Oldest Depiction of Rani Lakshmibai Discovered

An ancient royal portrait, long kept in the archives of the Datia Museum, has been identified by experts as the oldest known contemporary depiction of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. The artwork, preserved on ancient paper with its gold dust still intact, was discovered during archival work.

Experts meticulously examined the painting, noting the use of natural pigments and extensive gold detailing, which are hallmarks of Datia's Bundela painters. This analysis led to the conclusion that the portrait dates to around 1853. It captures Rani Lakshmibai in rich Maratha attire, adorned with a jewelled crown, and mounted on an ornamented horse, possibly during a temple procession with soldiers and attendants.

Further analysis suggests the portrait may have been commissioned by Rani Lakshmibai herself, likely to commemorate the adoption of her son, Damodar Rao, an event that challenged British policy. This discovery offers a historically significant visual record of the queen years before the events of 1857.

Archaeologists theorize the painting may have reached Datia after the fall of Jhansi, possibly brought by cleaners sent to the city following the conflict. The portrait was among royal documents donated to the museum in 1986. This finding provides a more authentic representation compared to later, widely circulated images.