Lakshmibai

(d. 1858) Queen of the small kingdom of
Jhansi in the southern part of the state of
Uttar Pradesh and a leader in the 1857
struggle against the British, known as
the “Mutiny” or the “First War of Indian
Independence.” Lakshmibai’s kingdom
was the victim of expanding British
power. The British colonial government
had pronounced the “doctrine of lapse”
edict, annexing any kingdom in which
the ruler had died heirless. Lakshmibai’s
husband died in 1853. Although he had
adopted a son just before his death, the
British refused to recognize the adoption and sought to annex the kingdom.
Lakshmibai was one of the leaders during
the 1857 rebellion; she died in battle.
She was eulogized as a patriot and proponent of Indian independence, and
because of her power and martial ability,
she is considered a manifestation of the
powerful goddess Durga.