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Happy India Independence Day! I hope that you will join me and all of us here at the Warrior Queen Project in celebrating 75 years of India’s people, culture, and achievements. For decades, India has worked immensely to channel her nation’s strengths and cultural history. And her independence would not have been possible without the courageous acts of women throughout her history. One of these women was the Rani of Jhansi, who inspired our founding. As a 24-year-old general, she played a pivotal role in the Indian Revolt of 1857. Throughout the fight against the British Raj in India, Rani Lakshmibai took the values that her father taught her of self-defense and acted on the responsibilities of ruling Jhansi. In the face of the British army’s attempts to annex her state, Rani merely said, “I shall not surrender my Jhansi.” It is those words and love for her nation that drove her to defend Jhansi till the very end. With her infant son tied to her back and swords in her hands, the Rani bravely fought the British and paved the way for India’s eventual independence. As she later joined rebel forces to occupy other towns, her injuries were far too severe to continue the journey – Rani Lakshmibai died on June 18, 1858 with grit and determination. Rani Lakshmibai is an inspiration to all women, and she is one of the many notable figures who serves as a foundation for this organization. As Warrior Queens and allies, it’s crucial that we educate ourselves on the rich history of the women who came before us. My film, the Warrior Queen of Jhansi, captures the essence of female empowerment by telling the Rani’s story. You can watch the trailer below and click here to read a blog post celebrating her legacy. The Warrior Queen of Jhansi was also recently spotlighted in a video by The World Is One News about Hollywood’s depiction of the Indian Independence Movement, which you can watch here (we’re featured at 2:32)! |
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The Rani of Jhansi not only demonstrated a great deal of fearlessness in the first of many battles towards India’s independence, but she also ignited a spirit of independence that continues to inspire women in India and around the world today. Say her name loud and proud. Rani Lakshmibai is a mother, a warrior, and a revolutionary. Her dignity and grace became the forefront of the Indian revolution – traits that have proven to fortify anti-colonialism and gender equality. Thank you, Swati Bhise
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