She was born to a Maharashtrian family at Kashi (now Varanasi) in the year 1828. In the year 1842, she got married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar Rao Niwalkar. On getting married, she was given the name Lakshmibai.
In the year 1953, Gangadhar Rao fell sick and became very weak. So, the couple decided to adopt a child. On 21 November 1853, Maharaja Gangadhar Rao died. British rulers refused to accept the child as the legal heir. The British authorities confiscated the state jewels. Also, an order was passed asking the Rani to leave Jhansi fort and move the Rani Mahal in Jhansi. Lakshmibai was firm about protecting the state of Jhansi.
In January 1858, the British army headed it's away towards Jhansi. The confilict went on for two weeks. Finally, the Britishers succeeded in the annexation of the city. However, Rani Lakshmibai managed to escape along with her son, in the guise of a man. She took refuge in Kalpi, where she met Tatya Tope, a great warrior. She died on 17th June, during the battle for Gwalior.
