Freedom FightersIndependence Day

The queen who raised an Army of over 4,000

As India celebrates 70 years of independence, we bring you stories of women who were part of the Indian Independence Struggle.

We all know about the contributions of Rani Lakshmibai in revolt against British oppression in 1857, there was another queen who had also fought against the British anarchy.

Avanitbai or Avanti Bai Lodhi the wife of Maharaja Vikramaditya Singh

She was born in 1831, she was married to Prince Vikramaditya at an early age. However, when Vikramaditya became the King, he could not handle the administration due to his failing health, Avantibai took charge of the affairs of state.

After his death due to bad health in 1951, the British did not accept her sons Aman Singh and Sher Singh as heirs to the throne as they were minors and declared the princely state as ‘Court of Wards’ appointing their own administrator there. Britishers were then annexing the kingdoms which had no biological heir in the name of the doctrine of lapse policy. Avantibai vowed to fight the British to regain her land and her throne. The queen threw the administrator out and declared war against British.

She raised an army of 4,000 and personally led it against the British in 1857. Seeking to infuse patriotism and to unite, the queen wrote a strong-worded letter to the rulers of the neighbouring estate. She had written, “If you think you have a duty towards our enslaved mother India, raise your swords and jump into the war against the British, otherwise wear these bangles and hide your self in houses.”

Her appeal aroused a wave of revolution in the central provinces. She was joined by the ruler of Vijayraghavgarh, Suraj Prasad, the entire northern region joined her for an armed rebellion.

In the first battle which took place in a village named Kheri, British troops were handed a stunning defeat. However, the British came back with more vengeance and launched an attack on Ramgarh. The courage of the Queen was, however, not enough to defeat the mighty British military.

The invaders came back with full force and launched an all out military attack on Ramgarh. Avantibai moved to the dense forests on the hill of Devharigarh. She later resorted to guerrilla warfare and attacked the camp of British General Waddington and dispersed his army.

Facing an imminent defeat, the valiant queen decided to sacrifice her life rather than going through the humiliation of surrender. On 20th March 1858, Rani Avantibai Lodhi became a martyr.

However, her name and valiant action still echo in the Independence history of mother India.

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