Rani Lakshmi Bai

Read and Answer

1.    1.   Little chabili was different from other girls of her age as she wanted to do things that girls at that time normally did not. She wanted to sit on an elephant as well as a horse. Her eyes sparkled with a confidence that was not seen in girls of her age.

2.   2.    Nana doted on his daughter and wished to provide her the love of both a mother and a father. He affectionately called her Manu. He was surprised as well as proud to see a rare confidence in her eyes. He married her off at the age of thirteen , as it was the tradition in that age.

3.  3.    Manu became Rani Lakshmi Bai when she was married to Raja Gangadhar Rao at the age of thirteen. After losing their son at a very young age, the couple adopted a son. Soon after her husband died of an illness. The responsibility of protecting Jhansi from the British fell on her shoulders after death.

4.       4.Lord Dalhousie wanted to annex states of kings who had died without a natural heir. He wanted to expand the British Empire and targeted Jhansi too.

Think and Answer

1.   1.    Chabili accepted her naturalness and was fortunate to have a father who led her do things that girls in that time normally did not. She encouraged naturalness against norms and traditions. She led the largest women’s army till date and is an inspiration to all of us. I have learnt from her character that I must not ashamed of who I am, but master my unique talents to stand out from the crowd.

2.   2.    Rani Laxmi Bai was playful and lively as a young girl. Her antics and escapades were attractive. Her laugh was full of mirth. As a queen , she proved to be mardani as she stood bravely against the British army to defend her Jhansi. She led the largest army of women till date. With her son tugged on her back, she led the soldiers of Jhansi.

3. 3.      Rani Lakshmi Bai was truly a unique leader. Many women leaders have personalities that make them stand out from the crowd. Like these leaders, Rani Lakshmi Bai proved her mettle in an age when women were not really at the forefront of an army. She not only accepted the challenge of protecting her state against British rule but also did it with a flair and panache on her own. Be it Indira Gandhi or Angela Merkel :they have all been strong and effective leaders. I wish to imbibe their diligence,focus and determination to do well in life.

4.    4.   Rani Lakshmi Bai is the epitome of women empowerment as she exhibited exceptional qualities of courage and physical prowess in an age when girls were limited to house work. She encouraged naturalness against norms and traditions. She led the largest women army till date and proved that the independence struggle was not just a men’s affair.

                               Reference To Context

(a)Manu said these words to Nana.

(b) She said these words on being told that girls did not ride elephants.

(c)She felt she would inspire other girls also to do things which they were not allowed to do traditionally.

(d) Nana felt proud of his little lovely daughter but also worried about her.