The Queen then directed that every poor person in the city be given a woolen cap, a jacket, and a blanket each, these things be distributed at a gathering of beggars four days hence. The tailors were summoned, and announcement was made across the city. On the fourth day, some four thousand beggars -- men, women and children -- gathered to collect warm clothing. There were a few ordinary poor among them, too.
A Queen's day
The Ladyship never hesitated to spend money. Her valour and generosity were priceless. The people in the Fort, as well as in the palace below were fed well. She wanted her protege to be happy, well-clothed.
Lakshmibai wrote well; she drafted her own ordinances. She habitually dressed like a man: a pair of trousers, a tunic or a jacket, a topee. She always carried a sword. After her husband's demise, she stopped wearing jewelery; except a couple of bangles and a pearl around the neck. Hair would be tied in a bun.
In the morning, after the bath, she would do pooja, wearing a white sari and a white blouse. There was a basil plant, and a lingam. There would be a recital of Puran, and noblemen would come to offer respects. There were around a hundred and fifty who came to pay court daily; if one of them was absent, she would ask him the next day why you were not there.
The Queen came to her office around noon. Dressed in man's outfit sometimes, sometimes in woman's. Secretary Lakshmanrao would be there, alongwith seven-eight clerks. This is how she went about her administration.
The Ladyship loved working out. She got up at dawn, to do malla-khamb, followed by an elephant ride, and a nutritious breakfast with milk, before the bath.
She had her own ways, but never crossed the line.
On Fridays and Tuesdays she visited the Mahalaxmi temple.
War was in the offing, preparations were on.
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