Subaltern Narratives of 1857: Commemorating Rani Lakshmibai and Lesser-Known Women Warriors

The Ministry of Culture recently organized a national seminar in Gwalior to commemorate the 168th death anniversary of Rani Lakshmibai, a legendary figure of the 1857 Uprising. While the 'Jhansi ki Rani' remains a central icon of Indian resistance, the seminar, titled 'Subaltern Women in the 1857 Uprising,' sought to shift the spotlight toward the lesser-known women warriors whose contributions were equally vital but often overlooked in mainstream historiography. The term 'subaltern' refers to marginalized groups existing outside the traditional power structures. The seminar highlighted that the 1857 resistance was not merely a conflict involving royalty and sepoys but a broad-based struggle involving women from diverse social backgrounds. Key figures discussed included Jhalkari Bai, a member of the 'Durga Dal' who famously disguised herself as the Queen to allow Lakshmibai to escape, and Uda Devi, a Pasi woman who led a battalion of women in the Battle of Sikandar Bagh. Other figures like Azizun Bai and the contributions of tribal women were also examined to provide a more holistic view of the rebellion.