We track some big events in history on this day. Watch the video to find out more. Mumtaz Mahal died from postpartum hemorrhage in Burhanpur on 17 June 1631 while giving birth to her fourteenth child, after a prolonged labor of approximately 30 hours. She had been accompanying her husband while he was fighting a campaign in the Deccan Plateau. In March 1858, Jhansi came under siege by the forces of the British East India company and a fierce battle ensued. Although her troops were overwhelmed, Rani Laxmibai did not concede defeat and continued the battle with stiff resistance. Rani Laxmibai fought valiantly till her last breath. She died in an encounter with the Company's forces near Gwalior on June 17, 1858.Following a plebiscite, Iceland formally became an independent republic on June 17, 1944. That same day, the United States recognized Iceland in public statements of congratulation by President Franklin D.