Rani Laxmi Bai Birthplace

Rani Lakshmibai was born probably on 19 November 1835 in the holy town of Varanasi into a Brahmin family. She was named Manikarnika and was nicknamed Manu.Her father was Moropant Tambe and her mother Bhagirathi Bai. Her parents came from Maharashtra.Her mother died when she was four. Her father worked for a court Peshwa of Bithoor district who brought Manikarnika up like his own daughter.The Peshwa called her "Chhabili", which means "playful".She was educated at home. She was more independent in her childhood than others of her age; her studies included archery, horsemanship, and self-defence.

Manikarnika was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar Rao, in 1842, and was afterwards called Lakshmibai (or Laxmibai).