Rani Lakshmi Bai as a Feminist Icon: Examining Her Role in Shaping Modern Indian Feminist Movement

Abstract

Rani Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi, is not only remembered for her bravery during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 but also as an enduring symbol of feminist resistance in Indian history. This article explores how Rani Lakshmi Bai’s life, leadership, and struggle against colonial rule have shaped modern Indian feminist movements. It investigates how her image has been reconstructed by feminist scholars, activists, and cultural narratives to challenge patriarchy and colonialism, and how her legacy inspires contemporary feminist struggles in India. Through a critical analysis of historical accounts, literary representations, and feminist interpretations, this article argues that Rani Lakshmi Bai’s legacy transcends her immediate historical context, emerging as a potent symbol of female empowerment in India.