Rani Lakshmibai

Rani Lakshmibai: The Queen of Jhansi

• Rani Lakshmibai was the queen of the princely state of Jhansi in British India from 1853 to 1858.
• She was born on November 19, 1828, in Varanasi, India.

The Doctrine of Lapse

• The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy introduced by the British East India Company in the 19th century.
• Under this policy, any Indian princely state under British protection would be annexed by the British if the ruler died without a male heir.
• The Doctrine of Lapse was a major reason for the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Rani Lakshmibai's Role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857

• Rani Lakshmibai played a key role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, leading the rebellion against the British in Jhansi.
• She fought against the British East India Company's forces, and her bravery and leadership inspired many others to join the rebellion.
• Rani Lakshmibai was one of the few Indian rulers who actively resisted the British takeover of their territories.

The British Annexation of Jhansi

• The British East India Company annexed Jhansi in 1853, citing the Doctrine of Lapse, as Rani Lakshmibai's husband, Raja Gangadhar Rao, had died without a male heir.
• Rani Lakshmibai refused to accept the annulment of her adoption of a son, and this led to the British taking over Jhansi.

Rani Lakshmibai's Escape from Jhansi

• In 1858, when British forces attacked Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai escaped the city, fighting her way through the British forces on horseback.
• She rode out of the city, accompanied by her adopted son, Damodar Rao, and a few trusted aides.
• Rani Lakshmibai died on June 18, 1858, during the Battle of Gwalior, fighting against the British forces.