Jhalkari Bai
Jhalkari Bai, a forgotten Indian woman warrior, lost in the pages of history. During the 1857 – Battle of Jhansi, she played a crucial role to get freedom from the British rulers. She was regarded as Rani Lakshmi bai’s advisor. Jhalkari Bai played the role of Lakshmi bai’s body double in the 1857 battle because of her similarities in looks, courage, and determination. In this blog we are going to tell you the Jhalkari Bai, so read this full blog carefully to get the complete information.
Jhalkari Bai Birth
Jhalkari Bai was born in the year 1830 on 22 November in Bhojla Village, Jhansi, British India. She had lost her mother at a very tender age and was raised by her father, Sadovar Singh. She was from a middle-class background, she used to do domestic chores.
Even though she hadn’t received any education, she was trained in horse riding and martial arts by her father. The tales of her bravery as a young child continue to revolve around the city of Jhansi. Her courage, extraordinary ability to perceive war strategy made her an incredible fighter during the Rebellion of 1857.
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Jhalkari Bai Family and Marriage
Jhalkari Bai was born to Hindu parents, Sadovar Singh and Jamuna Devi.
When she was a teenager, Jhalkari was married to a wrestler and archer. He was an artilleryman in Lakshmibai‘s army.
After Jhalkari Bai’s marriage, she joined Lakshmibai’s army as a soldier. She was taken into the army due to her recognized determination and bravery.
She also became famous because of her similarity with Rani Lakshmibai. She was regarded as a close friend of Rani Lakshmibai. Soon, she was given the charge to lead the women’s wing of Lakshmibai’s army, “Durga Dal.”
The Legend of Jhalkari Bai
During the 1857- Battle of Jhansi, Jhalkari played an important role as an advisor to the Queen of Jhansi. She was as courageous and bold as the Queen. She gave a tough fight to the British army in1857, the first war of Independence.
In 1857, General Hugh Rose attacked with his army the city of Jhansi to end the rebellion. He captured the fort of Jhansi and killed many who tried to escape the city. Jhalkari fought fiercely with his army covering the area from the “Dantiya gate” to the “Unnao gate” of the Jhansi fort.
To get help from Gwalior, Lakshmi bai had to leave the Jhansi, but the British army captured the palace, making it impossible for her to escape. Jhalkari Bai helped Lakshmi bai escape the fort via the Bhanderi gate by disguising herself as the Rani Lakshmi bai. This made the British army baffled. When they realized that it was not Lakshmi bai, it was Jhalkari Bai, and she helped her escape.
Jhal kari heard the news that her husband had died in the battle, she became ferocious, and attacked the Britishers like a “wounded tigress.”
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The Death of Jhalkari Bai
In the history and various tales, there have been many speculations as to how she died. Some reports stated that Jhalkari Bai was hanged to death by the British rulers. But in the other tale, it is believed that she lived until 1890.
Conclusion
In last, We hope that this article is sufficient enough to clarify the information about Jhalkari Bai.