Rani Lakshmibai

Rani Lakshmibai in her war gear. (Wikipedia ())

Heroes come in all different shapes and sizes.  Some people who you look past everyday may someday come to your attention and awe.  To define a hero, there are some characteristics I believe are very crucial to being a hero.  Some of these characteristics may include courage, intelligence, care for the wellbeing of their people and society, and above all, a lot of determination and perseverance, because just like us, heroes don't achieve everything on their first try.  One person that I believe has all these qualities is the Queen of Jhansi.   

The Queen of Jhansi (Rani Lakshmibai) was born in the year 1835 (when the British were ruling in India).  Her father worked at a court of an exiled Peshwa (similar to a modern day prime minister).  As a child, when girls her age were playing with dolls, she used to take formal training arts, such as archery, sword fighting, and fencing.  In 1842, age 11, she became the second wife of Gangadhar Rao (the king of Jhansi).  In 1851, Rani Lakshmibai had her first son, but unfortunately it died after four months.  After the death of their son, another child was adopted because the king was ill and Jhansi needed an heir before he died.  The day after the child was adopted, Gangadhar Rao died.  

The adopted son was not considered a legal heir, so in 1854, the British ruler ordered 60,000 rupees (Indian currency) for the queen and also ordered to leave the fort of Jhansi.  The queen refused to give up Jhansi to the Britishers.  This caused the British to attack Jhansi in 1858.  Rani Lakshmibai and her warriors bravely fought the war, but unfortunately, they lost the war.  That day, the British entered the city of Jhansi and attacked.  The queen and her warriors were ready.  With nowhere else to leave him,  Rani Lakshmibai strapped her son tightly to her back and headed out to attack.  The queen fought with patriotism and determination but unfortunately, on June 18, 1858, at the age of 23, Rani Lakshmibai lost her life.

I believe that Rani Lakshmibai contains all the qualities that a hero should have.  She had courage while fighting for the freedom of Jhansi, she was intelligent when she made choices for the state.  She cared about the people of Jhansi and played a big role in the fight for freedom.  Most of all, Rani had endless determination and perseverance while fighting.  Even though she didn't win, her efforts and bravery are well known, even today. This is why I consider Rani Lakshmibai as a hero.