Annexation of Jhansi

J W Dalrymple; the under secretary to the governor generation sent specific instructions to Malcolm who in February 1854 issued a promulgation which merely said that “the governor general had declined to confirm and sanction the said adoption.” The difficult task of breaking the news to the Rani fell on Major Ellis, the man who had always maintained a soft corner both for her and the kingdom of Jhansi.
Ellis called on Rani, on the 16th of March. Without much ado, he read the contents of the letter. The news came as a thunderbolt to the already apprehensive Rani but she said in a firm and determined voice “Apni Jhansi nahi dungi” – “I will not give my Jhansi”

Some vulgar Marxist historians have made much of the above statement. They have claimed that it betrays a feudal mindset on the part of the Rani. On the contrary, this statement only asserts the Rani’s bond with her kingdom and her citizens were of the highest order; she belonged to Jhansi and all of Jhansi belonged to her; their affection towards each other was perfectly mutual. In her; her people found the embodiment of the perfect ruler; in them she saw her lifeblood. Moreover, the very fact that the Rani led such an inconspicuous lifestyle, oblivious to the decadent charms that feudal lordship had to offer naturally smashes to smithereens all doubts cast on her motives behind desiring to retain Jhansi.

As the news spread, gloom and sorrow spread across the town. It was the day of Holi; the festival of colour; of gaiety and wild abandon. But people of Jhansi did not play Holi that day; and since then Holi is not celebrated in Jhansi as a mark of remembrance for the solemn occasion. [10] Elsewhere, it was a day of mourning. The shops remained closed, no fires were lits. Thousands of people went to the palace barefoot and bareheaded; the Hindu sign of grief. The Rani consoled them, and asked them to return home.
As Ellis proceeded to complete the formalities like disbanding the Rani’s army; paying off the servants; the Rani retired into her chambers. She wept bitterly that day; and refused to touch any food or water.

The Rani subsequently moved to a modest three storeyed structure; the Rani Mahal.
The only provision favorable to her was that her son was allowed to retain the private property of his father. Even that came with a cache. The rani while being the legal guardian could not use the money or take decisions for her son’s future. For instance; when she decided to borrow money for her son’s thread ceremony from the amount; the British government refused it. The Raja had some outstanding debts, which were settled from his private account rather than the state account. She was offered a petty 5000 rupees lifetime monthly pension. Dalhousie’s absolute disregard for the aspirations of the Rani can be gauged from the fact; that he refused to even hand over the state jewels and private funds remaining after settling the state accounts and which naturally belonged to the Rani. This also once again displays the pathetically pervert mindset of the Marcus of Dalhousie.

Soon, she started writing to several British authorities arguing her case. She was able to convince several people of the injustice meted out to her. She also consulted the famous lawyer John Lang, who matter of factly told her that futile would be any opposition. Lang was clearly overawed by the occasion for she was truly an extraordinary woman, who was at once clever, impulsive and polite and could mix in the right degree of womanly charm and strength of character befitting a ruler concerned about the interests of her kingdom, her subjects and her son. Her fluctuating moods, changing from anger to light hearted banter, her quick temper melting into a frivolous giggle, fascinated her visitor. [John Lang]



For the next three years; although uneventful in themselves were to set stage for bigger things to come. A hatred for all things British enveloped the town of Jhansi. The annexation they used to say was worse than the murders committed by the thugs, who robbed and strangled people only one at a time; for Dalhousie had put a noose round the necks of the entire people.