June 18 1858: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi Dies While Fighting the British Troops near Gwalior

In 1842, Manikarnika was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi Raja Gangadhar Rao and was thereafter named Lakshmibai, a name which would go down in history and earn great respect. In 1851, the couple had a baby boy who they named Damodar Rao, but unfortunately the baby died when he was only four months old. Following the death of their infant son, the Raja and Lakshmibai adopted the son of Gangadhar Rao’s cousin, named Anand Rao (who was renamed Damodar Rao). This adoption was witnessed by a British political officer. Raja Gangadhar Rao also gave a letter to the British officer requesting them to give Lakshmibai the government of Jhansi for the rest of her life.

The Raja died in November 1853 and the British, under Governor General, Lord Dalhousie applied the Doctrine of Lapse, stating that they would not recognize the adopted child as the legal heir of the Raja and would hence annex Jhansi to British territory. In reaction of the unfairness on the part of the British regarding her territory, Lakshmibai consulted a British lawyer and appealed for the hearing of her case in London. This appeal was turned down. The British seized the state jewels of Jhansi and, in 1854, gave Lakshmibai a pension of Rs.60,000 and ordered her to leave her palace and the fort. She moved into a place called Rani Mahal, which has now been converted into a museum.

After being expelled from her palace, Lakshmibai was firm about protecting Jhansi from British annexation. Lakshmibai began securing her position and formed an army of both men and women who were given military training in fighting a battle.

In May 1857, Indian soldiers were livid when they found out that the cartridges supplied to them by the East India Company were being greased with pork and beef fat to keep them dry. Soldiers were required to bite off the paper cartridge containing the gunpowder to load into their rifles. Since pigs are taboo for Muslims and cows sacred to Hindus, the soldiers were extremely unhappy with the East India Company. This eventually led to India’s First War of Independence breaking out on May 10th 1857. This war is also known as the Great Rebellion, the Sepoy Mutiny and the Uprising of 1857, among other names.

When Lakshmibai heard of this uprising, she asked British political officer Alexander Skene if she could arrange for herself a group of armed men for her protection. Skene agreed to Lakshmibai’s demand. Compared to the unrest in the region, Jhansi was comparatively calm. Lakshmibai assured her subjects that all was well and asked them not to fear the British.

Right till January 1858, Jhansi was at peace. When the British finally arrived in Jhansi they discovered that the Jhansi Fort had been well guarded. Sir Hugh Rose, who was commanding the British army, asked for the city to be surrendered with the threat that it would be destroyed. Lakshmibai refused to surrender and went on to defend Jhansi from the British.

The British bombarded the fort on March 24th, but were met with heavy fire in return. Jhansi sent a request to Tatya Tope (a famous Maratha leader in the First War of Independence) for help. An army of 20,000 soldiers headed by Tatya Tope reached Jhansi, but were unable to match up to the British forces. Fighting continued and, when Lakshmibai realized that resistance in Jhansi by her army was not resulting in anything, she decided to leave Jhansi and join forces with Tatya Tope and Rao Sahib (nephew of Nana Sahib, a Maratha aristocrat who led the First War of Independence).

Lakshmibai, along with her son Damodar Rao, escaped from Jhansi one night and reached Kalpi where she joined forces with Tatya Tope. Here, they occupied the town and prepared to defend it. The British attacked Kalpi on May 22nd 1858 and Lakshmibai and Tatya Tope were defeated. The leaders of this resistance, Lakshmibai, Tatya Tope, Rao Sahib and the Nawab of Banda fled to Gwalior where they joined the Indian forces who were guarding the city. Lakshmibai and her team wanted to occupy the Gwalior Fort for its strategic location, but Lakshmibai was unsuccessful in trying to convince the rebel leaders in the area to protect Gwalior against the British.

On June 16th 1858, General Rose’s forces annexed Morar. On June 17th of the same year, near Phool Bagh in Gwalior, British troops under Captain Heneage fought Indian forces being commanded by Lakshmibai as they were trying to leave the area. Lakshmibai dressed as a man in a Sowar’s uniform, completely armed on horseback, with her infant son tied to her back, began attacking the British troops. The British attacked back and Lakshmibai was grievously wounded. Since she did not want her body to be captured by the British she told a hermit to cremate her. Upon her death on June 18th 1858, her body was cremated as per her wishes. Three days after the death of Lakshmibai, the British captured the Fort of Gwalior.

