Singh said Rani Avantibai Lodhi had displayed extraordinary courage while confronting

Rajnath Singh speaking after unveiling statue in Lucknow.

The Defence Minister described Rani Avantibai’s role in the 1857 uprising as one of the most glorious chapters in India’s history. Singh said Rani Avantibai Lodhi had displayed extraordinary courage while confronting the British at the age of just 27.

Speaking after unveiling her statue in Lucknow, Singh said women pilots and soldiers had played an important role in India’s actions against terrorism in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir during Operation Sindoor. He described their contribution as a symbol of the “new India’s women power”, which is leading the country in every field. He said the nation could never forget her unwavering devotion to the motherland and the extraordinary courage she displayed while leading her kingdom under extremely difficult circumstances. Recalling her message to other rulers, Singh said Rani Avantibai had urged them to prepare themselves to defend the country or “wear bangles and sit at home”. He said she demonstrated exceptional military leadership by defeating British forces under Waddington in the Battle of Kheri with the support of farmers and ordinary people. Singh said that when the British attacked her again with a larger force and surrounded her army, Rani Avantibai refused to surrender. The Defence Minister said her life conveyed the message that no one should bow before injustice or compromise with self-respect. He said the statue was not merely a memorial made of stone and metal, but a living representation of India’s glorious history. Recalling former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh, Singh said he had served as a minister in his cabinet. Kalyan Singh had resigned as chief minister after the firing on kar sevaks, he said, calling it an example of self-respect.

Despite adverse circumstances, she took charge of her kingdom and established an example of good governance. She sacrificed her life on the battlefield with her own sword, remaining committed to her resolve that no enemy should touch her while she was alive. It would encourage children to learn about her bravery, leadership, patriotism and sacrifice.

LUCKNOW: Drawing a parallel between the courage displayed by India’s women during Operation Sindoor and the legacy of freedom fighter Rani Avantibai Lodhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the warrior queen’s life remains a timeless symbol of patriotism, sacrifice and resistance against injustice.