India’s struggle for independence is not just a remarkable episode in India’s history but also a documentation of the silent architects of change in the country- the women. As we celebrate the unfathomable courage of freedom fighters like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Bipin Chandra Pal, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Chandrasekhar Azad, and countless other brave souls, the contribution of the female freedom fighters is also indelibly etched in the history of the war of independence of India. The freedom fighters like Annie Basant, Pritilata Waddedar, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Sarojini Naidu, and Sucheta Kripalani have emerged as pivotal figures in the Indian freedom movement. Their stories of valor and sacrifice indicate that these women were not meant to follow but lead the way by shattering all the boundaries that might try to hold them back. Amongst all these active revolutionaries, whose involvement extended to large-scale protests, civil disobedience movements, and enthusiastic participation in defying all the patriarchal barriers and stereotypical norms of the society, was Jhalkari Bai. She was one of the bravest commanders of the women’s army of Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, whose feats came to light in the Indian Sepoy movement in 1857.
Life of Jhalkari Bai
Born in the humble family of a Dalit farmer, Sadova Singh and his wife Jamuna Devi, in Bhojla village near Jhansi, on 22nd November 1830, Jhalkari Bai was famous for facing a tiger attack and emerging victorious by slaying it with an axe. She had also once killed a leopard in a forest with a stick she carried for cattle herding. Having lost her mother at a very young age, she was mainly brought up by her father, who encouraged her to learn horse riding and using weapons and shaped her into a fierce warrior. Developing all these skills was difficult for Jhalkari Bai due to the limited opportunities for belonging to the Koli caste, an underprivileged community of agricultural workers. However, the skills ingrained in Jhalkari Bai through the training were further encouraged by her husband, who honed her archery, wrestling, shooting, and sword fighting skills under strict supervision.
Soon, she joined the army of Rani Lakshmi Bai, which catapulted her to prominence. Although she initially worked as a maid at the Royal Palace, her bravery fetched the attention of Rani Lakshmi Bai, and very soon, she became the most excellent companion of the queen. Due to her exceptional sword fighting, horse-riding skills, and expertise in warfare, Jhalkari Bai became the closest advisor to Rani Lakshmi Bai and her biggest confidant due to her fearlessness and capability of strategic thinking. Her unmatched bravery and intelligence supported Rani Lakshmi Bai in multiple battles, leading her to victory.
Jhalkari Bai got the most incredible opportunity to prove her valor and loyalty towards Rani Lakshmi Bai and protect her nation from British onslaught after the king of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar Rao, passed away. In the absence of an acceptable heir to the throne, Jhansi was about to be attacked and occupied by the British forces of General Sir Hugh Rose. As the preparations for the impending battle began, Jhalkari Bai convinced Rani Lakshmi Bai to disguise herself and leave the fort of Jhansi, which was seized by the British forces. It was time for Jhalkari Bai, the commander of Durga Dal, the female wing of the Rani Lakshmi Bai Army, to lay out the biggest trump card in the battle, which was her uncanny resemblance to Rani Lakshmi Bai. She disguised herself as Rani Lakshmi Bai and confronted the British Army. She maintained the ruse for as long as the real Queen of Jhansi could safely escape from the palace with her son. In the battle that ensued, her husband was killed by the British forces, which turned her into a Wounded Tigress on a killing spree for numerous British men whom she slayed mercilessly. Although some legends claim that Jhalkari Bai was killed in the battle and her true identity was never divulged, others argue that she was free from captivity and lived till 1890 to become an inspiring icon of the courage of her time.
The story and contribution of Jhalkari Bai as an Indian warrior fighting side by side with Rani Lakshmi Bai is not only the inspirational story of a female freedom fighter and a fiercely loyal general but also a symbol of endurance and resilience of the Dalit community. Despite being a part of a community that was eliminated from mainstream Indian society back then, it is the courage and unmatched bravery of Jhalkari Bai that compelled the historical critics to illuminate her contributions and count her role in the Indian freedom struggle amongst the other eminent freedom fighters. Also, to honor her legacy, India has paid her tribute through a memorial in Jhansi dedicated to her and her contributions. Jhalkari Bai Women’s University was set up in Lucknow in 2021 to symbolize women’s empowerment, trying to commemorate her bravery and sacrifice. Posthumously, she has even been awarded the Rani Lakshmi Bai Bravery Award.
Conclusion
Although Indian history celebrates the remarkable contributions of Rani Lakshmi Bai in the Sepoy Revolt and the Indian freedom struggle, Jhalkari Bai is one of the unsung warriors whose name must be mentioned alongside that of the queen. Not only has she been a symbol of resistance against oppression towards the Dalit community, but also British colonialism, whose strength has been a testament to women fighting even in the face of the gravest danger, disregarding any second thought about her own life. The character of Jhalkari Bai has been portrayed in popular media, movies, and television shows that have immortalized her role in Rani Lakshmi Bai’s army. However, no amount of description or commemoration can be enough for her valuable sacrifice. However, her inspirational story still motivates countless young women who follow her legacy and will continue to do so as more and more women learn to stamp the challenges of the stereotypical norms and patriarchal setup of the Indian society underneath their feet and claim a respectable position for themselves with their skills and talents.
