Avantibai (died 20 March 1858) is a freedom fighter and queen of what is now Dindori in Madhya Pradesh, which in her time was called Ramgarh. An opponent of the British East India Company during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, information concerning her is sparse and mostly comes from folklore. She is claimed as a member of the Lodhi caste and has been used as an icon in politics in the 21st century.
Said in folklore to be a member of the Lodhi caste,Avantibai was the queen of Vikramaditya Singh of Ramgarh estate,[2] which now lies in Dindori district, Madhya Pradesh.Upon the death of her husband in 1851, Avantibai attempted to act as regent for her son, Amar Singh, who was a minor. The British authorities did not accept this and the Court of Wards appointed an administrator to oversee his affairs.She threw the administrator out and declared war against the British.
When the revolt of 1857 broke out, Avantibai raised and led an army of 4000.[citation needed] Her first battle with the British took place in the village of Kheri near Mandla, where she and her army were able to defeat the British forces. However, stung by the defeat the British came back with vengeance and launched an attack on Ramgarh. Avantibai moved to the hills of Devharigarh for safety. The British army set fire to Ramgarh, and turned to Devhargarh to attack the queen.
Avantibai resorted to guerilla warfare to fend of the British army.She committed suicide with her sword on 20 March 1858 when facing almost certain defeat in battle.
When the revolt of 1857 broke out, Avantibai raised and led an army of 4000.[citation needed] Her first battle with the British took place in the village of Kheri near Mandla, where she and her army were able to defeat the British forces. However, stung by the defeat the British came back with vengeance and launched an attack on Ramgarh. Avantibai moved to the hills of Devharigarh for safety. The British army set fire to Ramgarh, and turned to Devhargarh to attack the queen.
Avantibai resorted to guerilla warfare to fend of the British army.She committed suicide with her sword on 20 March 1858 when facing almost certain defeat in battle.
