RANI LAKSHMI BAI OF JHANSI


1. Introduction : Rani Lakshmi Bai of jhansi was a great patriot. India can never her forget her name.
2. Birth and early life : She was born at Bitur on June 15,11834.She was named Manu Bai In her childhood she learnt the use of weapons.She had warlike qualities She was a clever horse rider and a clever archer.
3. Her Married life : She. was married to Raja Gangadhar Rao of jhansi After marriage shc was named Rani Lakshmi Bai.She could not enjoy the pleasures of married life. She become wedow after to years of her marriage.
4. Quarrel with Governor-General : She had no issue.She wished to adopt a son Lord Dalhousie ,
the Governor General of India, did not allow her to do so. He wanted to make jhansi a part of British
India.Lakshmi Bai stood against him. She opposed foreign rule.She refused to obey the orders of Governor -General. She adopted a son and declared herself independent.Nana Sahib, TandiaTope and Kanwar Singh were waiting for a chance. They joined hands with Rani.
5. Struggle against British rule : Naya Khan demanded seven lakhs of rupees from the Rani.She sold her ornaments to dispose him off.This traitor joined the British. He again attacked jhansi.The Rani rose against Naya Khan and the British.She filled the heart of her soldiers  with the spirit of heroism. She fought bravely and defeated her enemy.
6. Death of Tatya Tope : Jhansi was again invaded in 1857.Large armies arrived from England.Rani was asked to surrender.but she did not.The result was that the city was destroyed and captured by the British But Rani was still firm.At the news of Tantia Tope,death she said,So long as there is a drop of blood in my veins and a sword in my hand, no forcing ncr darc to spoil the sacred land of jhansi."
Soon after this Lakshmi  Bai and Nana Sahib captured Gwalior. But one of her chiefs Dinkar Rao proved traitor. So they had to leave Gwalior.
7. Her Defeat : Now the Rani began to organise a new army. But she had not the time enough to do so. Col. Smith attacked her with a large army. She fought bravely and heroically She got a very bad wound. So long as she lived, she kept the flag of independence flying.
8. Conclusion : The Indian lost the first War of Independence. But Rani of Jhansi sowed the seeds of Independence and heroism. India will never forget her name. She is immortal.