Archive · 3 Aug 2025
The Hunt for the Real Rani: Unmasking a Photo's True Identity
Imagine someone found an old photo and thought it was a famous queen named Rani Lakshmibai.
They shared it, but then they weren't sure if it was real!
They looked for answers everywhere – in libraries, museums, and even in England.
It took many years of searching to learn that the picture wasn't of the queen, but a princess from a different place.
This shows us how important it is to check if things are true, especially when we learn about history.
A photograph initially believed to be of Rani Lakshmibai was found in various sources.
The image's authenticity was questioned, leading to a seven-year investigation.
Experts and archivists examined the image across multiple locations.
The photograph was identified as a princess of Tanjore, not Rani Lakshmibai.
The misidentification highlighted the impact of Rani Lakshmibai's legacy.
- Who
- Ram Rahman, Teesta Setalvad, Sophie Gordon, and other experts were involved.
- What
- An investigation to verify the identity of a photograph.
- When
- The search spanned approximately seven years, starting around 2006-2007.
- Where
- The search involved locations in India and the UK, including Delhi, Bhopal, Hyderabad, and Windsor Castle.
- Why
- To authenticate a photograph believed to be of Rani Lakshmibai.
- Subject of Initial Photo
- Rani Lakshmibai (misidentified)
- Actual Subject
- Princess of Tanjore
- Duration of Investigation
- Approx. 7 years
- Photo Studio (Likely)
- Bourne and Shepherd
- Image Source (Initial)
- Savarkar's book
- Final Source
- Royal Collection at Windsor Castle