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Rani
Based on the life of Lakshmi Bai, Rani of Jhansi.
432 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2007
17 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Jaishree Misra
16 books54 followersJaishree Misra is an Indian author whose debut novel Ancient Promises was published and sold worldwide by Penguin UK and became a major bestseller in India. It is now a prescribed text on several University BA Eng Literature courses.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 11, 2011
As a review for a book, this might contain spoilers but since Rani Lakshmibai is a historic figure, the time line and major events in her life are well known.
As an Indian I know that Rani Lakshmibai is known as one of the greatest warriors in India and the fact that she was a woman gives her an entirely different status altogether. It is sad to know that not many people outside India know who she was.
Rani Lakshmibai was born in 1828 with the name Manikarnika and grew up under her fathers love and care. He taught her different languages and horsemanship and everything that was accessible only to a man in those days. She married at the tender age of 14 to the Raja Gangadhar Rao Nevalkar of Jhansi who was almost her fathers age. Manikarna became the Rani of Jhansi and her name was changed to Lakshmibai.
She gave birth to a son 8 years into the marriage but unfortunately he died when he was 4 months old. Her husband died soon after because of poor health. Barely in her 20′s, Rani Lakshmibai had to take over the reign’s of Jhansi. She adopted a boy whom she named Damodar as she had no son of her own. But the British, who had taken control over many provinces in India in the same pretext, refused to acknowledge Damodar as an heir.
As Rani Lakshmibai was trying to find a way out of her predicament, discontent was brewing among the natives in the British army. The discontent reached its peak when British wanted the sepoys to open the new Enfield rifles that were coated with beef and pork fat by biting them. As cows are sacred to the Hindu’s and pork not eaten by Muslims, it was the last straw along with the other problems the native army was facing. This led to the famous mutiny also known as India’s first war of Independence which started in May 1857 in Meerut after which it spread to various parts of India. Many English men and their families were slaughtered and a few of the territories taken back from the British.
Rani Lakshmibai was one of the leaders of the revolt and marched along with an army with her childhood friends Nanasahib and Tantia Tope to Gwalior. Rani Lakshmibai died in battle on June 17th 1958.
The author Jaishree Misra has not only managed to capture the warrior spirit that the Rani was reknown for but has also effectively managed to capture the woman in her. Ms. Misra shows us the child that Manikarnika would have been, the apprehension of a young girl that was married and made a Queen and the fear and helplessness that the woman and ruler of Jhansi felt. Along with this she also captured the loneliness caused by her husband’s and son’s early death and the kind of mother she would have been to her adopted son Damodar.
Rani is not just about Rani Lakshmibai’s life and rule as a Queen. It is, as every good historical novel should be, a story that is intermingled with the circumstances of that time-the British occupation of India and neighboring countries and the 1857 uprising. So the reader does get to know a lot about that time period. I was enraged by the British who conveniently changed policies to suit themselves. Although we were taught all this in school, the details in the book made me feel like I was learning everything all over again.
The only thing I didn’t like about the book is that Rani Lakshmi and Robert Ellis (the British political agent of Jhansi) were shown to have romantic inclinations towards each other, which not only seems absurd but could also hurt the sentiments of a few people (considering Ellis was British and hence enemy). I get what the author was trying to project but she should have taken into account how sensitive some Indians can be about their heroes. But I really do wish that the real Rani found some love with Robert Ellis in reality too. Other than that this book could be a little tedious for someone not interested in the Indian Freedom struggle or someone who is not aware of India and it’s freedom struggle at all.
This book deserves to be read just because it is one of the very few novels on Rani Lakshmibai. The fact that it is beautifully and sensitively written is a major plus point. Highly Recommended.
As an Indian I know that Rani Lakshmibai is known as one of the greatest warriors in India and the fact that she was a woman gives her an entirely different status altogether. It is sad to know that not many people outside India know who she was.
Rani Lakshmibai was born in 1828 with the name Manikarnika and grew up under her fathers love and care. He taught her different languages and horsemanship and everything that was accessible only to a man in those days. She married at the tender age of 14 to the Raja Gangadhar Rao Nevalkar of Jhansi who was almost her fathers age. Manikarna became the Rani of Jhansi and her name was changed to Lakshmibai.
She gave birth to a son 8 years into the marriage but unfortunately he died when he was 4 months old. Her husband died soon after because of poor health. Barely in her 20′s, Rani Lakshmibai had to take over the reign’s of Jhansi. She adopted a boy whom she named Damodar as she had no son of her own. But the British, who had taken control over many provinces in India in the same pretext, refused to acknowledge Damodar as an heir.
