Mandar was a young Muslim woman who served as a personal bodyguard and a close, trusted companion to Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi. Described as a childhood friend and one of the Rani’s ‘maids of honour’, she was a loyal associate who accompanied the queen from Jhansi and fought alongside her during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Her story culminates in the final, fateful battle at Kotah-ki-Sarai, near Gwalior, on June 17 or 18, 1858. Accounts of the battle consistently place Mandar at the Rani’s side during the fierce fighting against British forces. A British report from Robert Hamilton, the Governor-General’s agent for Central India, dated October 30, 1858, provides a key account of the event. He stated, “Rani was riding a horse. Another Muslim woman was riding with her, who used to be her servant as well as a companion for many years. Both fell from the horse with the bullet wounds simultaneously”.This companion is identified as Mandar (also spelt Moondar or Mundar).
Historical narratives confirm that Mandar was killed in the same engagement where Rani Laxmibai was mortally wounded, laying down her life alongside the queen she had served so loyally. Her presence and simultaneous fall with the Rani underscore her dedication and bravery until the very end. Another British officer, John Venables Sturt, even claimed that the body the British initially recovered was Mandar’s, not the Rani’s, highlighting the close proximity of the two women in their final moments. Mandar’s sacrifice remains a powerful symbol of the personal loyalty and solidarity that marked the 1857 uprising.