A PORTRAIT OF RANI LAXMI BAI Jaipur, India, second half 19th century gouache with gold on paper, depicted on horseback wielding two swords, mounted 352 x 264mm Rani Laxmi Bai,(1828-1858), ruler of Jhansi, is one of India's most celebrated nationalist heroines, famous as a key figure during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. She had originally supported the British aims, but felt betrayed when they failed to come to her aid against rival forces. As a rebel, she was seen by the British as exceptionally dangerous. She died in battle in 1858.