On November 19, 1828, the epitome of bravery, Rani Lakshmi Bai was born to defend her territory from the British marauder. Famously known as ‘Jhansi Ki Rani,’ she was one of the leading warriors in India’s First War of Independence which was fought in 1857. Today, the country celebrates her birth anniversary. Her life was surrounded with honour, devotion and patriotism. While her territory was being attacked, even the British General, who was in command praised her for her bravery and intelligence. Her early life and her throne as Rani of Jhansi, inspired generations of Indian warriors and freedom fighters. Rani Laxmibai Martyrdom Day: 5 Inspiring Facts About India’s Joan of Arc. 

Manikarnika was born in the town of Varanasi into a Marathi Karhade Brahmin family. Her struggles in life began at the age of four, when her mother passed away. She was raised solely by her father who worked as an advisor in the court of Peshwa. He would always support her in learning horsemanship, archery, self-defense and shooting. In 1842, Manikarnika got married to the king of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao Newalkar and got the name of Rani Lakshmibai. A few years later after marriage, in 1851 the queen of Jhansi gave birth to a bay boy who could not survive and died after four months. Did You Know the Indian Rebellion of 1857 Was Started on May 10 by Mangal Pandey?

The couple later adopted Rao’s cousin’s son, Anand Rao who was later renamed as Damodar. Maharaja died due to an illness in 1853, and Rani Lakshmibai was only 18-year-old at that time. As courageous she always was, Rani Lakshmibai took over her responsibilities as the Queen of Jhansi. After the King’s demise, Britishers planned to annex Jhansi with treachery. But Rani Lakshmibai revolted against them with the help of other Indian rebellion leaders. The Englishmen were surprised seeing her extraordinary fighting spirit and grit in battles fought in Jhansi, then Kalpi and finally at Gwalior. Her energetic attitude inspired many generations of freedom fighters in India, thus becoming immortal in history. Manikarnika Teaser Review: Twitterati Says Kangana Ranaut Movie's VFX is Better Than That of Thugs of Hindostan Trailer!

On June 18, 1858, she died in Gwalior in the hands of the British army at the battlefield. Lakxmibai fought undying patriotism till her last breath and achieved martyrdom upon her death. Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai is a national heroine and is seen as the epitome of bravery in India. On her birth anniversary, every national are paying tribute to her fearless struggle in saving her nation from the British monarchy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 19, 2018 10:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).