Microsoft features India’s Rani Durgavati in Age of Empires Mobile

India’s Rani Durgavati is a playable hero in Microsoft’s upcoming mobile war strategy game Age of Empires Mobile, set to launch on October 17, 2024, on Android and iOS.

The Age of Empires Mobile hero ‘Rani Durgavati’ is inspired by the real-life Rani Durgavati, queen regent of the Gondwana kingdom from 1550-1564. Rani Durgavati is remembered and held in high regard for first repulsing the attack of Shuja Khan’s son Baz Bahadur and causing his army heavy losses and later, defending Gondwana against the superior armies of the Mughal Empire under General Khwaja Abdul Majid Asaf Khan.

In an unequal combat against the Mughal forces that had well-trained soldiers and the firepower of cannons, Rani Durgavati’s army was ultimately decimated and she was gravely injured. But instead of surrendering to the Mughals, she chose to end her life on June 24, 1564, forever cementing her place amongst the warrior heroes of India. Rani Durgavati’s martyrdom day is commemorated as "Balidan Diwas” in India.

There are 40 playable heroes in Age of Empires Mobile (AOE Mobile) and Rani Durgavati is included in the illustrious list along with the likes of Joan of Arc, Leonidas, Julius Ceasar, Frederick Barbarossa, Darius the Great, Queen of Sheba, and more.