Editing Rani Lakshmibai

{{#seo:
|title=Rani Lakshmibai Biography – Warrior Queen of Jhansi & Heroine of 1857 Revolt
|description=Rani Lakshmibai, the Queen of Jhansi, was a leading figure in India’s First War of Independence in 1857. She is remembered for her courage, leadership, and sacrifice against British rule.
|keywords=Rani Lakshmibai Biography, Queen of Jhansi, 1857 revolt, Indian freedom fighter, Jhansi queen, Indian history, First War of Independence, Indian warrior women
|image=https://knowlepedia.org/images/Rani Lakshmibai.jpg
|og:type=article
|og:title=Rani Lakshmibai – Heroic Queen of Jhansi & Symbol of Resistance
|og:description=Discover the life and legacy of Rani Lakshmibai, the fearless queen of Jhansi who fought bravely in India’s First War of Independence in 1857.
|og:image=https://knowlepedia.org/images/Rani Lakshmibai.jpg
|twitter:card=summary_large_image
}} {{Infobox deceased
| name           = Rani Lakshmibai {{Verified}}
| image          = Rani Lakshmibai.jpg
| image_caption  = Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi
| birth_date     = {{Birth date|1828|11|19}}
| birth_place    = [[Varanasi]], [[British India]]
| death_date     = {{Death date and age|1858|06|18|1828|11|19}}
| death_place    = [[Gwalior]], [[British India]]
| resting_place  = [[Gwalior]], [[India]]
| nationality    = Indian
| occupation     = Queen of Jhansi, Freedom Fighter
| years_active   = 1842–1858
| known_for      = Role in the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]]
| notable_works  = Leadership in 1857 rebellion, legacy of women's bravery
| awards         = Regarded as a National Heroine of India (posthumous)
| spouse         = [[Raja Gangadhar Rao]]
| children       = Damodar Rao (adopted)
| children       = None
| parents        = Divakar Pandey (father)
| religion       = [[Hinduism]]
| age_at_death   = 29
| website        = 
}}'''Rani Lakshmibai''' (19 November 1828 – 18 June 1858), popularly known as the '''Queen of Jhansi''', was a leading figure in the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]] and is remembered as a symbol of resistance to British colonial rule in India. Her bravery, leadership, and sacrifice made her one of India’s greatest freedom fighters.

== Early Life ==
She was born as '''Manikarnika Tambe''' on 19 November 1828 in Varanasi, into a Marathi Brahmin family. Her father, Moropant Tambe, worked for the Peshwa of Bithoor. She was raised in a manner similar to boys, learning horse riding, sword fighting, and archery.

== Marriage and Becoming Queen ==
At the age of 14, she was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, '''Gangadhar Rao Newalkar''', and was named Lakshmibai. After the Maharaja’s death in 1853, their adopted son Damodar Rao was denied legitimacy by the British under the [[Doctrine of Lapse]], and Jhansi was annexed.

== Role in the 1857 Rebellion ==
Refusing to cede Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai took charge of the armed resistance. She organized an army of men and women and led a valiant defense of her kingdom against British forces. In March 1858, Jhansi was attacked by Sir Hugh Rose. After fierce fighting, the British captured the fort, but the Rani escaped on horseback with her son.

== Death ==
On 18 June 1858, at the age of 29, Rani Lakshmibai died on the battlefield near Gwalior, fighting the British army. Dressed as a soldier, she fought fiercely till the end, becoming a martyr in the struggle for Indian independence.

== Legacy ==
* Revered as a national heroine and symbol of resistance.
* Remembered through poems like Subhadra Kumari Chauhan's ''Jhansi ki Rani''.
* Statues erected in her honor across India.
* Indian Navy’s warship ''INS Rani Lakshmibai'' is named after her.
* Her birth anniversary is celebrated as **Balidan Diwas**.

== See Also ==
* [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]]
* [[Tatya Tope]]
* [[Mangal Pandey]]
* [[Bahadur Shah Zafar]]

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:1828 births]]
[[Category:1858 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian independence activists]]
[[Category:People from Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Indian revolutionaries]]
[[Category:Indian Rebellions of 1857]]
[[Category:Indian queens]]