NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tribute to Rani Lakshmibai, the warrior queen of Jhansi, on her 189th birth anniversary. In a post shared on X, Modi praised her bravery and spirit, noting that her tales of valour continue to inspire Indians.
“Rani Lakshmibai’s courage and determination in the face of adversity are an eternal source of inspiration,” Modi wrote, acknowledging her role in the Indian struggle for independence. Rani Lakshmibai, born on November 19, 1828, is remembered as one of the key figures in India’s first war of independence in 1857, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857. As the queen of Jhansi, she led her forces with extraordinary bravery against the British, who sought to annex her kingdom as part of their colonial expansion.
Her leadership during the siege of Jhansi in 1858, where she fiercely resisted British forces, has become legendary. Despite being outnumbered, Lakshmibai’s military strategies and valiant defence of her city made her a symbol of resistance and patriotism. Rani Lakshmibai’s death, while fighting the British forces, is a poignant moment in India’s history. She is believed to have died in combat on June 17, 1858, with the British forces capturing Jhansi after a prolonged siege. However, her legacy lives on as a symbol of courage, determination, and the spirit of independence.
Prime Minister Modi’s tribute to the warrior queen underscores the continued reverence for her role in India's fight for freedom. Her bravery continues to inspire generations of Indians in their struggle for justice and the preservation of their heritage.
