopted Anand Rao, renamed Damodar Rao, as heir the day before the Maharaja's death.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Jhansi annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse
March 1854

The British East India Company refused to recognise the adopted heir and annexed Jhansi in 1854, pensioning off the Rani — a grievance that pushed her toward rebellion.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Took control of Jhansi during the 1857 Rebellion
June 1857

As the Indian Rebellion spread, she assumed the administration of Jhansi and ruled in the name of her son.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Defended Jhansi against the British siege
23 March 1858 – 4 April 1858

Led the defence of the fort of Jhansi against Sir Hugh Rose's forces before escaping on horseback with her son.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Fought at the Battle of Kalpi
22 May 1858

Joined forces with Tatya Tope and other rebel leaders, fighting the British at Kalpi.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Captured the fortress of Gwalior
June 1858

With rebel forces, seized the strategically vital fortress of Gwalior from the Scindia rulers allied to the British.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Died in battle at Kotah-ki-Serai, near Gwalior
18 June 1858

Fell fighting British cavalry in full battle dress; even her opponent General Rose called her 'the most dangerous of all Indian leaders'.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