Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s5.t3.69

v2.c11.s5.t3.69

In mid-19ᵗʰ century, Manu, born in a downfallen Brahmin family, was proficient in archery and other martial skills from her early childhood. She took a fancy to the teacher of Jhansi by accident, and later was betrothed to the incompetent and much older Jhansi emperor Gangadhar Rao. After Manu got married, she changed her name to Lakshimibai. After Gangadhar Rao died, his adopted son succeeded the throne and Lakshimibai handled daily affairs on his son's behalf. However, the British East Indian Company refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of the adopted son's succession and tried to swallow up Jhansi State. As Rani of Jhansi, Lakshimibai led her army to fight bravely against the British army and died from a fatal battle wound.