Rani Lakshmibai in Time's list of daredevil wives

New York, Jul 23 (PTI) The young and fiery 19th
century queen Lakshmibai of Jhansi, who fought the British
valiantly in the 1857 war, has been listed by the Time
magazine with the likes of Michelle Obama and Sarah Palin
among 10 wives who were resolute even in troubled times.
The magazine compiled its list of 10 such women
following the much-talked about charge by Rupert Murdoch's
wife Wendi Dang against the man who tried to throw a pie at
her husband's face.
Among others who find their names mentioned in the
list are US first lady Michelle, Republican leader Sarah Palin
who was John McCain's running mate in the 2008 presidential
election in the US, ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra and Tiger
Woods former wife Elin Nordegren.
Listing the Rani of Jhansi, the magazine says that she
was born in a well established noble family and was struck by
ill-luck soon after marrying the King of Jhansi as her son
died, followed by her husband.
Then, in 1853, citing a lack of heirs, the British
East India Company annexed the territory as its own.
But four years later, Jhansi was swept by a
widespread, bloody rebellion against the East India Company
rule and the gallant Rani plunged into the battlefield
winning a few stunning battles for her husband's kingdom, the
magazine says.
Among other historical figures Queen Isabella of Spain
and the legendary Egyptian queen Cleopatra find their name on
the list.
Former first lady of US Eleanor Roosevelt along with
the present first lady Michelle also make it to the list which
praises their efforts to step out of the shadow of their
husbands and contribute in the field of community development.
The one-time Governor and Vice Presidential nominee,
Palin, known for her flamboyance and unabashed
straightforwardness also makes the cut.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, who have become a
model for gay marital bliss, jointly find a place in the list.
which also includes June Carter Cash and Melinda Gates.
Naming Elin Nordegren, the magazine says, she could
have stuck with the cheating Woods and all his fortune, but
decided to go her own way. PTI ASK
RCJ
She perished, according to lore, while fighting the
British on horseback in full armoured splendour at the young
age of 22. Her legend lives on in statues and Indian school
books to this day, it said about her valiant struggle.
In the magazine's list, the queen of Jhansi rubs
shoulders with some very strong women including historical
luminaries, first ladies to wives of business tycoons.