👑 Rani Lakshmi Bai – Biography, Age, Height, Family, Husband, Son, Education, Achievements, and Legacy

By Saumya Mishra

🧭 Introduction



Rani Lakshmi Bai, also known as the Queen of Jhansi, was one of the most fearless and inspirational leaders of India’s First War of Independence in 1857.
Born as Manikarnika Tambe, she defied gender norms, led her army into battle, and became a symbol of bravery, patriotism, and women’s empowerment.

Her courage and sacrifice made her immortal in Indian history — a true warrior queen whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

📊 Rani Lakshmi Bai – Quick Facts

Full Name Manikarnika Tambe (later Rani Lakshmi Bai)
Popular Name Rani of Jhansi, Manu Bai
Title Maharani of Jhansi
Date of Birth 19 November 1828
Place of Birth Varanasi (then Kashi), Uttar Pradesh, India
Date of Death 18 June 1858
Age (at death) 29 years
Height Around 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
Weight Approximately 60 kg
Nationality Indian
Religion Hinduism
Father’s Name Moropant Tambe (Advisor in the Peshwa court of Bithoor)
Mother’s Name Bhagirathi Sapre (Bhagirathi Bai)
Siblings None (only child)
Marital Status Married
Husband’s Name Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar (King of Jhansi)
Children Damodar Rao (adopted son)
Education Educated at home; trained in horse riding, sword fighting, archery, and military strategy
Famous For Leadership in the Revolt of 1857, Battle of Jhansi
Cause of Death Killed in battle while fighting British forces
Place of Death Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
Resting Place Phool Bagh, Gwalior

👶 Early Life

Rani Lakshmi Bai was born as Manikarnika Tambe on 19 November 1828 in Varanasi.
Her father, Moropant Tambe, was an advisor to the Peshwa of Bithoor, and her mother, Bhagirathi Bai, passed away when she was very young.

Manikarnika, affectionately called “Manu”, grew up in the royal court of Peshwa Baji Rao II at Bithoor, where she received education and training equal to that of princes.
She was skilled in horse riding, swordsmanship, archery, and martial arts, and was known for her intelligence, courage, and confidence from a young age.

💑 Marriage and Family Life

In 1842, Manikarnika married Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, the ruler of Jhansi.
After her marriage, she was named Lakshmi Bai, symbolizing wealth and strength.

The couple had a son, Damodar Rao, who tragically died at a very young age.
Later, they adopted a child, also named Damodar Rao, as their heir shortly before the Maharaja’s death in 1853.

However, after the king’s death, the British East India Company refused to recognize the adopted heir and attempted to annex Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse.
This marked the beginning of Rani Lakshmi Bai’s historic defiance.

⚔️ Struggle Against the British Rule

When the British tried to annex Jhansi, Rani Lakshmi Bai famously declared:

“Main apni Jhansi nahi doongi!” (I will not give up my Jhansi!)

She refused to surrender and began organizing an army to defend her kingdom.
In 1857, during the First War of Indian Independence, Jhansi became one of the major centers of resistance.

Rani Lakshmi Bai personally led her troops in battle — dressed as a man, with her infant son tied to her back — and fought valiantly against the British forces.

🏹 The Battle of Jhansi (1857–1858)

Under her leadership:

  • The people of Jhansi united to protect their land.

  • She formed alliances with other revolutionaries like Tatya Tope and Nana Sahib.

  • Her army, though outnumbered and under-equipped, fought fiercely against British forces led by Sir Hugh Rose.

After a prolonged siege, Jhansi fell in March 1858, but Rani Lakshmi Bai managed to escape to Gwalior, continuing the struggle with unwavering determination.

⚰️ Death and Martyrdom

Rani Lakshmi Bai fought her final battle on 18 June 1858 near Kotah-ki-Serai, Gwalior.
She fought bravely till the end and was martyred at the age of 29.

British officer Sir Hugh Rose described her as:

“The most dangerous of all Indian leaders and the bravest of the rebels.”

She was cremated at Phool Bagh, Gwalior, where her memorial stands today.

🏆 Achievements and Legacy

  • First Indian woman to lead troops against the British.

  • Became a symbol of resistance during the 1857 rebellion.

  • Inspired future leaders of India’s independence movement.

  • Her bravery is celebrated in literature, songs, and cinema.

  • Her statue stands proudly at Jhansi Fort, symbolizing her indomitable spirit.

  • Rani Lakshmi Bai Jayanti is celebrated every year on 19 November.

📚 In Literature and Popular Culture

  • Poet Subhadra Kumari Chauhan’s famous lines immortalized her:

    “Khoob ladi mardani, woh to Jhansi wali Rani thi!”

  • Films like “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi” (2019) and “Jhansi Ki Rani” TV series brought her story to the modern generation.

  • Her life is studied as a symbol of women’s empowerment and national pride.

💬 Famous Quotes Attributed to Rani Lakshmi Bai

“I shall not surrender my Jhansi.”
“If defeated and killed on the field of battle, we shall surely earn eternal glory and salvation.”
“We fight for independence; in the words of Lord Krishna, we shall, if we are victorious, enjoy the fruits of victory — if defeated and killed on the field of battle, we shall surely earn eternal glory.”

🪶 Personality and Leadership

Rani Lakshmi Bai was admired for her:

  • Courage and leadership

  • Tactical military planning

  • Empathy for her people

  • Discipline and patriotism

She rode warhorses like Pavan and Sarangi, and trained her army with precision.
Even her enemies respected her valor and leadership.

🏛️ Monuments and Memorials

  • Rani Mahal, Jhansi – her royal palace.

  • Jhansi Fort – her main stronghold during the revolt.

  • Rani Lakshmi Bai Park, Gwalior – built in her memory.

  • Statues in Delhi, Gwalior, and Jhansi stand as tributes to her courage.

  • Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University in Jhansi named in her honor.

🕊️ Conclusion

Rani Lakshmi Bai remains one of India’s most iconic and inspirational heroines.
Her fearless spirit, leadership, and love for her motherland made her a legend whose name is synonymous with courage.

She taught the world that freedom and dignity are worth fighting for, no matter the odds.
Her life continues to ignite the flame of patriotism in every Indian heart.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Former Deputy Prime Minister of India Biography, height, weight, Age , wife, children and family and many more,

By Saumya Mishra
Biography of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Former Deputy Prime Minister of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the "Iron Man of India," was a key figure in India's struggle for independence and the subsequent unification of the country. Renowned for his leadership, diplomacy, and administrative acumen, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern India. Personal Information Full Name : Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel Birth Date : October 31, 1875 Birth Place : Nadiad, Gujarat, India Death Date : December 15, 1950 Age at Death : 75 years Nationality : Indian Height : 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) Weight : Approximately 70 kg (154 lbs) Eye Color : Black Hair Color : Black (later gray with age) Family Details Father : Jhaverbhai Patel (a farmer) Mother : Ladbai Patel (a deeply religious woman) Wife : Jhaverba Patel (passed away in 1909) Children : Maniben Patel (daughter) Dahyabhai Patel (son) Early Life and Education Sardar Patel was born into a hu...
Read more