Explanation:

LAKSHMIBAI (c. 1835–1858)

Legendary Indian rani (queen) of the principality of Jhansi, revered for her bravery and astute leadership, who is a symbol of sacrifice in India's fight for freedom against the British. Name variations: Rani of Jhansi; Maharani of Jhansi; Maharanee of Jhansi; Rani Lakshmibai; Lakshmi Bai; Laksmi; Manikarnika. Pronunciation: RAH-nee Luck-SHMEE-baa-ee. Born Manikarnika, nicknamed Manu, around 1835 in Varanasi, India; died in 1858 (also CITED as 1857) on the battlefield in Gwalior, near Jhansi; daughter of Moropant Tambe (a court advisor) and Bhagirathi; educated by private tutors; studied literature, military strategy, and equestrian training; married Gangadhar Rao, in May 1842 but the marriage was not CONSUMMATED until 1849 (died 1853); children: infant son (b. 1851, who died at age of three months).In the vast history of India's independence movement which commenced around 1857, Indian tales and legends have focused on the princes, kings, and other men who resisted the British. There is one woman, however, who has shared this august position: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. Indian women have been perceived by the world, and themselves, as being SUBMISSIVE and lacking in heroism comparable to their male counterparts. Rani Lakshmibai's story not only debunks this myth but also stands as a resounding testimony to the numerous women who, after their own fashion, were involved in this struggle. It is no accident that every Indian who has been to school can recite the Subhadra KUMARI Chauhan paean to the rani's heroismThou art thy own memorial

Thou has shown the way

And teacheth thou a lesson—

Of Freedom and Fight

Of Honour and Pride

Bundelas sang of the Rani

The fighter for Right,

Honor, Justice and Freedom.

Chivalrous Bundelas sang

Chanting songs of Lord Shiva,

The Rani, the damsel fought for Jhansi,

Recount her valour, people of India!

However, this respect for Lakshmibai was revived only after the women of free and independent India resurrected her memory as a symbol of both Indian nationalism and a woman's strength and fortitude. Her legend has reached epic proportions, and has given her immortality in Indian culture. After all, a 24-year-old widow gallantly fighting against the British East India Company's soldiers was not the order of the day. Rani Lakshmibai represents a potent ideal for Indian women; she and her story live in the Indian woman's continued struggle for freedom from the stranglehold of patriarchy.