Laxmibai

Laxmibai: proof that when you’re a badass, even your enemies respect you 💁🏽‍♀️

Laxmibai - depicted here by @joyofkiki - was a key figure in the rebellion against the British East India Company in 1857.

She got involved because the British refused to recognize her adopted son as her heir. 👑 They were like, “Nah, adoption doesn’t count. By the law that we passed ourselves, your kingdom belongs to us now.”

So at the age of 22, Laxmibai rapidly organized troops to defend her sovereignty ⚔️ She even disguised herself as a man and ultimately gave her life on the battlefield.

Given that situation, you would think the British wouldn’t really be her fan, but these are direct quotes from folks at the time:

“Whatever her faults in British eyes may have been, her countrymen will ever remember that she was driven by ill-treatment into rebellion, and that she lived and died for her country. We cannot forget her contribution for India.” - British general Colonel Mallson.

The Rani of Jhansi was "personable, clever and beautiful, and the most dangerous of all Indian leaders. The Indian Mutiny had produced but one man, and that man was a woman." - Hugh Rose, the leader of the British troops.

Huge thanks to Kahaani friend @joyofkiki for letting us feature her artwork! 🎨