June 17–18, 1858 · Central India Theater
June 17–18, 1858
After escaping Jhansi, Lakshmibai joined Tantia Tope and seized Gwalior fortress with its great arsenal. Hugh Rose followed rapidly. On June 18, Lakshmibai commanded one sector of the rebel defense and was killed — shot or cut down by a cavalry trooper, accounts differ. She was dressed in soldier's uniform, fighting on horseback. She was twenty-nine years old. Her body was cremated by followers before the British could take it. Tantia Tope escaped into the jungles and conducted guerrilla warfare for another year.
Commanders