How much do we really know about Jhansi ki Rani?
Well, When someone talks about the Rani Lakshmibai, the first thing that comes to mind is a statue of Rani with sword in hand and his child on back. Do we ever think, why Rani had to carry his child in the battlefield full of swords-guns-top(cannons)? Wasn’t that too risky, why can't she keep child in a safer place and fight the war?
Let’s try to understand the story from the beginning.
Rani Lakshmibai’s original name was Manikarnika Tambe. She was born in a Marathi Brahmin family. Her father was a commander. In contrast to other women at that era, during her childhood she learnt shooting, horsemanship, fencing (Talwar baji).
She was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, in May 1842 as second wife of Maharaja. (Maharaja’s first wife had died). After marriage Manikarnika was named as Lakshmibai. She gave birth to a boy, named Damodar Rao, who died four months after birth due to a chronic illness. The Maharaja adopted a child called Anand Rao, the son of Gangadhar Rao's cousin, who was renamed Damodar Rao.
Conflict with the British started with the adoption ceremony of Anand Rao. In those days, the East India Company was trying hard to capture Indian subcontinents. The Maharaja announced the adoption ceremony to take place on Sunday. The East India company officer refused to come on Sunday as it was a holiday. Before Maharaja utters a word, Rani got angry and asked the officer to follow Maharaja’s order with bow down. Officer felt insulted with the argument from Rani.
Maharaja died just one day after the adoption ceremony. The British East India company rejected Damodar Rao to the throne. After around 4 months, the British army captured Jhansi’s palace and with a tone of revenge, the officer asked Rani to leave the palace with bow down.
Company offered an annual pension of 60,000 rupees to Rani. Obviously Rani was not happy with this and here she uttered the famous slogan “Main apni Jhansi nahi doongi”.
Rani had to leave the palace at that time, but actions by mutineers at Jhansi and the failure of negotiations between the Rani and the Company resulted in conditions where Rani gained the Jhansi back.
After this, Rani took active participation in the Revolt of 1857.
Conflicts with the British didn’t end after the revolt. Obviously Jhansi had a very small army compared to the British, So Rani prepared a Women's army. Jhalkaribai was a prominent advisor to the Rani.
In March 1858, British forces demanded the surrender of the Jhansi; saying if this was refused it would be destroyed. Rani issued a proclamation saying we will get killed but will fight for independence. Rani asked Tatya tope for help. But, Tatya tope’s army could not reach Jhansi as it was already defended. Meanwhile the British army entered inside Jhansi fort. Since the British army had already entered, it was not safe to keep Rajkumar in the palace, so at this stage Rani fought with keeping son in her back.
But Rani understands defeat is nearby. During night hours, taking advantage of darkness Rani escaped. Jhalkaribai, whose look was very much similar to Rani, dressed herself as queen, kept her child on back and led the army. She did so to give Rani enough time to escape. Britishers pretended Jhalkaribai as Rani Lakshmibai and kept fighting for one complete day!
Britishers captured Jhansi. After that Rani joined the rebellion group of Kalpi, but just one month later, Britishers attacked Kalpi and defeated Kalpi. Rani escaped once again with Tatya tope and few more.
After that Rani & Tatya tope fight for Gwalior fort, but during that fight Rani loses her life.
We must admire Rani’s Leadership quality. Being a woman during that era, she learnt shooting, horsemanship, fencing (Talwar baji). She gave a great fight to the Britishers. And most importantly she created the women’s army, which may be the first time in history. She became a source of inspiration for a lot of women at that time and also in today’s era.
Let’s also look at the other side of the story.
· Shouldn’t we recognize the patriotism of Jhalkaribai and sepoys who keep fighting with Britishers when defeat was definite and even when King (here Rani) escaped. Many sepoys lost their lives but kept fighting. Isn’t this a great example of patriotism in history?
· Rani fought with her son on back to save her son, Jhalkaribai fought with her son on back to save Rani. We must admire Courage and patriotism of Jhalkaribai!!
· When a British officer refused to come on Sunday for the adoption ceremony, why did Rani jump into the discussion and become angry? Ideally People with authority should not get angry or criticize anyone but should show the response by taking action. Also, respect cannot be asked but it can be earned.
· The fight between Rani and Britishers was also because of ego. Both were trying to bow down. But, at what cost? As a king, what is more important - ego or life of sepoys?
· In March 1858 to June 1858 – during 4 months of time, Rani fought for Jhansi, Kalpi and Gwalior separately. But got defeated every time. What could be the reason?? She had great skill. Her army was fighting with great patriotism, so what went wrong? As per one opinion she failed to judge the strength of enemies.
Many things in the history books are mentioned with different perspectives. This reminds a famous quote rewritten by Winston Churchill –
History is not grounded in facts, rather
it's the winners' interpretation of them that prevails.
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