19th November, 2017 marks the 189th birth anniversary of Rani Lakshami Bai, the iconic queen of Jhansi, and a martyr, who fought the British to death during 1857-58, the first war of Indian Independence.
Rani Lakshami Bai is feted for her valor, political brinkmanship, and beauty.
General Hugh Rose, who led British forces against her, commented, “she is personable, clever and beautiful”…and “the most dangerous of all Indian leaders”.
In a proclamation issued in May, 1858, Lakshami Bai, quoted the Geeta before declaring ‘Dharmyuddh’, and ‘Jihad’, against the British.
The proclamation reads: “We fight for independence…in the words of Lord Krishna, we will if we are victorious, enjoy the fruits of victory, if defeated and killed on the field of battle, we shall surely earn eternal glory and salvation… Hindus and Muslims are one… this is a Dharmyuddh for Hindus and Jihad for Muslims… throw the British into the sea…”
हतो वा प्राप्स्यसि स्वर्गं जित्वा वा भोक्ष्यसे महीम् ।
During her last stand on 17th June, 1858 in Gwalior, she was guarded by 250 Pathan cavalrymen, led by Dost Khan, all 250 perished with her.