Rani Lakshmibai: An iconic historical figure who is still revered for her bravery, rebellious attitude and weaponry skills.

When it comes to women empowerment in India, one of the first names that strike in our mind is Rani Lakshmibai - India's 'Joan of Arc'. Rani Lakshmibai, born as Manikarnika Tambe, was a fearless queen of the Maratha princely state of Jhansi in North India. Being a fierce warrior, she led a huge army against the British in the Rebellion of 1857. She fought valiantly until her last breath setting an example for generations to come. Here, we have gathered some interesting yet lesser-known facts about the Queen of Jhansi that may inspire all the courageous women out there.

It is believed that Rani Lakshmibai was born on 19th November, 1828 into a Brahmin family in Varanasi. She was named as Manikarnika, fondly called as Manu, by her parents. Her father, Moropant Tambe, worked as an advisor for Peshwa Baji Rao ll of Bithoor district. Her mother Bhagirathi Sapre passed away when Manikarnika was just four years old.

She grew up in the household of the Peshwa. She got training, along with Nana Sahib and Tatya Tope, in martial arts, sword fighting, shooting, archery, horse-riding etc. at a very young age.

Manikarnika was very much fond of horse-riding. She had three horses named Sarangi, Pavan and Baadal. It is believed that she rode Baadal while escaping from the fort in 1858.

She got married to Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, the King of Jhansi, at the age of 14. Then, Manikarnika got the new name Lakshmi Bai. She gave birth to a boy in 1851, named Damodar Rao. As Damodar passed away very soon, they adopted the son of Gangadhar Rao's cousin, Anand Rao, and renamed him as Damodar Rao.

Maharaja Gangadhar Rao died in 1853 from a severe illness. Rani Lakshmibai then became the ruler of Jhansi and went on to improve the socio-economic scenarios in the land.

The British East India Company applied the Doctrine of Lapse policy to dismiss Damodar Rao as the successor of the throne of Jhansi. Rani Lakshmibai didn't accept this and wrote numerous legalistic letters to the Governor General Lord Dalhousie to give up this policy. As nothing worked, Rani went on to begin a rebellion against the British Raj.

After fighting vigorously against the British, Rani got severely wounded and then died on 17th June, 1858 in the battlefield. Seeing her enormous bravery, the Commander of the British force Hugh Rose said, "she is the most dangerous of all Indian leaders".

According to the historians, Rani Lakshmibai didn't want her body to be captured by the British soldiers and so, asked a hermit to burn it. Her tomb can be seen now at the Phool Bagh area in Gwalior.