Accuracy of the Movie Manikarnika: Factually Correct or Historical Inaccuracies?

Introduction

The movie 'Manikarnika' claims to portray the life and times of Rani Lakshmibai, the powerful leader of Jhansi during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. However, as this article delves into, the film raises several questions about its factual accuracy and historical portrayal. This analysis aims to provide a clear comparison between the movie and historical records, highlighting the significant discrepancies.

Historical Inaccuracy: Rani Lakshmibai as a Freedom Fighter

One of the central claims in the film is that Rani Lakshmibai fought as a freedom fighter and led a rebellion against the British. However, this portrayal is overly simplified and largely inaccurate.

‘She didn’t fight on behalf of Jhansi or India. She just fought for herself when she was forced to do so.’

Historical records indicate that Rani Lakshmibai was initially married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, in May 1842. She adopted the name 'Lakshmibai' in honor of the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Her son, Damodar Rao, was born in 1851 and tragically died after four months. After the Maharaja's death, the British East India Company annexed Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse, effectively removing Lakshmibai from her role.

Political Context: The Annexation and Exile

On November 1853, when the British annexed Jhansi, Lakshmibai was given a pension and forcibly ordered to leave the fort. She then became involved in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which began in Meerut on May 10, 1857. In Jhansi, she defended the city and its treasury against rebels who had seized the fortress.

Key Events:

10 May 1857: The Indian Rebellion started. Lakshmibai initially approached Captain Alexander Skene, a British political officer, for permission to form a volunteer militia to protect herself. Skene agreed to this. June 1857: Rebels of the 12th Bengal Native Infantry seized the treasured and magazine of the Star Fort, massacring over 40 British officers and their families. This incident is still a subject of debate regarding Lakshmibai's involvement. 2 July 1857: Lakshmibai defeated a rival prince's claim to the throne, leading to an invasion by British allies. She appealed to the British for aid but was told that they suspected her involvement in the massacre, and no help was provided. 24 March 1858: After a prolonged siege, the British forces breached the Jhansi Fort. Lakshmibai retreated to Kalpi and continued her fight against the British.

The Battle of Kotah-ki-Serai

Lakshmibai's final battle occurred on June 17, 1858, near the Phool Bagh of Gwalior. During this engagement, she was recognized and fatally wounded, ultimately leading to her death after being shot by a British soldier. Historians provide eyewitness accounts and letters from that time, emphasizing the factual accuracy of her tragic end.

Aftermath and Legacy

After Lakshmibai's death, her adopted son, Damodar Rao, was approached by a British official, but he refused to claim his inheritance. He instead requested a pension, symbolizing his loyalty to the Britishers rather than his native land.

Historical evidence consistently suggests that Rani Lakshmibai fought to protect herself and her adopted son, not as a radical freedom fighter. Her loyalty to the British is evident in her repeated requests for aid and her willingness to negotiate with them. The movie 'Manikarnika' fails to provide a nuanced portrayal of these events.

In conclusion, the film 'Manikarnika' and many other popular portrayals oversimplify the complex events of the Indian Rebellion and Lakshmibai's role in them. Her actions were driven by the political and social context of the time rather than a desire to liberate India. Historical records offer a clearer, more accurate account of her true legacy.