New York, Jul 23: The young and fiery 19th century queen Lakshmibai of Jhansi, who fought the British valiantly in the 1857 war, has been listed by the Time magazine with the likes of Michelle Obama and Sarah Palin among 10 wives who were resolute even in troubled times.
The magazine compiled its list of 10 such women following the much-talked about charge by Rupert Murdoch's wife Wendi Dang against the man who tried to throw a pie at her husband's face.
Among others who find their names mentioned in the list are US first lady Michelle, Republican leader Sarah Palin who was John McCain's running mate in the 2008 presidential election in the US, ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra and Tiger Woods former wife Elin Nordegren.
Listing the Rani of Jhansi, the magazine says that she was born in a well established noble family and was struck by ill-luck soon after marrying the King of Jhansi as her son died, followed by her husband.
Then, in 1853, citing a lack of heirs, the British East India Company annexed the territory as its own. But four years later, Jhansi was swept by a widespread, bloody rebellion against the East India Company rule and the gallant Rani plunged into the battlefield winning a few stunning battles for her husband's kingdom, the magazine says.
She perished, according to lore, while fighting the British on horseback in full armoured splendour at the young age of 22. Her legend lives on in statues and Indian school books to this day, it said about her valiant struggle.
In the magazine's list, the queen of Jhansi rubs shoulders with some very strong women including historical luminaries, first ladies to wives of business tycoons. PTI
