TRUE HEROES & HEROINES
Jhansi Ki Rani |
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| Patriots/ Pioneers |
Jhansi Ki Rani was the great heroine of the First War of Indian Freedom in the year 1857.
Rani Laxmibai was born in November 19, 1835. She learned horseback riding, sword fighting, and shooting on a target with a gun. She was married to the maharaja of Jhansi, his name was Raja Ghangadhar Rao. The Rani had a son but unfortunately he died when he was barely four months old. So the Rani adopted a son, his name was Damodar Rao. Later on Maharaja Gangadhar Rao also died W hen the Maharaja died, Rani Lakshmi Bai was just eighteen years old, but she didn't lose her courage and took up her responsibility.
It was not easy for a woman to be the head of state at that time. Rani Lakshmibai faced many difficulties but she ran the kingdom well. She mastered the martial arts, and inspired Jhansi's women to join the army and take a more active role in defending the country. The British weren't satisfied with the idea that Damodar was the legal heir to the throne. The governor of India said that Jhansi would be broken down since Gangadhar had left no heir to the throne. Because of that, a war broke out between the citizens of Jhansi and the British. Rani was not ready to give up Jhansi
The Britishers attacked Jhansi in March 1858. Rani Jhansi with her faithful warriors decided not to surrender. The fighting continued for about two weeks. Shelling on Jhansi was very fierce. In the Jhansi army women were also carrying ammunition and were supplying food to the soldiers. Rani Lakshmi Bai was very active. She herself was inspecting the defense of the city. However, after this great war, Jhansi fell to the British forces.
On that black day, the British army entered the Jhansi City. Rani Lakshmi Bai, still full of courage and deathless patriotism dressed as a man, took up arms, her son Damodar Rao was strapped tightly to her back. She was holding the reins of her horse in her mouth. In the fierce fighting she was using the sword with both her hands. When the situation was not in control, Rani of Jhansi with some of her warriors departed from Jhansi.
Rani Lakshmi Bai reached Kalpi. Many other rebellions force joined her. Again a fierce battle took place. Rani Jhansi fought with deathless patriotism and martyrdom.
However on the second day of fighting, the great heroine of the first struggle for India freedom, at the age of 22 years, lost her life.
I admire Rani Lakshmi Bai as she was a symbol of patriotism and self respect.If we all incorporate some qualities of her in ourselves we would surely be able to stand high in life.
She became a widow at the tender age of 18 and lived only till 22 yet she has inspired many and is still a living legend.
