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Was Rani Laxmibai correct in fighting while Scindiah remained loyal to the British ?
Do we even remember, that in her last and final Battle of Murar, Ranee refused to put down arms even when she was shot in the thigh. She fell off her horse only when a British sword slashed her leg!
“… The
Ranee of Jhansi, the Indian Joan of Arc was killed…dressed in a red jacket, red
trousers, and white puggaree. She wore the celebrated pearl necklace of
Scindia, which she had taken from his treasury and heavy gold anklets. As she
lay mortally wounded in her tent, she ordered these ornaments to be distributed
among her troops. It is said that Tatia Tope intercepted the necklace. The whole
rebel army mourned for her. Her body was burnt with great ceremony under a tamarind
tree, under the rock of Gwalior, where I saw her bones and ashes…”
-Report
from General High Rose to the Duke of Cambridge.
Do we
even know, where Damodar Rao (her son) died?
But certainly,
we know about the riches and palaces of the Scindiah and his generations hold
today.
Accounts
from Lieutenant-Colonel Robertson records “Scindiah, The Maharajah or Prince of
Gwalior, is our very faithful ally”
Certainly,
Ranee did achieve something for fighting for the natives. A mention in our text books!
But
can we rely on our textbooks for eternity.
If Mughals
can be deleted from Indian history text books, then by no measure of certainty,
Ranee of Jhansi can be assured of her role in the history of India.
Kartikey
1 comment:
Rani Laxmibai's decision to fight the British in the 1857 revolt is a complex issue with no easy answer. Here's a breakdown of the situation and some points to consider:
Loyalty vs. Resistance: The British implemented the Doctrine of Lapse, which annexed kingdoms without a male heir. Jhansi faced this threat, and Rani Laxmibai refused to accept it. Scindia, on the other hand, may have chosen appeasement to protect his own position.
Unity vs. Division: A united front against the British might have been more effective. However, the reasons for Scindia's loyalty are debatable. Some claim he feared British power, while others suggest he made a strategic alliance.
Individual vs. Collective Action: Rani Laxmibai's bravery became a symbol of resistance, inspiring others to fight. Even if the revolt ultimately failed, it ignited the flame of freedom struggle.
Rani Laxmibai's Legacy:
Heroism: Her courage in battle, especially when wounded, is undeniable. She is a national hero for her defiance against colonialism.
Historical Context: Textbooks should portray a nuanced view of history. While the Mughals' role is significant, their decline was a gradual process, not an erasure.
Uncertainties:
Damodar Rao's Fate: The whereabouts of Rani Laxmibai's son after the revolt remain unclear.
Scindia's Motives: More research may shed light on Scindia's decision to side with the British.
Conclusion:
Rani Laxmibai's fight stands out in history. Whether her strategy was the best is debatable, but her courage is undeniable. Historical narratives should strive for accuracy and context. Textbooks are dynamic, and history is constantly re-evaluated.
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