# Ranavalona II

> Queen of Imerina (1868-1883)

**Wikidata**: [Q240168](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q240168)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranavalona_II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ranavalona-ii

## Summary
Ranavalona II was the Queen of Imerina, ruling from 1868 to 1883. She was a prominent Merina Kingdom politician who held a significant leadership position in the former country of Imerina. Her reign marked an important period in the history of the Merina Kingdom.

## Biography
- Born: Unknown
- Nationality: Imerina (part of the Merina Kingdom)
- Education: Unknown
- Known for: Queen of Imerina (1868-1883)
- Employer(s): Merina Kingdom
- Field(s): Politics, monarchy

## Contributions
Ranavalona II's primary contribution was her role as Queen of Imerina from 1868 to 1883. During her reign, she led the Merina Kingdom through a period of significant political and social change. Her leadership helped shape the future of the kingdom during a crucial time in its history.

## FAQs
What was Ranavalona II's role in the Merina Kingdom?
Ranavalona II served as the Queen of Imerina from 1868 to 1883, making her one of the most powerful political figures in the Merina Kingdom during that period.

How long did Ranavalona II rule as Queen?
Ranavalona II ruled as Queen of Imerina for 15 years, from 1868 until her death in 1883.

What is the significance of Ranavalona II's reign?
Ranavalona II's reign was significant as she led the Merina Kingdom through a period of important political and social changes, helping to shape the kingdom's future.

## Why They Matter
Ranavalona II matters because she was a powerful female leader in a time when women rarely held such positions of authority. Her 15-year reign as Queen of Imerina had a lasting impact on the Merina Kingdom, influencing its political landscape and social structures. As one of the few female monarchs in African history, her leadership serves as an important example of women's roles in governance and political power.

## Notable For
- Being Queen of Imerina from 1868 to 1883
- Leading the Merina Kingdom through a period of significant change
- Being one of the few female monarchs in African history
- Holding one of the highest political positions in the Merina Kingdom

## Body
### Early Life and Ascension
Ranavalona II was born into the royal family of the Merina Kingdom, though specific details about her early life and birth date are not available in the provided sources. She ascended to the throne in 1868, becoming the Queen of Imerina at a time when the kingdom was facing various challenges and changes.

### Reign as Queen
During her 15-year reign from 1868 to 1883, Ranavalona II navigated the complex political landscape of the Merina Kingdom. As Queen, she held significant power and influence over the kingdom's affairs, making important decisions that would shape its future. Her leadership came at a crucial time in the kingdom's history, as it was dealing with internal and external pressures.

### Political Impact
As a politician and monarch, Ranavalona II played a vital role in the governance of the Merina Kingdom. Her position as Queen allowed her to implement policies and make decisions that affected the entire kingdom. While specific policies or achievements are not detailed in the provided sources, her long reign suggests that she was an effective leader who maintained stability and authority throughout her time as Queen.

### Legacy
Ranavalona II's legacy as Queen of Imerina is significant, particularly in the context of women's leadership in African history. Her 15-year reign demonstrates the possibility of female leadership in a time when such positions were predominantly held by men. The Merina Kingdom, under her rule, continued to exist as a distinct political entity, suggesting that her leadership contributed to maintaining the kingdom's stability and identity during a period of potential change and challenge.

## References

1. Dictionary of African Biography
2. Find a Grave
3. MAK
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013