- Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi (1831–1858) was an important woman leader of the Revolt of 1857, associated with Ramgarh in present-day Madhya Pradesh.
- Birth: 16 August 1831, Manakehni village, Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Family: Daughter of Rao Jujhar Singh, a zamindar.
- Marriage: Married Vikramaditya Singh, son of Ramgarh ruler King Lakshman Singh.
- Ramgarh: After Vikramaditya Singh became ruler but remained ill, Avanti Bai took over the administration.
- British Intervention: The British declared her husband incapable and her sons Aman Singh and Sher Singh minors, bringing Ramgarh under the Court of Wards.
- Resistance: She expelled the British-appointed officials and resumed administration of Ramgarh.
- Revolt of 1857: She mobilised local rulers, zamindars and malguzars against British rule.
- Khairi Battle: On 23 November 1857, her forces defeated the army of Waddington, the then Deputy Commissioner of Mandla.
- Death: In March 1858, while surrounded by British forces, she chose self-sacrifice rather than capture.
- Legacy: Remembered for courage, leadership, resistance to colonial rule and sacrifice.
Prelims Trap
Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi → Ramgarh → Mandla region → Revolt of 1857 → Madhya Pradesh
Prelims Question — English
Q. With reference to Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi, consider the following statements:
- She was associated with the Ramgarh princely state in present-day Madhya Pradesh.
- She played an important role in the Revolt of 1857.
- She defeated the British forces under Waddington at the Battle of Khairi.
- She was associated with Jhansi during the Revolt of 1857.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi was the queen of Ramgarh and a prominent leader in the 1857 uprising in the Mandla region. She defeated Waddington’s forces at Khairi. She was not associated with Jhansi; Jhansi was associated with Rani Lakshmibai.
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