s3 e9 — MATA HARI and THE RANI OF JHANSI: Woman, thou art too bold!
This week, Lavetta covers the unbelievable origins and exploits of accused WWI spy, Mata Hari; and Miriam covers the remarkable life story of Indian heroine, The Rani of Jhansi.
-----
In this episode, Lavetta introduces accused spy Mata Hari (Dutch, 1876–1917), originally from the Netherlands, who reinvented herself as a striptease dancer in Paris during the Belle Epoque era. She claimed to be of Far Eastern descent and captivated audiences with her exotic performances. However, her career declined with the outbreak of World War I. She was accused of espionage and arrested by French authorities. While she claimed to be a French agent, it is unclear if she was actually a spy. Mata Hari was executed in 1917. The hosts explore the controversies and doubts surrounding her alleged espionage activities and the motives behind her arrest and conviction, and the myth of Mata Hari and how she was portrayed as a dangerous and seductive woman. Next, Miriam shifts to monarchal consort The Rani of Jhansi (Indian, 1828–1858), or Rani Lakshmi Bai, a prominent figure in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British rule, and discusses her early life, education, and her role in leading the rebellion. The hosts highlight her bravery and determination in defending her territory against British forces, ultimately leading to her death in battle.
-----
If you like this episode, please join us weekly for more discussions of notorious women.
-----
email: notoriouswmpod@gmail.com
instagram: instagram.com/notoriouswomenpodcast/
patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NotoriousWomen
website: https://notoriouswomenpodcast.com/
-----
advertising inquiries: https://redcircle.com/advertisers
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free