Veerangana Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi Memorial Award
Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi (born August 16, 1831 – died March 20, 1858), born in the village of Mankedi, District Seoni (Madhya Pradesh), was an Indian woman, a freedom fighter, and the first martyr among warrior women. She was a heroine of the royal family of Ramgarh in Madhya Pradesh. Following her rebellion, the British government confiscated her family’s estate and appointed others as landlords. She is known as a fierce opponent of the British East India Company during the 1857 Indian Rebellion.
When the British declared King Vikramajit Singh of Ramgarh insane, and Amarnath Singh and Sher Singh as minors, they attempted to seize the Ramgarh state under the pretext of the Court of Wards, placing it under the “Court of Vice” control. Rani Avanti Bai was aware of the consequences of this British seizure policy. Nonetheless, she expelled the appointed administrators from Ramgarh. In 1855, Raja Vikramaditya Singh died in an accident, leaving Rani as the guardian and protector of the state for her young sons. She ordered the farmers not to obey British directives, a stance that increased her popularity. Rani Avanti Bai’s message to “Be ready to fight the British, or wear bangles and stay at home” became a symbol of unity and strength, while the “bangle ceremony” symbolized a powerful gathering to awaken bravery and rally support for revolution against the British.
To honor the valor, bravery, courage, and inner strength of women, the "Veerangana Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi Memorial Award" has been established.
Samman Intake
2024
Paliguda, District Kabirdham