RAS question
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi participated in the Revolt of 1857 and died fighting at:
Correct answer: (C) Gwalior.
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi died fighting British forces at Gwalior on 18 June 1858, during the Revolt of 1857.
Explanation
Rani Lakshmibai died during the Gwalior phase of the 1857-58 uprising, not during her defence of Jhansi. After Jhansi fell, she escaped with her son and joined Tatya Tope at Kalpi. Tatya Tope and the Gwalior contingent then reached Gwalior, where the rebels captured the fort. Before they could consolidate their position, General Hugh Rose's forces defeated them in the battle in which Rani Lakshmibai was martyred on 18 June 1858. Her final battle was therefore fought at Gwalior, not Jhansi. Hugh Rose described her as one of the bravest rebel leaders.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Jhansi was the state she ruled and a major centre of her resistance, but she escaped after it fell to British forces; she did not die there.
- (B) Kanpur was a major centre of the revolt associated with Nana Sahib. Lakshmibai instead fought alongside Tatya Tope during the Kalpi-Gwalior phase, and her final battle was at Gwalior.
- (D) Lucknow was a centre of Begum Hazrat Mahal's resistance, whereas Lakshmibai fought her final battle and was martyred at Gwalior.
Concept
This question tests the geography and sequence of the Revolt of 1857, especially the conflict in Central India after the fall of Jhansi. RAS often asks location-linked questions about historical personalities, so it is important to connect leaders and centres of revolt with the British counter-campaigns.