History

Rani died on 17 June, 1858 during the battle for Gwalior with 8th Hussars that took place in Kotah-Ki-Serai near Phool Bagh area of Gwalior. She donned warrior's clothes and rode into battle to save Gwalior Fort, about 120 miles west of Lucknow in what is now the state of Madhya Pradesh. The British captured Gwalior three days later. In the report of the battle for Gwalior, General Sir Hugh Rose commented that the Rani "remarkable for her beauty, cleverness and perseverance" had been "the most dangerous of all the rebel leaders".

Although the Rani's forces were small in numbers, the extraordinary courage of the Sirdars and the war strategy and courage of the Rani inflicted defeat on the British army. The day’s victory was due to the Rani. Next day (18th) before sunrise the British war bugle sounded. The pardon proclaimed by Maharajah Jayaji Rao had tempted some soldiers and they had joined the British. Information was also received that two brigades which were under the Rao Saheb had again transferred their allegiance to the British.

Even in Kapli the Rani was busy getting together an army. Hugh Rose laid siege to Kalpi. When defeat was certain, Rao Saheb, Tatia and others fled with the Rani towards Gwalior.They reached Gopalpur and took rest in a grove. During the night Rao Saheb, Tatia and the next morning met the Rani. They had lost the will to fight.

When the British gained the upper hand and Hugh Rose’s army entered Jhansi City, the Rani herself took up arms. She put on the cloths of a man and she fought like the Goddess of War. Whenever she fought the British army bowed down. Her organization of her forces and her fight – worthy of a man – surprised Hugh Rose.