From Jhansi Rani Laxmibai to Lakshman Rao - A journey through generations

 

All of us are quite familiar with Jhansi Rani Laxmi Bai and her tale of that resonates deeply within the fabric of India's struggle for independence. Also the none of us have forgotten the famous quote "Khoob ladi mardani, woh toh jhansi wali rani thi". Born Manikarnika Tambe in Varanasi, her legacy as the fierce warrior-queen of Jhansi has inspired the generations till date and it will keep inspiring ever to future generations. But few are aware of the journey that extended beyond her death in 1858 — a journey that connects the Royal past of Jhansi to the educational and intellectual achievements of Lakshman Rao in the 20th century and the two daughters of Lakshman rao who have are less known to the public and leading a very simple life away from glitter and glamour.

 

Rani Lakshmibai's life is a powerful saga of bravery, sacrifice, and resistance. After marrying Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar in 1842, she became the Queen of Jhansi. Following her husband's untimely death in 1853, Rani Lakshmibai adopted a son, Damodar Rao, to secure the succession to the throne. However, when the **British East India Company annexed Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse, she fought back, defying the British.

 

In 1857, during the Indian Rebellion, Rani Lakshmibai led her army to defend Jhansi, and despite an incredible battle, the British forces, led by Sir Hugh Rose, overpowered her. She escaped and continued to fight alongside other rebel leaders, including Tatya Tope. Her death in 1858 in the Battle of Gwalior marked the end of an era, but she became a symbol of India’s freedom struggle.

 

Her adoptive son, Damodar Rao, though unable to reclaim the throne of Jhansi, carried forward her legacy in a different form, as a symbol of defiance against colonial rule.

 

After Rani Lakshmibai’s death, Damodar Rao became a symbolic figure but never regained Jhansi. Forced to flee, he spent his life in Indore and Mysore, where he lived quietly under British supervision. Damodar Rao passed away in 1906. His legacy, however, was not forgotten. His life represented the harsh reality of many royal families who were left powerless after the annexations and betrayals by the British.

 

Lakshman Rao, a descendant of Damodar Rao, represents an entirely different facet of the legacy that started with Rani Lakshmibai. Lakshman Rao born in 1904 in Indore who was born into a family with a rich historical background, chose to dedicate his life to education and science.Lakshman Rao was raised in a time when the British Rajwas still in power. He moved to Mysuru(Mysore) for higher studies and became a prominent figure in the academic world. He completed his M.Sc. in Chemistry and served as a professor at Tumkur College, Bangalore Central college, Yuvaraja College in Mysore and Sahyadri College in Shivamogga

 

Despite his royal lineage, Lakshman Rao did not pursue political ambitions. Instead, he turned his attention to Kannada science literature, becoming a key contributor to the scientific discourse in the region. He was known for his works such as "Aahara", "Galileo", and "Vignana Vichara", which helped to popularize science among Kannada-speaking audiences.

 

Lakshman Rao’s life was one of quiet dignity. He married Jeevu Bai, and they had two daughters. However, little is known about their lives, as Lakshman Rao preferred to stay away from the public eye. His focus remained on education and intellectual development rather than political or royal matters. This marks a dramatic shift in the family’s trajectory. While Rani Lakshmibai was a symbol of resistance and national pride, Lakshman Rao became a beacon of intellectual achievement in a different era — an era that was shaped by the ideas of post-colonial India.

 

Although both figures were connected by blood, their lives were shaped by different circumstances. The first half of the 19th century saw the turmoil and resistance of Indian royals fighting for independence, while the early 20th century was marked by education, literature, and peaceful intellectual contributions.Lakshman Rao passed away in 2017 in Mysuru, leaving behind an enduring legacy as a science writerand educator. He lived a life that was in stark contrast to the struggles of his ancestors, but the connection between his family’s royal past and his own academic contributions provides a fascinating historical tapestry. From Rani Lakshmibai's fiery rebellion to Lakshman Rao’s dedication to education, the legacy continues to inspire future generations.

 

Though Rani Lakshmibaigave her life for freedom, it was Lakshman Rao’s intellectual contributions that shaped the future of knowledge in India. His work with Kannada science literature and his influence in the academic field ensured that the family’s legacy, although quiet, lived on in the minds and hearts of the people.

 

The transition from Rani Lakshmibai to Lakshman Rao encapsulates the evolution of India’s journey — from a land of royalty and rebellion to a nation shaped by education, science, and peace. While the spirit of Rani Lakshmibai's courage and resistance lives on in the history books, Lakshman Rao's contributions to knowledge serve as a testament to the power of education and intellectual resilience in shaping the future.

On a personal note though I was around these colleges, somehow missed to even at least see once this great personality in Mysore or Bangalore.

Thus, the journey of these two generations from freedom fighters to intellectual pioneers speaks to the broader evolution of a nation that has been shaped by both struggle and progress.

 

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