We have been hearing about Rani of Jhansi, Lakshmi Bai from our childhood. Her bravery shows real women empowerment. We have been publishing many essays based on biography. This essay on the Rani of Jhansi is one of them. This is a very common topic in essay writing for primary students in any school. The students can write this essay as “My Favourite Heroine in History”. Let’s learn to write a biographical essay on The Rani of Jhansi with more than 500 words.
Essay on “The Rani of Jhansi” – “My Favorite Heroine in History”
The following essay on Lakshmi Bai – The Rani of Jhansi include the following. A proper format of essay writing is followed.
- Introduction to the essay
- Early life The Rani of Jhansi – Lakshmi Bai
- Her Conflicts with the British
- How Lakshmi Bai died
- Conclusion of the essay
Introduction:
Lakshmi Bai, the Rani (queen) of Jhansi, has become a legendary name in the annals of India. Her name is associated with the first great upsurge against the British rule in India – viz, the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. The story of Lakshmi Bai’s youth and beauty makes her an object of romantic adoration as much as her bravery makes her an object of universal admiration.
Early Life of Lakshmi Bai:
Lakshmi Bai is said to have been born in 1835 in Benaras. Her father was a humble Maharatta Brahmin and worked for a Maharattapobleman in Benaras. Her parents named her Manikarnika, but she came to be known as Lakshmi Bai after she was married to Gangadhar Rao, the Ruler of Jhansi after the death of his first wife. The beauty of her feathers particularly of her eyes made her a glamorous queen.
Conflicts with the British:
Lakshmi Bai’s initial conflicts with the British centered around her adopted son. It so happened that Gangadhar Rao died in November 1853 without a child to succeed him. The queen adapted a son in the presence of the British political agent just a day before her husband‘s death and commended him to the protection of the British. But, Lord Dalhousie, the British Governor-General in India. had been Carrying on his policy of annexation, thereby rapidly expanding the empire. By applying the doctrine of lapse, he annexed Satara, Jaitpur, and Sambalpur in 1849 and applied the same principle to Jhansi, refusing to recognize the Rani’s adopted son as heir to the throne of Jhansi. Jhansi was annexed in March 1854. despite Lakshmi Bai’s repeated appeals. However, the British allowed the Queen to live in the city palace with a liberal pension and recognized the adopted son as heir to the family property and treasures. The decision of the government was conveyed by Major Ellis, but Lakshmi Bai shouted in protest that she would not surrender her Jhansi. But, as she could not do anything more than protest, she had to reconcile herself to her lot.
In the next few years, the Rani was unhappy with the way in which the British rulers started curtailing her privileges. This was aggravated by the military order permitting cow slaughter within Jhansi. The people of Jhansi, who adored their queen for her many virtues, prepared themselves for a show-down. In the meantime, the Sepoy Mutiny broke out when the story of the greased cartridge hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu Soldiers. The Bengal regiment in Delhi revolted in May 1857. Jhansi followed suit. The Rani and her troops joined the mutineers and laid the fort to Jhansi with its European population under siege. The mutineers massacred the Europeans when they surrendered and matched on to Delhi. The Rani, however, was yet to break off her ties with the British completely and pleaded helplessness in view of the prevailing situation. The British also promised to be liberal with her and asked her to keep the people in peace. Accordingly, Lakshmi Bai assumed the administration of Jhansi and some time later wrote to the British fog permanent transfer of power. Meanwhile, she was organising her army as quickly and adequately as she could. Instead of responding favorably to the queen’s proposals, the British rulers sought to be revenge on the Jhansi massacre.
Death of The Rani of Jhansi:
Sir Hugh Rose was sent to deal with Tantiya Tope, but on his way, he laid siege to the fort of Jhansi. Lakshmi Bai inspired her people to rise bravely to the occasion. Tantiya Tope came to help Jhansi but was defeated because of treacherous Indian chiefs in the area. A terrible fight ensued when the British troops stormed the Fort and entered the city. The battle ended in victory for the British. The Rani escaped capture, but not death. The British pursued and wounded her. Lakshmi Bai rode away with the bullet wound, but fell dead in a garden, embracing thus the glorious death of a soldier.
Conclusion:
Lakshmi Bai was only 22 years old when she died. Her courage, intelligence, queenly demeanor, and above all her noble character commanded respect from friends and foes alike. She has become an everlasting symbol of the brave Indian woman.