Jhansi, The Gateway to Bundelkhand
General Information
District:JhansiState:Uttar PradeshCountry:IndiaArea:14 Sq. Km.Language Spoken:Hindi, Bundeli, EnglishLong Distance Code:+91-517Importance:Famous for the fort of Jhansi and the reigning queen of JhansiBest Time To Visit:October to MarchDescription:
Jhansi is more famous for its fiery queen, Rani Lakshmibai who triggered fight against colonialism fighting for freedom.
Jhansi although a part of Uttar Pradesh is nearer to Madhya Pradesh and hence was always the stronghold of the Chandela kings of Orchha and Khajuraho. But it lost its importance by the 11th century. It rose to prominence once again in the 17th century under the rule of Raja Bir Singh Deo. But still Jhansi became famous only with courageous legend of the queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai.
Rani Lakshmibai has been the inspiration to the freedom fighters of India. The story of her fight against the British is full of courage and guts. Once a small Brahmin girl from the town of Varanasi, she was married to the King of Jhansi. Unfortunately before giving an heir to the throne, she had to face an untimely death of her husband. She adopted a child as the heir. This gave the reason to the British to exploit her force her dethroning and retirement with an annual pension. Lakshmibai could not take that insult and even at the tender age of 22 fought a fierce battle against the British defying their rule and atrocity. She encouraged, young and old, men and women, irrespective of their class or caste. All together with their leader as the queen fought for their freedom and keep Jhansi.
But unfortunately Jhansi could not withstand the powerful British forces and fell. The queen had her four year old son tied tightly to her back, rode on her horse with swords in her hands came out to fight the last battle and fell to martyrdom. The year was 1858 which was also the time of political unrest in the northern parts of India. The story of the Queen of Jhansi has since become a folklore inspiring and encouraging the young and old till date.Location:
At around 300 kms from the capital city of Lucknow, Jhansi, is supposed to be the gateway to Bundelkhand and lies on the borders of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Today's small and sleepy town of Jhansi was once the place of the fiery queen Rani Lakshmibai. The most important thing in this town is the fort. Built by Bir Singh Ju Deo in 1613, this tough fort was the residence of the royalties including the queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai until her death. The fort has been built over the rocky hillock of Bangra. The imposing Fort has ten gates. The Jhansi fort is a living testimony of ancient glamour and valour that it once bore. Today section of the fort is occupied by the Indian army but the most of it is open for public. The Rani Mahal, Palace of Rani Lakshmibai, is embellished beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings. It has been converted into a museum and has a good collection of sculptures from the 9th and 12th Centuries A.D.
The state government Museum also housed inside the fort offer a good insight into the eventful history of Bundelkhand.
Maharaja Gangadhar Rao ki Chhatri was built by his queen Rani Lakshmibai after his death. The Ganesh temple also in the fort is an ancient temple and is said to be the place where the marriage ceremony of the fiery queen Lakshmibai took place.
This is a beautiful lake situated some 25 km south of Jhansi. This is an old lake and is believed to be created some 250 years ago. It has some ruins of Chandela temples made in granite.
Parichha is famous for its scenic beauty situated at 25 kms north of Jhansi. It has a dam on the river Betwa and that gives ample of opportunity for the natural beauty to grow and also gives opportunity to the adventure seekers and picnickers.
Situated on the river Betwa, this small town is famous for the Dashavatara temple and the Jain temple. The Dashavatara temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his 10 spiritual forms. The temple belongs to the Gupta period and the first of its kind in the Northern part of India. The Jain shrines in the town are beautiful depicting the scenes from the Jain mythology.
The other important excursion sites near Jhansi are the Mahoba and the Kalinjar. Mahoba being the capital of the Chandelas has many beautiful temples. Kalinjar too has a massive fort to visit.