The elephant obediently sank on its knees, responding to its mahout’s commands. Three men mounted it. A little girl came running up. Wait, I want to ride it too! I want to ride it too!’ she clamoured. The men ignored her pointedly. Her father Moropant pulled her away. It’s not in your destiny to ride elephants,’ he said. The girl’s large eyes flashed. ‘It’s my destiny to ride ten, Wait and see, Baba!’ A little girl Manikarnika, with an uncanny sense of her own destiny, grew up to be none other than the brave queen of Jhansi, R ani Lakshmibai. Trained in horse riding and the martial arts from an early age, Manu was married to Gangadhar Rao, the Maharaja of Jhansi, when she was thirteen. Soon after her husband’s death, the reins of the kingdom passed on to her, and she took up this responsibility undeterred and fearless. When Jhansi faced the danger of annexation, she fought against the British with unflinching courage, losing her life in the course of the battle. She has since become one of the most inspiring heroes of the freedom struggle and a much- admired role model. Deepa Agarwal chronicles the life and times of this legendary character in a gripping narrative, drawing a colourful portrait of bravery. This riveting account also includes nuggets of information about the eventful year 1857, making for a fascinating read.