After a glorious trailer launch of the most awaited Kangana Ranaut starrer Manikarnika-The Queen of Jhansi, fans are excited to watch the historical drama which is to release on January 15, 2019. Although the film revolves around the lead- Rani Laxmi Bai, her advisor and close confidante Jhalkaribai played by popular telly actress Ankita Lokhande is also equally prominent. The duo indeed shared a bond that will be explored in the film; but before that let us take you through the historical importance of the two leading ladies and the lesser known Jhalkaribai.
Induction into the Queen’s Army
Jhalakaribai was born to Moolchand and Dhaniyabai on 22 November 1830 in Bhojla village near Jhansi. She exhibited strength of will at an early age. Although there are many folklore, some say that when a tiger from the jungle tried to attack her, she stood her ground and killed the tiger with just an axe. She reportedly also killed a leopard in the forest with a stick.
Despite lacking formal education she was trained in horseback riding and the use of weaponry. She went on to marry Puran Singh, a soldier from the artillery unit of Rani Laxmibai’s army, who introduced her to the queen. Due to her uncanny resemblance to Laxmibai, she was inducted into the women’s wing of the army.
Disguising as Queen during the Rebellion of 1857
During the Rebellion of 1857, General Hugh Rose attacked Jhansi with a large army. While the Queen fought with 4000 of her troops inside the fort, Dulha Ju, in charge of one of the gates double crossed her, helping the British enter the fort. It was during this time, Jhalakaribai advised the queen to escape through another gate while she disguised and declared herself as queen leading to confusion.
Recognition in India
The Government of India’s Post and Telegraph department has issued a postal stamp depicting Jhalkaribai. President Ramnath Kovind unveiled the statue of Jhalkari Bai at Guru Tegh Bahadur Complex in Bhopal on 10 November 2017.
