1. Many factors led to the revolt of 1857 but the main factor was the introduction of greased cartridges by the East India Company.
2. The sepoys had to bite the cartridge of the new Enfield rifle by their teeth. This was unacceptable to the soldiers as the cartridges were greased with beef and pork. Shocked at the Britishers' attempt to taint their religion, the soldiers joined hands in the collective mutiny.
3. It is believed that prior to sepoy mutiny, Lakshmibai was unwilling to rebel against the British but changed her mind in 1858 when commanding officer of the British forces, Sir Hugh Rose, demanded the surrender of Jhansi.
4. Rani Lakshmibai was determined to not give up on the Dominion of Jhansi and hence started assembling an army of rebellions, including women. She was supported by Tantia Tope and Nana Sahib.
5. Lakshmibai gave a great fight to the British as the siege of Jhansi lasted for about two weeks.
6. After a fierce war, when the British army entered Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai, tied her son Damodar Rao to her back and fought bravely using two swords in both her hands.
7. She escaped to Kalpi and was accompanied by other rebellions. She then departed to Gwalior and a fierce battle was fought between the British and Lakshmibai's army.
8. She died on June 17, 1958, martyring her life for India's freedom.