Jhalkari Bai History

Jhalkari Bai was born to Moolchand and Dhaniyabai on 22 November 1830 in Bhojla village near Jhansi.

As a rural girl, her tasks mostly included chores around the household.

However, at a very early age, she is said to have exhibited exceptional strength of will.

She reportedly once killed a leopard in the forest with a stick she used to herd cattle.

After the death of her mother when she was very young, her father raised her.

Consistent with the social conditions of the era, she lacked a formal education, but her parents trained her in horseback riding and the use of weaponry.

Jhalkari Bai Image

Virangana Jhalkari Bai

She married Puran Singh, a soldier from the artillery unit of Rani Laxmibai’s army, who introduced her to the Rani.

Jhalkaribai bore an uncanny resemblance to Laxmibai. Rani Laxmibai inducted her in the women’s wing of the army.

In the queen’s army, she quickly rose in the ranks and began commanding her own army

While this act of sacrifice and courage is what she is most well known for another little acknowledged fact remains that she was a close confidante and advisor to the queen.

She played a key role in the analysis and strategizing of the battle itself, alongside Laxmibai

British Attack on Jhansi

During the Rebellion of 1857, General Hugh Rose attacked Jhansi with a large army.

The Queen valiantly faced the army with 4000 of her troops in her fort.

She waited for relief from Peshwa Nana Sahib’s army camping at Kalpi. However General Rose already defeated Tantia Tope.

Meanwhile, Dulha Ju, in charge of one of the gates of the fort, had made a pact with English and opened the doors of Jhansi for the British forces.

When the British rushed the fort, Laxmibai, on advice of her courtier, escaped through another gate amidst the chaos of heavy fighting and casualties.

Jhalkaribai declared herself to be the Queen and attacked General Rose’s camp.

This led to a confusion that continued for a whole day and gave the Rani’s army renewed advantage.

Jhalkari Bai Death

On 5th April 1857, Jhalkari Bai disguised as Rani, fought the British.

Many bullets hit her, and she died of her wounds.

According to some versions, British Government set her free. She lived till 1890 and became a legend of her time.

Jhalkari Bai Kori

Born into a Koli family (Kori Caste). Kori (also known as Koli and Bunkar) is an Indian caste, whose traditional occupation was weaving.

Movie

Manikarnika (2019), a Hindi film starring Kangana Ranaut as Rani Lakshmibai and Ankita Lokhande as Jhalkaribai has been made.