Rani Lakshmibai falls fighting at Gwalior

The Rani of Jhansi fought from Jhansi to Kalpi to Gwalior and fell in battle.

Key points for UPSC

• Jhansi had been annexed in 1854 under Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse, which refused her adopted son's claim.
• When Sir Hugh Rose took Jhansi in April 1858, she escaped to Kalpi, joined Tantia Tope and captured Gwalior fort.
• She fell fighting near Gwalior on 18 June 1858; even her British opponents called her the bravest of the rebel leaders.

Who was involved

• Rani Lakshmibai · riding into battle
• Tantia Tope · holding Gwalior with the Rani

Test yourself

1. 1. Jhansi was annexed in 1854 under:

   • (a) The Doctrine of Lapse
   • (b) The Subsidiary Alliance
   • (c) Alleged misgovernance
   • (d) The Permanent Settlement
   Show answer

   (a) The Doctrine of Lapse. Dalhousie refused to recognise her adopted son under the Doctrine of Lapse.

2. 2. Which British commander captured Jhansi in 1858?

   • (a) Sir Hugh Rose
   • (b) William Hodson
   • (c) Colin Campbell
   • (d) Henry Havelock
   Show answer

   (a) Sir Hugh Rose. Sir Hugh Rose led the Central India campaign.

3. 3. With Tantia Tope, Rani Lakshmibai captured which fort in 1858?

   • (a) Gwalior
   • (b) Agra
   • (c) Chittor
   • (d) Golconda
   Show answer

   (a) Gwalior. They took Gwalior in June 1858; she died fighting near it.