Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to R Laxmibai on death anniversary

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday paid rich tributes to Queen of Jhansi R Laxmibai on the occasion of her death anniversary, calling her one of the leading figures of the 1857 freedom struggle.

"On the occasion of her death anniversary, I pay my heartfelt tribute to R Laxmibai, one of the leading figures of the 1857 freedom struggle," Gandhi wrote in a Facebook post.

Born on November 19, 1828, in Varanasi, R Laxmibai, also known as Mkarnika, was an embodiment of courage at the time of British Raj.

Known for her courage and bravery, R Laxmibai was considered as a symbol of resistance to British rule.

She got married to Raja Gangadhar Rao, the King of Jhansi in 1842.

However, R Laxmibai's husband passed away a few years later and took over as the Queen of Jhansi, much to the annoyance of the British, who wanted to annex the princely state by applying the 'Doctrine of Lapse.'

In March 1858, Jhansi came under siege by the forces of the British East India company and a fierce battle ensued.

Although her troops were overwhelmed, R Laxmibai did not concede defeat and continued her stiff resistance.

R Laxmibai fought valiantly till her last breath during an encounter with the Company's forces near Gwalior on June 17, 1858.

( With inputs from ANI )