Question

Write short notes on the following:
a) Rani Laxmibai
b) Tatya Tope

Answer 1

Hint: Both of them were the notable freedom fighters in the 1857 war of Independence. The rebellion in Central India is mainly remembered for Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, who fought in Gwalior, on 17 June 1858. However, the rebellion did not conclude there and continued under Tatya Tope, a rebel leader.

Complete answer:
i) Rani Laxmibai: Rani Laxmibai, the fearless queen of Jhansi, was born as Manikarnika Tambe on 19 November 1828, and grew up to become one of the leading figures of the 1857 war of independence. In 1851, when the entire country was fighting the first war for Independence, she entered the battlefield after Sir Hugh Rose demanded the complete surrender of Jhansi. She had her son Damodar tied to her back along with swords in her hands, and fought the British bravely. She was killed on 17 June 1858 after giving a tough fight to the Britishers.

ii) Tatya Tope: Tatya Tope was born as Ramachandra Panduranga, and was one of the most notable Indian freedom fighters and a general in the rebellion of 1857. In May 1857, he fought the battle with the Indian troops of the East India Company at Kanpur and won. He was one of the most effective fighters even though he did not have any formal military training. On 6 December 1857, he was defeated by Sir Colin Campbell (later Baron Clyde), and was hanged to death on 18 April 1859 by the British soldiers. During his entire life span, he fought 150 battles against the British and demolished 10,000 British soldiers.

Note: Tatya Tope and Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi got together to seize the city of Gwalior. Together they took command of Gwalior Fort and declared Hindavi Swaraj (Free Kingdom) under the name of Nana Saheb Peshwa from Gwalior.