As Rani Lakshmibai was trying to find a way out of her predicament, discontent was brewing among the natives in the British army. The discontent reached its peak when British wanted the sepoys to open the new Enfield rifles that were coated with beef and pork fat by biting them. As cows are sacred to the Hindu’s and pork not eaten by Muslims, it was the last straw along with the other problems the native army was facing. This led to the famous mutiny also known as India’s first war of Independence which started in May 1857 in Meerut after which it spread to various parts of India. Many English men and their families were slaughtered and a few of the territories taken back from the British.
Rani Lakshmibai was one of the leaders of the revolt and marched along with an army with her childhood friends Nanasahib and Tantia Tope to Gwalior. Rani Lakshmibai died in battle on June 17th 1958.
The author Jaishree Misra has not only managed to capture the warrior spirit that the Rani was reknown for but has also effectively managed to capture the woman in her. Ms. Misra shows us the child that Manikarnika would have been, the apprehension of a young girl that was married and made a Queen and the fear and helplessness that the woman and ruler of Jhansi felt. Along with this she also captured the loneliness caused by her husband’s and son’s early death and the kind of mother she would have been to her adopted son Damodar.
Rani is not just about Rani Lakshmibai’s life and rule as a Queen. It is, as every good historical novel should be, a story that is intermingled with the circumstances of that time-the British occupation of India and neighboring countries and the 1857 uprising. So the reader does get to know a lot about that time period. I was enraged by the British who conveniently changed policies to suit themselves. Although we were taught all this in school, the details in the book made me feel like I was learning everything all over again.
The only thing I didn’t like about the book is that Rani Lakshmi and Robert Ellis (the British political agent of Jhansi) were shown to have romantic inclinations towards each other, which not only seems absurd but could also hurt the sentiments of a few people (considering Ellis was British and hence enemy). I get what the author was trying to project but she should have taken into account how sensitive some Indians can be about their heroes. But I really do wish that the real Rani found some love with Robert Ellis in reality too. Other than that this book could be a little tedious for someone not interested in the Indian Freedom struggle or someone who is not aware of India and it’s freedom struggle at all.
This book deserves to be read just because it is one of the very few novels on Rani Lakshmibai. The fact that it is beautifully and sensitively written is a major plus point. Highly Recommended.
June 9, 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I found the author's mix of history with fiction seamless. Her writing brings the period alive and her handling the emotions that surround human relationships and the manner in which she deals with the complexities of cross cultural emotional exchanges is masterly.
The garden scene where the two meet, with the scent of jasmine wafting around them in the night, captures frailty and strength, longing and hopelessness in such a poignant manner.
The garden scene where the two meet, with the scent of jasmine wafting around them in the night, captures frailty and strength, longing and hopelessness in such a poignant manner.
November 3, 2023
One of the best written historical fiction books I've ever read! The story has been built so beautifully entwined with real incidents and facts. Call it a tragic tale of a brave warrior fighting to win her loved land or a tragic love story, it's an interesting read. I could feel the emotions of each character as I read along and was tied to them throughout the book. The prologue and the epilogue were something that I loved and read 2-3 times! I wish there was a movie based on this book! 😛 Jaishree Misra has done a wonderful job and I look forward to reading other books of hers.
March 6, 2017
A historical fiction of the life of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. It starts off when she is thirteen years old and is about to get married to forty year old King Gangadhar of Jhansi. The preparations and the journey that takes Mani from Saturday House to Jhansi is so beautifully written, that you almost feel like a close spectator. The story weaves around how the rani becomes an important and indispensable part of the court of Jhansi. Once the King and her infant son dies, she does her best for her people. But Lord Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse causes the annexation of Jhansi. During this time, the rani finds herself falling in love with Robert Ellis, the British political advisor to Jhansi. The 1857 first war of independence - between the Indian mutiny and the British, shows the callousness of war. We see how evil begets more evil through instances like the massacre at Satiachaura Ghat and Bibigarh and its repercussions.
For me personally, It was a detailed understanding of British India. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
For me personally, It was a detailed understanding of British India. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
March 11, 2014
I have read about Rani Lakskmi Bai in my history lessons. History text books just give an 'on the pedestal' reference, nothing that does full justice to the actual human being. Read this well researched book to understand the full depth of the sepoy mutiny and the Lakshmi Bai's involvement. One thought that came to me as I read this book, was that NOTHING has changed in 300 years in terms of the divisive attitude, backstabbing and west is best attitude! And of course history is never written by the underdog!Jaishree Misra has her way with words - captivating way she weaves her magic with words!Do not miss this.
