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India Tourism Guide >> Uttar
Pradesh Travel Guide >> Jhansi Travel Guide
Jhansi Travel Guide
The gateway to Bundelkhand, Jhansi is a city that is linked still with the
legend of its fiery queen, Rani Laxmibai.
In the 1857 war against the British, she led her troops into battle, striking
a blow for Indian independence and laying her life down for her cause. Jhansi
is ideally located for various rewarding excursions in the area.
Jhansi was a stronghold of the Chandela kings. Balwant Nagar was the name
of this place. But in 11th. century Jhansi lost its importance. In 17th.
century under Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha Jhansi again rose to prominence.
Raja Bir Singh Deo had good relations with the mughal emperor Jehangir.
In 1613 Raja Bir Singh Deo constructed the Jhansi fort. He died in 1627.
After his death his son Juhar Singh succeeded him.
Maharaja Chattrasal Bundela of Panna was a good administrator and a brave
warrior. In 1729 Mohammed Khan Bangash attacked Chattrasal. Peshwa Baji
Rao(I ) helped Maharaja Chattrasal and defeated mughal army. As a mark of
gratitude Maharaja Chattrasal offered a part of his state to Maratha Peshwa
Baji Rao(I). Jhansi was also included in this part.
In 1742 Naroshanker was made the subedar of Jhansi. During his tenure of
15 years he not only extended the Jhansi fort which was of strategic importance
but also constructed some other buildings. The extended part of the fort
is called Shankergarh. In 1757 Naroshanker was called back by the Peshwa.
After him Madhav Govind Kakirde and then Babulal Kanahai were made the subedars
of Jhansi.
In 1766 Vishwas Rao Laxman was made the subedar of Jhansi. His period was
from 1766 to 1769. After him Raghunath Rao (II) Newalkar was appointed the
subedar of Jhansi. He was a very able administrator. He increased the revenue
of the state. The MahaLakshmi Temple and the Raghunath Temple were built
by him. For his own residence he constructed a beautiful building Rani Mahal
in the city. In 1796 Raghunath Rao passed the subedari in favour of his
brother ShivRao Hari.
Within easy reach are fascinating destinations like Orchha, Shivpuri, Deogarh
and Khajuraho.
Now adding another dimension to this spleen did destination is the Jhansi
Festival, an annual event scheduled in February/March each year-a display
of the arts/crafts and culture of the region.
In 1803 a treaty was signed between East India company and Maratha.
After the death of Shiv Rao his grand son Ramchandra Rao was made subedar
of Jhansi. He was not a good administrator. Ramchandra Rao died in 1835.
After his death Raghunath Rao (III) was made his successor. In 1838 Raghunath
Rao (III) also died. The British rulers then accepted Gangadhar Rao as the
Raja of Jhansi. Due to the inefficient administration during the period
of Raghunath Rao (III) the financial position of Jhansi was very critical.
Raja Gangadhar Rao was a very good administrator. He was very generous and
full of sympathy. He gave very good administration to Jhansi. During his
period the local population of Jhansi was very satisfied.
In 1842 Raja Gangadhar Rao married Mannikarnika. After this marriage Mannikarnika
was given the new name Lakshmi Bai, who led forces against British in 1857.
She sacrificed her life to the cause of Indian Independence in 1858.
In 1861 the British Government gave the Jhansi fort and Jhansi city to JiyajiRao
Scindia. Jhansi was then became a part of Gwalior state. In 1886 Britishers
took back Jhansi from Gwalior state
.In independent India Jhansi was included in Uttar Pradesh. At present Jhansi
is a Divisional Commissioner's Headquarter including district Jhansi, Lalitpur
and Jalaun.
Places to Visit
Jhansi Fort
The fort of Maharani Jhansi has strategic importance since the earliest
of times. It was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo (1606-27) of Orchha on a
rocky hill called Bangra in the town of Balwantnagar (presently known as
Jhansi).
The fort has ten gates ( Darwaza) .Some of these are Khandero Gate, Datia
Darwaza, Unnao gate, Jharna Gate, Laxmi Gate, Sagar Gate, Orcha Gate, Sainyar
Gate, Chand gate.
Among places of interest within the main fort area are the Karak Bijli Toup
( Tank), Rani Jhansi Garden, Shiv temple and a "Mazar" of Ghulam
Gaus Khan, Moti Bai and Khuda Baksh .
The Jhansi fort, a living testimony of ancient glamor and valour, also has
a fine collection of sculptures which provide an excellent inside into the
eventful history of Bundelkhand
State Museum
The State Museum has a fine collection of terracotta, bronzes, Weapons,
Sculptures, Manuscripts, Painting and Coins of Gold, Silver and Copper.
Maha Lakshmi Temple
Maha Lakshmi Temple an ancient temple devoted to Devi Mahalaxmi was built
in 18th Century. This glorious temple is situated outside Laxmi "Darwaza"
near Laxmi Tal.
Ganesh Mandir
Ganesh Mandir, where the marriage ceremany of Maharani Laxmi Bai, the brave
hero of 1857 Inedependence war, and Maharajai Gangadhar Rao was performed.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh.
Mahal of Rani
Mahal of Rani Laxmi Bai.
Jhansi Travel Guide
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