Rani of Jhansi

The bold and fearless Manikarnika was given in marriage to Raja Gangadhar Rao of Jhansi at the age of fourteen. After marriage she was given the name Lakshmi Bai. Following the death of Raja Gangadhar Rao, the British refused to acknowledge her adopted son in following the Doctrine of Lapse. The Rani was furious and protested against British policies. Meanwhile, the First War of Indian Independence erupted and the British laid siege to Jhansi. The Rani donned the warrior's clothes and fought bravely against the British to defend her Jhansi. She fought till her last breath to save her annexed state. Not only the Indians but even the British acknowledged her as 'the best and the bravest rebellion' in the history of Indian freedom struggle.