Jhalkari Bai (often referred to as Jhalkari Devi) belonged to the Kori caste, which is a dalit community. She was born in the village of Bhojla near Jhansi. Her father, Sadoba Singh, was a humble man, and she lost her mother at a very young age. Because of her background, she didn’t have a formal education. Instead, she spent her youth learning to hunt, ride horses, and use weapons—skills that eventually led her to the Rani’s army.
Jhalkari Bai’s husband, Puran Kori, was also a brave soldier in the Jhansi army. It is said that the Rani Laxmibai first noticed Jhalkari during a festival and was struck by her bravery and her uncanny physical resemblance to herself. Impressed by the bravery and mastery in weapons, Jhalkari Bai was inducted into the Durga Dal (the women’s wing of the Jhansi army). Due to Jhalkari Bai’s striking physical resemblance to the Rani of Jhansi, she played a strategic role that allowed the resistance to the aggression of British forces.
Jhalkari’s important combat role
Hugh Rose was the commander of the Central India Field Force sent to suppress the rebellion in Bundelkhand. When he arrived at the gates of Jhansi in March 1858, he demanded the unconditional surrender of the city. Recognizing that surrender meant the end of her sovereignty and likely her execution, the Rani chose to defend the fort.
On the one side a Rajpoot commander Dulaji Thakur back stabbed Jhansi ki Rani Laxmibai by joining hands with the British forces. Dulaji opened the secret Orcha Gate (Southern Gate) for the British Army and the fort was compromised. On the other-hand a woman soldier from the deprived classes (untouchables) Jhalkari Bai stands like mountain with Rani Laxmibai and proved the dedicated and love for the motherland.
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The Siege of Jhansi (1858)
When Sir Hugh Rose’s forces breached the walls of the Jhansi fort due to betrayal by a local commander, Dulaji Thakur, the Rani was urged to escape to continue the fight from outside.
Jhalkari Bai dressed in the Rani’s royal attire, took command of the forces, and rode out to confront the British. She purposefully allowed herself to be “captured” by the British, who initially believed they had caught the Rani herself. This confusion gave Rani Lakshmibai the critical hours needed to jump from the fort wall on her horse, Badal, and escape toward Kalpi.
Both fought fiercely during the capture of Gwalior and the final defense against the pursuing British forces. While historical accounts vary, most state that she died fighting during the final days of the Gwalior campaign, shortly before or after the Rani’s death at Kotah-ki-Serai. The Rani died on June 18, 1858, while fighting the 8th Hussars near the Phool Bagh area of Gwalior.
Jhalkari Bai is celebrated as a “Dalit Veerangana” (brave Dalit woman). The Government of India released a postage stamp in her honor in 2001. A statue of Jhalkari Bai also stands at Guru Tegh Bahadur Complex in Bhopal and in various parts of Jhansi. Her story is preserved in the oral traditions and folk songs of the Bundelkhand region, often sung alongside the praises of Rani Lakshmibai.
In this way Jhalkari Bai a legendary aide of Rani Lakshmibai played a crucial role in the historic Siege of Jhansi (March 1858) and the subsequent Battle of Gwalior (June 1858).
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