In the region of Jansi, there was a woman whose name was Jalkaribai, born in a Dalit family

in 1830.

In those days, she was not allowed to attend school.

Instead, her father trained her in horse riding and using weapons.

Local lore says that she once gave a tiger that was attacking the villagers.

She married a soldier in the Jansi army.

This is where Rani Lakshmi Bhai noticed that Jalkaribai was a very brave woman.

When she found out about Jalkaribai's bravery and skills, Rani Lakshmi Bhai ensured that

she was trained further in warfare.

During Jansi's war with British, after the king died, rumours say that it was Jalkaribai

who asked Rani Lakshmi Bhai to escape with the infant prince for his safety.

In a heroic step, Jalkaribai dressed up as the queen or Lakshmi Bhai and led the battle

while the queen escaped along with the infant prince.

They say she fought like a tiger, killing many British soldiers and finally died fighting.

Many Dalit communities in Bundelkhand look up to her as a goddess even today and celebrate

Jalkaribai Jainti every year.

We do not know how many such unsung heroes laid down their lives for India's freedom.

As we celebrate the 75th year of independence, this is my effort to bring forth as many stories

of such forgotten martyrs as possible.

Jalkaribai, not a queen, not of royal birth, but born in a low caste family but rose to

a heroic heights of fighting the British and she is immortalized in that region.

It's time the nation remembers her.

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