New York: The young and fiery 19th century queen Lakshmibai of Jhansi, who fought the British valiantly in the 1857 war, has been listed by the Time magazine with the likes of Michelle Obama and Sarah Palin among 10 wives who were resolute even in troubled times.

The magazine compiled its list of 10 such women following the much-talked about charge by Rupert Murdoch's wife Wendi Deng against the man who tried to throw a pie at her husband's face.

Among others who find their names mentioned in the list are US first lady Michelle, Republican leader Sarah Palin who was John McCain's running mate in the 2008 presidential election in the US, ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra and Tiger Woods former wife Elin Nordegren.

Listing the Rani of Jhansi, the magazine says that she was born in a well-established noble family and was struck by ill luck soon after marrying the King of Jhansi as her son died, followed by her husband.

Then, in 1853, citing a lack of heirs, the British East India Company annexed the territory as its own.

But four years later, Jhansi was swept by a widespread, bloody rebellion against the East India Company rule and the gallant Rani plunged into the battlefield winning a few stunning battles for her husband's kingdom, the magazine says.

She perished, according to lore, while fighting the British on horseback in full armoured splendour at the young age of 22. Her legend lives on in statues and Indian school books to this day, it said about her valiant struggle.

In the magazine's list, the queen of Jhansi rubs shoulders with some very strong women including historical luminaries, first ladies to wives of business tycoons.

Among other historical figures, Queen Isabella of Spain and the legendary Egyptian queen Cleopatra find their name on the list.

Former first lady of the US Eleanor Roosevelt along with the present first lady Michelle also make it to the list which praises their efforts to step out of the shadow of their husbands and contribute in the field of community development.

The one-time Governor and Vice Presidential nominee, Palin, known for her flamboyance and unabashed straightforwardness also makes the cut.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, who have become a model for gay marital bliss, jointly find a place in the list which also includes June Carter Cash and Melinda Gates.

Reason for naming Elin Nordegren, the magazine says, she could have stuck with the cheating Woods and all his fortune, but decided to go her own way.


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