Rani Lakshmi Bai was the queen of the princely state of Jhansi in North India and one of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. She became a symbol of resistance to British rule in India.
She was born around 1828 in Varanasi as Manikarnika Tambe and was nicknamed "Manu."
She married the Maharaja of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar Rao, and was later known as Rani Lakshmi Bai.
When her husband died, the British East India Company refused to recognize her adopted son as heir and annexed Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse.
During the 1857 revolt, she led her forces against the British and became one of the most formidable opponents of British colonialism.
She died fighting against British troops in June 1858 during the Battle of Gwalior.
Sir Hugh Rose, who was commanding the British forces against her, acknowledged her bravery and military skills through this famous comment, showing respect for her as a formidable adversary.