Lakshmibai’s tomb is in the Phool Bagh area of Gwalior. She continues to remain an inspiration to generations of Indians and is remembered for her fearlessness and determination. Even British officer Hugh Rose who had wanted to annex Jhansi described Lakshmibai as “clever and beautiful” and as the “most dangerous of all Indian leaders.”

Lakshmibai's name lives on right till this day and a medical college in Jhansi, the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College is named after her. Apart from that, a women’s unit of the Indian Army has been named the Rani of Jhansi Regiment. Lakshmibai has also inspired generations of poets, writers and film makers who have tried to capture the essence of who Lakshmibai really was. The most famous poem composed on the Rani remains the one written by Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, titled “Jhansi ki Rani”, which is an extremely moving account of Lakshmibai’s life and her demonstration of courage and how she fought valiantly till the very end.

Also On This Day:
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Rani Lakshmi Bai

 

Rani Lakshmi Bai was the queen of the princely state of Jhansi, which  is   located on the northern side of India. She was one of the most leading personalities of the first war of India's independence that started in 1857. In this article, we will present you with the biography of Rani Lakshmibai, who was an epitome of bravery and courage. 

 Early Life

She was born to a Maharashtrian family at Kashi (now Varanasi) in the year 1828. During her childhood, she was called by the name Manikarnika. Affectionately, her family members called her Manu. At a tender age of four, she lost her mother. As a result, the responsibility of raising her fell upon her father. While pursuing studies, she also took formal training in martial arts, which included horse riding, shooting and fencing. To know the complete life history of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, read on.

In the year 1842, she got married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar Rao Niwalkar. On getting married, she was given the name Lakshmi Bai. Her wedding ceremony was held at the Ganesh temple, located in the old city of Jhansi. In the year 1851, she gave birth to a son. Unfortunately, the child did not survive more than four months.

In the year 1853, Gangadhar Rao fell sick and became very weak. So, the couple decided to adopt a child. To ensure that the British do not raise an issue over the adoption, Lakshmibai got this adoption witnessed by the local British representatives. On 21st November 1853, Maharaja Gangadhar Rao died.

Invasion

During that period, Lord Dalhousie was the Governor General of British India. The adopted child was named Damodar Rao. As per the Hindu tradition, he was their legal heir. However, the British rulers refused to accept him as the legal heir. As per the Doctrine of Lapse, Lord Dalhousie decided to seize the state of Jhansi. Rani Lakshmibai went to a British lawyer and consulted him. Thereafter, she filed an appeal for the hearing of her case in London. But, her plea was rejected. The British authorities confiscated the state jewels. Also, an order was passed asking the Rani to leave Jhansi fort and move to the Rani Mahal in Jhansi. Laxmibai was firm about protecting the state of Jhansi.

The war

Jhansi became the focal point of uprising. Rani of Jhansi began to strengthen her position. By seeking the support of others, she formed a volunteer army. The army not just consisted of the men folk, but the women were also actively involved. Women were also given military training to fight a battle. In the revolt, Rani Lakshmibai was accompanied by her generals.

From the period between Sep-Oct 1857, Rani defended Jhansi from being invaded by the armies of the neighboring rajas of Orchha and Datia. In January 1858, the British army headed it's away towards Jhansi. The conflict went on for two weeks. Finally, the Britishers succeeded in the annexation of the city. However, Rani Laksmi Bai managed to escape along with her son, in the guise of a man.

She took refuge in Kalpi, where she met Tatya Tope, a great warrior. She died on 17thJune, during the battle for Gwalior. It is believed that, when she was lying unconscious in the battle field, a Brahmin found her and brought her to an ashram, where she died. For her immense effort, she is referred to as the 'Icon of the Indian Nationalist Movement'. Throughout the uprising, the aim of Rani was to secure the throne for her adopted son Damodar. Her story became a beacon for the upcoming generations of freedom fighters.

