Frederick III of Denmark vs Rani Lakshmibai

During the Second Northern War, Swedish forces besieged Copenhagen. Frederick III led the city's defense, rallying citizens and soldiers. The successful resistance, aided by Dutch naval relief, saved the Danish monarchy and led to the Treaty of Copenhagen, which established Denmark's modern borders.

After the war, Frederick III staged a bloodless coup, using the Estates' gratitude for his leadership to force through a constitutional change. He abolished the elective monarchy and the Council of the Realm, concentrating power in his own hands and paving the way for the Lex Regia.

Frederick III oversaw the introduction of the Lex Regia (Kongeloven), which formally established absolute hereditary monarchy in Denmark-Norway. This constitution, one of the most absolute in Europe, gave the king unlimited legislative, executive, and judicial power, ending the power of the nobility.

Rani Lakshmibai led the defense of Jhansi against a British siege under Sir Hugh Rose. She organized the city's fortifications and personally commanded troops, but the British captured the fort after intense fighting.

After the fall of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai escaped with a small force to Kalpi. She joined Tantia Tope and other rebel leaders, continuing the fight against the British in central India.

Rani Lakshmibai and Tantia Tope captured Gwalior from the British-aligned Scindia ruler. This victory briefly established a rebel government, but the British recaptured the city within weeks.

Rani Lakshmibai was killed in combat near Gwalior while fighting British forces. She was wounded by a cavalry charge and died on the battlefield, becoming a symbol of resistance in Indian history.