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THE LAND OF THE MISFIT QUEENS
Who was the Rani of Jhansi, and How did she die?
I came across this lovely lady from Indian history, and I am so intrigued — a warrior who defended her people with leadership and honor.
Early Life
Rani of Jhansi’s real name was Lakshmi Bai, born in 1835 in Kashi, India. Her father was an official in the Bithur Court of the Maratha Peshwa1. Growing up in royal court, Lakshmi mastered many skills, including horsemanship, archery, and sword-fighting.
At the age of eight, she married the future raja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao, and officially moved with him at age fourteen. Tragedy struck four years later. The Raja of Jhansi died, leaving his wife alone to rule the kingdom with no surviving heir. Five days before the raja died, he names his fifth cousin as his heir.
The Doctrine of Lapse
Since Great Britain technically ruled over the Indian subcontinent, they made the rules about who had the right to rule and the line of succession. Lord Dalhousie, the British governor of India, did not recognize the boy as the legitimate heir and promptly annexed Jhansi to complete British rule.