Lot of literature has been written on the life history of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. Heroic poems have been composed in her honor.  

Jhansi fort

The historic fort at Jhansi, popularly known as 'Rani Jhansi ka Quila', has turned 400 years old in the year 2013. It has been a mute spectator to the turns of events in the Indian history and withstood heavy bombardment of British forces during the First War Of Independence.Jhansi Fort was built by Bir Singh Ju Deo, the Raja of Orchha, in 1613. It is situated on a rocky hill called Bangra in the town of Balwantnagar, known today as Jhansi. The fort has ten gates including the Khandero Gate, Datia Darwaza, Unnao Gate, Jharna Gate, Laxmi Gate, Sagar Gate, Orcha Gate, Sainyar Gate, and Chand Gate. Spread across 49 acres, the fort stands in the heart of the city and is reflects the architecture of Bundelas and Marathas. The fort withstood the heavy attack of British forces led by Hugh Rose on Rani Laxmi Bai.

The fort has a fine collection of sculptures which provide an excellent insight into the eventful history of Bundelkhand. Among places of interest within the main fort area are the Karak Bijli Toup (Tank), Rani Jhansi Garden, Shiv temple and a Mazar of Ghulam Gaus Khan, Moti Bai and Khuda Baksh..

Bundeli Culture

Introduction : Over the centuries, a rich and diverse tradition of song and dance emerged across the Bundelkhand region. Several local cults exist in this region independent of mainstream Hindu religious tradition. Bundeli Culture has many dimension in the form of Folk Dances, Folk Songs, Folk Arts, Musical Instruments  and many Festivals and celebrations giving opportunity to artists to demonstrate their performance. Few of the features are mentioned below. Those who want to know more may contact us or may refer books written by Sri Ayodhya Prashad Gupta, "Kumud ", Orai on Bundelkhandi Culture.  


Folk Dances :


1. Diwari : This dance in Bundelkhand is performed every year during the festival of light Diwali/Deepawali in the end of October or first week of November according to lunar calendar. In this connection the epic story goes that "in Gokul” when Lord Krishna raised Goverdhan Parvat  on his finger to save the local people,  they danced in joy. The dancers wear multi-coloured apparels and the chief dancer holds the peacock feathers in his hands and the rest stick those feathers in their half pants. The main instruments used in this dance are ‘Dholak’ and ‘Nagaria’ (both being a form of drums). The male dancers with long sticks show the marshal arts when the beats of drums inspire their energy and emotions. This dance is also performed as a ‘thanks giving’ after harvesting.

2. Ravala : Ravala dance in Bundelkhand is basically a dance drama. The farm labour community of Bundelkhand performs Ravala during marriages. It is performed with very funny expressions and humorous dialogues. The audiences are entertained by these expressions of dance and the dialogues of drama.

3. Badhaiya : Badhaiya is a ceremonial dance. It is performed on child birth, marriages or any other  get together to celebrate happiness and joy. The collective moments of dancers show the unique expressions of their faces. With rhythm and movements they greet for the occasion.

4. Raai : Through the centuries Raai has been the folk dance which has touched its peak as a classical dance. Later Raai had degenerated its aesthetical value and lost its classical expression. Today it remains simply as a folk dance. Raai means a mustard seed. When a mustard seed is thrown into a saucer, the seed starts to swings around. This way mustard seed moves in the saucer, the dancers also swings and when the singers sing the lyrics of the song the dancers follow the beats with foot steps. It is a duet and the competition is between the beats of the drum and foot steps of the dancer. The drummer and the dancer try to win each other and this competition leads towards the bliss.

5. Horse Dance : It is a ceremonial dance performed by a trained horse with the loud beats of heave drums called Rabbi. With graceful movements, the horse follows beats of the drum with its four steps and the horse rider performs the gymnastics gestures. Typically horse dance follows the ceremonial marriage processions.