May 6, 2019
I never knew that histories can be said so beautifully.I really appreciate the effort taken by Jaishree Misra to write this beautiful book.I had goosebumps when I finished reading this book.I felt like this book had a lot to tell to its readers about the brave queen of Jhansi and how she leapt over all the hurdles in her life.It made me understand that the lives of the bravest and courageous was not that easy to live as they were also humans like all others with feelings and emotions...It is also a true story about two people who loved each other knowing their limits...and let go what their hearts felt devoting their hearts to were they belonged but not were their hearts belonged...
June 16, 2013
It has been on my to-read list for a long time, finally got to read it.
What I liked most, was the character building, the frailties, the hesitation, the vulnerabilities, the doubts of the queen. Thank God she is a normal woman! She is not described as a super-woman, cockily sure of herself. Wish there were more leaders like her.
The story line could have been more taut but I guess historical novels based on actual characters and real situations can only take the pace of life then.
Kudos to Ms Misra for her painstaking research and a thoroughly enjoyable writing.
What I liked most, was the character building, the frailties, the hesitation, the vulnerabilities, the doubts of the queen. Thank God she is a normal woman! She is not described as a super-woman, cockily sure of herself. Wish there were more leaders like her.
The story line could have been more taut but I guess historical novels based on actual characters and real situations can only take the pace of life then.
Kudos to Ms Misra for her painstaking research and a thoroughly enjoyable writing.
October 23, 2014
I thought the book was very well imagined. The author has done her research from The british records and includes incidents indians would not have heard off at all. For instance, the Kanpur Massacre. For the first time, you view Rani Laxmibai ,Nana Phadnavis and Tatya tope as how the British would have viewed her - as their adversaries. For anyone who loves historical novels, and getting under the skin of characters of famous people from a bygone era - their thoughts, their circumstances and timet travel back into a era with different customs - it is a lovely read.
February 22, 2015
Written with a lot of research to present the facts. The events leading to the Great Mutiny have been written so well. This book is a true tribute to the great Rani of Jhansi. Loved the book.
December 9, 2016
The history of Jhansi and her Rani was well written, with details added to make the character life-like.
August 18, 2017
Well-written, filled with vivid descriptions about era. Compelling story!
November 21, 2022
I gave this book a 5/5...
The Rani of Jhansi, an Indian queen, who fought against the East India Company in 1857 is only known for her valour. But Jaishree Mishra's portrayal of her as a child, pushed into royalty, touches your heart.
Rani, published in 2008, before ultra nationalism became mainstream, is beautifully written.
India, in the 19th century, was turbulent and Indian princely states had an uneasy alliance with the British.
When there kingdoms are slowly and surreptitiously being annexed by the British, resentment and grief grew
That led to the royals being involved in the Mutiny.
The brutality of the massacre of innocent British women and children, hidden by Indian history books, and the subsequent brutal retaliation by the British is also highlighted.
And caught in this upheaval is the Rani, a woman like any of us.
Do read.
But you will feel a lot of emotion- particularly anguish at the brutality of war.
The Rani of Jhansi, an Indian queen, who fought against the East India Company in 1857 is only known for her valour. But Jaishree Mishra's portrayal of her as a child, pushed into royalty, touches your heart.
Rani, published in 2008, before ultra nationalism became mainstream, is beautifully written.
India, in the 19th century, was turbulent and Indian princely states had an uneasy alliance with the British.
When there kingdoms are slowly and surreptitiously being annexed by the British, resentment and grief grew
That led to the royals being involved in the Mutiny.
The brutality of the massacre of innocent British women and children, hidden by Indian history books, and the subsequent brutal retaliation by the British is also highlighted.
And caught in this upheaval is the Rani, a woman like any of us.
Do read.
But you will feel a lot of emotion- particularly anguish at the brutality of war.
May 15, 2022
A beautiful writing about a terrible moment in history.
Misra sheds light on a particular point of view of the fraught event of the Great Mutiny. He handled it with care, compassion and understanding while still pointing out great injustices done on both sides. He developed his characters with care, but at times with way to much detail - so much so, one could get lost or be misled that detail was going to be important later. The political commentary was interesting - mostly because I like that stuff - but I could see how someone would think it heavy-handed or rambling.
I would certainly recommend this book for anyone who wants to know Indian history and the inner workings of the late feudal systems before the British Raj was really established. I am very happy to have this book as part of my collection and may revisit it in a few years time.
