She was born on 22nd November in 1830
at Bhojla village near Jhansi. She was a close friend and commander of the
women's army wing of Rani Lakshmibai. She attained martyrdom fighting against
the British in the war of Independence of 1857.
Once, Rani Lakshmibai invited the
women of the villages of Jhansi to attend Gauri (Maa Shakti) Puja at the Jhansi
Fort. Jhalkaribai, wife of Pooran Kori, a soldier of the Jhansi army, was among
the ladies who accompanied other village ladies to Jhansi fort to be part of
the Puja. Lakshmibai’s eyes fell on Jhalkaribai.Rani was struck by Jhalkaribai’s
uncanny resemblance with her.
Lakshmibai enquired about her look-alike.
Rani had lost her mother when she was 4 years old. Jhalkaribai too lost her
mother at a very young age. Besides, Jhalkaribai killed a leopard with her
herding stick while tending cattle.She was also involved in other brave
exploits.
Lakshmibai immediately inducted Jhalkaribai into the women contingent of the Jhansi Army called Durga Dal. Later, during battle with the British, on the 10th day, a traitor opened the gate of Jhansi fort for the British to enter. It was Jhalkaribai who disguised as Rani and misled the British army, facilitated Lakshmibai’s safe escape from the fort for gathering forces. Jhalkaribai attained martyrdom at the hands of the British.
