India is a land of many great personalities. Of them, one of the most celebrated one is the Rani of Jhansi...Lakshmi Bai. She was a powerful woman of the 19th century who showed the world that women were also equal, in all aspects, as men. She displayed great valor and courage in fighting for the freedom of our mother land, Bharat.
In today’s modern world of technology and computerization, women are highly educated. There is no field left untouched by women where they are yet to prove their capability. And yet, even this modern times, woman are shackled by some boundaries. But Rani Lakshmi Bai fought the British about 2 centuries ago with self-confidence and determination, displaying immense capability, smartness and valor. She imprinted her name on the golden plaques of world history through her feats of valor.
Rani Lakshmi Bai was intelligent, shrewd, and highly skilfully at warfare. She had all the qualities required to become an efficient ruler. Actually, she wasn't born in a royal family but to a Brahmin. Her father, Moropant Tambe, worked in the court of the Peshwa of Kashi, Chimna Ji Madhav Rao. Lakshmi Bai was born as Manikarnika, in the year 1832, to Moropant Tambe and Bhagirathi Bai (Lakshmi Bai's Mother).
Manikarnika was affectionately called as Manu by everyone. She unfortunately couldn't enjoy her mother's love for long. At the tender age of four years,she was separated from her mother. Her mother had died and was brought up by her father. She loved to accompany her father where ever he went.
In the year, 1837, Moropant and Manu moved to Bithoor. The Peshwa, Baji Rao II (Chimna Ji's Brother) gave refuge to them. Baji Rao was exiled by the British because of not having an heir. Although he adopted Nana Saheb and Rao Saheb, the British refused to recognize them as the Peshwa. Baji Rao was given pension and could just have the authority as the Peshwa for namesake, but couldn't make any administrative decisions.
Manu was a darling with big bright eyes and was favourite of everyone including Baji Rao . Baji Rao brought her up as his own daughter.He called her chabili. He not only taught her to be literate but also gave her lessons in warfare. Manu also learned other skills like horse riding, sword fighting, using firearms, etc. at the training schools. Her favorite teacher was Tatya Tope (Ramachandra Panduranga Tope). Manikarnika called him Tatya Guru. He was a inspiration for Manu.
Manu was an excellent equestrian. Even the British appreciated her skills.
An instance of her expertise is: Manu made a bet with Nana Saheb, the adopted son of Baji Rao, that she could defeat him in horse riding with her hands tied. Manu controlled the rein with her mouth and won the race!!!