Misra sheds light on a particular point of view of the fraught event of the Great Mutiny. He handled it with care, compassion and understanding while still pointing out great injustices done on both sides. He developed his characters with care, but at times with way to much detail - so much so, one could get lost or be misled that detail was going to be important later. The political commentary was interesting - mostly because I like that stuff - but I could see how someone would think it heavy-handed or rambling.
I would certainly recommend this book for anyone who wants to know Indian history and the inner workings of the late feudal systems before the British Raj was really established. I am very happy to have this book as part of my collection and may revisit it in a few years time.
June 30, 2023
Ya it's historic fiction, I felt it doesn't needed to be that lengthy. Also the way story progresses is something I didn't like here. Lakshmi Bai here is not like that typical Lakshmi Bai and I know that is the author's artistic liberty. May be being an avid lover of Lakshmi Bai, being someone who knows facts cannot digest a fiction where she supported British for pretty much her entire life and then sudden realisation happened that they are good for nothing. And one day queen turned to warrior. Literally, I was disappointed how it went gradually. Still giving it 3 stars because descriptions was great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2020
I'm not a big fan of historical fiction but I like Jaishree Misra's books and gave it a go. It was a very slow read for me but I managed to finish it. Not that it was not interesting,it's just not my type of book. In the end, I liked what I learned about the Queen of Jhansi and the era of the Mutiny.
October 12, 2020
A good rendition with perfectly balanced history and fiction. The picture of a young woman who's forced to think the betterment of Jhansi first than her emotions and pleasure is precisely captured. Thoroughly enjoyed the read.
December 10, 2019
It is a wonderful glimpse into the life of a woman we know as Jhansi Ki Rani, a glimpse at the woman behind the legendary title. I loved the book.
August 11, 2016
Rani is an interesting book about the life of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. She is a famous historical figure in India and my image of her as a valiant almost ferocious queen seated on a horse probably came from Amar Chitra Katha depictions of her life. Jaisree Mishra's Rani is far more nuanced and we get to appreciate Lakshmibai as a multi faceted person who faced the challenges thrown at her with spirit.
Manikarnika is the daughter of a courtier in the erstwhile Pesha's court and is brought up in the household of the exiled Peshwa in Benares. Though she looses her mother at a young age, she has a happy child hood where she is educated along with her male cousins and has an affectionate relationship with her father. She enjoys her studies and is a fearless horse rider. From an early age she is aware of the politics of the British rule in India. At the age of 13 she is married to Raja Gangadhar of Jhansi - a small principality with allegiance to the British. The Raja is a widower and treats his wife with affection and also encourages her to become involved in administrative affairs. At the time, the East India Company was slowly annexing many independent states. The Raja of Jhansi had been anointed by the British when the previous Raja had died leaving no clear heirs. While he retained the title of Rajah, his sovereignity was limited and all adminstrative decisions were taken by the British. The peasants paid taxes directly to the British revenue collectors.
Manikarnika is the daughter of a courtier in the erstwhile Pesha's court and is brought up in the household of the exiled Peshwa in Benares. Though she looses her mother at a young age, she has a happy child hood where she is educated along with her male cousins and has an affectionate relationship with her father. She enjoys her studies and is a fearless horse rider. From an early age she is aware of the politics of the British rule in India. At the age of 13 she is married to Raja Gangadhar of Jhansi - a small principality with allegiance to the British. The Raja is a widower and treats his wife with affection and also encourages her to become involved in administrative affairs. At the time, the East India Company was slowly annexing many independent states. The Raja of Jhansi had been anointed by the British when the previous Raja had died leaving no clear heirs. While he retained the title of Rajah, his sovereignity was limited and all adminstrative decisions were taken by the British. The peasants paid taxes directly to the British revenue collectors.
November 27, 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is always interesting to read about places that you have visited and read about people that are not completely unfamiliar to you. This does not mean that I lived during her time, it is just that many familiar names kept popping up.
November 12, 2019
For anyone who loves historical novels, and getting under the skin of characters of famous people from a bygone era - their thoughts, their circumstances and time travel back into a era with different customs - it is a lovely read.
October 15, 2012
nice, with all that history included!
April 13, 2016
amazing story................... really touched my heart..................
Read
April 28, 2017Lovely Book on Rani of Jhansi , we know as a queen who fought with valor , but there is lot more to her persona. You need to read this book to know , lot of research and detailing of the events . The dress of people at that time the festivity , the beauty of the palaces. All woven into a beautiful story called "Rani" . Kudos to the Author Jaishree Misra
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews