Queen of Jhansi: A graphic novel illustrates the key events in the life of Rani Laxmibai

In a graphic novel by Campfire, illustrated works describe some of the key moments in the life of the Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, the warrior-queen who led her band of troops against the British forces during the national uprising of 1857. A biographical work on Manikarnika, who later became the queen of Jhansi, it portrays her marriage to Gangadhar, the king of Jhansi, her work as the queen regent following his demise and her fight against the colonial rule. [caption id=“attachment_5945551” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Campfire Graphic Novels’ latest title in the Heroes series, Lakshmibai: खूब लड़ी मर्दानी is a 112-paged biography of the queen of Jhansi.[/caption] Lakshmibai: खूब लड़ी मर्दानी, a part of the Heroes series, narrates the story of Manikarnika, a skilled warrior who trained with leaders such as Nana Saheb Peshwe and Tatya Tope. History recalls Rani Laxmibai as one of the prominent rulers of a princely state, who led the fight against the British East India Company during the revolt of 1857. [caption id=“attachment_5945601” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Illustrations from the graphic novel highlight some of the key moments of Manikarnika’s life including her marriage to the king of Jhansi.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_5945641” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Rani Laxmibai has come to be associated as a symbol of courage and strength who faced head-on some of the most crucial moments of history.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_5945701” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  The graphic novel also illustrates how the East India Company tried to annex the princely state of Jhansi in the absence of a male heir to rule the kingdom.[/caption] Following the death of the king and the absence of a male heir to the throne, Rani Laxmibai is said to have taken charge of the kingdom. The queen, among the many rulers in India at the time who took up arms against colonial powers, also trained many women of her kingdom in the art of warfare. [caption id=“attachment_5945731” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Rani Laxmibai adopted the 5-year-old Damodar in 1853 and proclaimed him as the heir to the throne of Jhansi.[/caption] Manikarnika joined forces with Nana Saheb, who was proclaimed the Peshwa in his own right during the rebellion, and Tope, who rallied his men to overthrow the soldiers that laid siege to the fort of Jhansi following the queen’s proclamation for an independent state. [caption id=“attachment_5945761” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Rani Laxmibai also readied herself and her troops, including the women forces, for battle against the British soldiers.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_5945771” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  The illustrated work depicts Laxmibai gearing up for battle and seeking the blessings of the Goddess.[/caption] Rani Laxmibai’s struggle to overthrow the colonial powers became a source of inspiration for the freedom fighters who came to the fore after the imperial power took over in India. _Also read: How Lakshmibai became Rani of Jhansi: Read an excerpt from Moupia Basu's book, The Queen's Last Salute_ [caption id=“attachment_5945831” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Campfire’s latest work showcases the siege of Jhansi by the British East India Company.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_5945861” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  In spite of putting up a strong defence, the queen and her people were outnumbered in the face of British troops and their organsied military strategy.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_5945881” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  However, Laxmibai’s words, ‘Apni Jhansi nahi dungi’ left considerable impact on the revolutionaries that rose to prominence in the years that followed the 1857 uprising.[/caption] “Her bravery and sacrifice would sow the seeds of further rebellion that would eventually free India from the clutches of colonialism,” said the director of Campfire Graphic Novels, Girija Jhunjhunwala. [caption id=“attachment_5945901” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Rani Laxmibai is said to have fought the British till the bitter end. After escaping from Jhansi, she succumbed to her injuries, fighting the forces at Gwalior.[/caption]