6. Pahunai : This song and dance performed to welcome guests


7.Kacchiyahi : This  song and dance performed by women and men of the backward Kacchi caste


8.Kolhai: This  song and dance peculiar to the Kol tribals of the Patha region.
Folk  Songs:
1. Faag : Faag songs and its rhythmic music could be heard in the whole Bundelkhand region during spring season when the crops are ready for harvesting. The spring season of March-April express the vibrant emotions which are hidden in the tender hearts of the youth, invites each other and to express the mystical attachment between male and female. Finally emotions are transformed into devotion to make devotee divine . Phag was enriched in the early twentieth century by a folk poet Isuri (born 1881, in Mauranipur, Jhansi) who is credited to have composed over a thousand Faags.

2. Alha : Alha reciting is organized to entertain the farmers during monsoon. When farmers are free from their agricultural jobs during heavy monsoon and they cannot move anywhere, sitting at one place Alha recital makes their emotions awake through the description of heroic deeds of  Alha and Udal, who fought on the side of the Chandelas in the war against Prithiviraj Chauhan.. The Alha repertoire of lyrics has been continuously enriched by different authors at different times.

3. Dadre and Gari : This is the main folk lore of Bundelkhand. As a ‘Gari’ they show the happiness and joy to express their feeling for the blissful movement when the auspicious marriage is taking place. They evoke the feelings in the heart of bride and groom with love and romance. ‘Dadre’ is sung by a group of ladies to bless the newly wed couple.

4. Lamtera : (Call of God) Lamtera songs are sung by Bundeli pilgrims during devotional festivals of Bundelkhand in the month of January, February and March after rabi crop in winter blossoms. Farmers after seeing their crops flowering, their hearts and minds also bloom like a flower. To show their gratitude to the God, the devotees offer the flowers of their emotions to the lotus feet of the God. They realize that the whole year passed in day to day life, and with the feeling of spring season they want to get blessed by going to the pilgrimage places, temples and to take the holy bath in the rivers.

5. Khyal : In ‘Khyal Gayaki’, a singer recites mythical stories, heroic deeds, the social events and the deep family relations. In this expression of songs, a very special drum ‘Dhapli’ gives very special beats which harmonize emotions.

6. Kaharwa : In the expression of folk lore Kaharwa, the sentiments of heart culminate into the romantic expression. This song is always sung by a drummer who follows the dancer of Raai, which is why this dance is also known as Raai-Kaharwa.

7. Sohar : This is sung on the occasion of the birth of a child

8.Achri : This is  a folk song form performed in honour of mother goddesses especially during Navratri

9.Got : This  is a song form with a strange rhythm sung through the night to seek good health of Cattles.


10.Ahri : These are sung to welcome the rains

11.Tambura Bhajans : These are songs usually sung to Kabir's lyrics, celebrating a nirguni (formless) godhead.

 
Musical Instruments : During Dance, Music and songs accompanying instruments include percussion instruments like the dholak, nagadiya and pakhawaj; string instruments like the one-string tambura; wind instruments like the flute and shennai; and several rare instruments like the algoja, a double flute.

 
Folk Arts:  Many folk arts have evolved around regional festivals, such as 'Navami' drawings and designs made on the occasion of Kajri Navami in the monsoons.  The drawings are made with a solution of pounded rice on floor cleaned with cattle dung, in a dark room of the house in which women place cups made of leaves containing mud from a particular field. Seedlines of wheat or barley are grown in the cups and worshipped for 15 days. Only then are sowing operations commenced.  

 
Bundeli Celebrations : Many local Melas and celebrations are organized at the local level and many are famous at the state and national level. Few of them are mentioned below

1. Ramayan Mela in Chitrakut, Uttar Pradesh
2. Khajuraho Mahotsava, Khajuraho
3. Bundeli Utsav : Every year in Basari Tehsil Rajnagar District Chhatarpur,  starting from Basant Panchmi. Various competitions on folk arts, folk dances, folk songs, food festival, traditional games and archery events are organized during this festival.
4. Jhansi Festival : It is UP government Festival for Bundelkhand. It provides a n a platform to Bundelkhand folk artists for promotion of Bundeli folk culture .
5. Lok Lai : This is  Bundelkhand folk arts festival organised in Chitrakut, U.P.

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