Monuments In India

Jhansi Fort

Jhansi fort is located in the Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh.  Orchha king Raja Bir Singh Deo constructed this fort in 1613 and later this fort becomes the milestone in history. Geographical coordinates of this fort are between 25°27'29"N   78°34'33"E.  This district is well connected by all type of transportation being a historical city. Jhansi district is a border city of Uttar Pradesh and very close to nearby state Madhya Pradesh.  Struggle for Indian Freedom from British was fired by this princely state.

History

The city was the capital of Chandela dynasty ruling in the area.  Earlier this place was known as Balwant Nagar.  With the time, this city has faced several ups and downs.  During 11th century, the dignity of the area was lost but by the efforts of Rajas Beer Singh Deo, the same restored back and Jhansi regained its lost power. Internal terms of Raja Beer Singh Deo were good with Jahangir, the Mughal emperor of that time. After the death of Raja Beer Singh Deo, Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundela took over the command of the area.  In an attack by Mughal army, Peshwa Baji Rao helped Chhatrasal Bundela and they defeated to Mughal.  In 1742, Naroshankar was sworn as Subedar of this area.  In his reign, he fortified the fort in well manner and also constructed a lot of buildings of strategic importance in Jhansi. With the passing of time, various Subedar of Jhansi came and gone.  Raghunath Rao was also made the Subedar of Jhansi but his inefficient management made the state financially very poor.   At last British administrators accepted Gangadhar Rao as administrator of Jhansi. Wife of Gangadhar Rao was Manikarnika Tambe and later she renamed as Lakshmi Bai.  After her death, Jiyaji Rao Sindhia were made administrator of Jhansi but soon after in 1861, British took back Gwalior state from Jiyaji Rao Sindhia and Jhansi came into the hands of British.

Architecture

The fort is constructed with stones and mud and constructed under North India architecture.  The walls of this fort are made of granite and more than 17 ft in width. In the fort ten entrances have been provisioned.  These gates have been named after the members of royal family of Jhansi. Inside the fort there are two temples of Lord Ganesh and Lord Shiva are also established. There are large cannon named “Kadak Bijli” which was used during the battle of 1857.  Rani Mahal, which is located in close vicinity, is presently being used as museum.  Fort has made on an elevation of 35 mtrs from normal ground level and spread over in an area of 15 acres.  The parameters are 312m and 225m and the construction is well supported by a huge and thick wall around the fort.  Inside the fort, there are sculptures are made on the walls of central hall where all the meetings would have been conducted and strategies made against British ruling.

How to Reach

Jhansi fort can be visited by using any of the means of transportation.

By Air

Nearest airport to reach Jhansi by air is located in Gwalior, which is at the distance of 103 kilometers from this fort. This airport is connected with other important cities of India with regularly available flights.

By Rail

Jhansi junction is the nearest railway station.  The station is located at 13 kilometers distance from this fort.  This station falls on main line (Mumbai-Delhi) and hence all the major trains pass through here.  Frequent rail conveyance to all over the country can be availed from this station.

By Road

Road connectivity with this district is good and major cities of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are linked with Jhansi. Various state highways and link road’s network is spread in the area and made easy the road transportation.

Best Time to visit

During Jan and Feb, a grand Jhansi Mahotsava is organized in this city and viewable.

Accommodation

The following budget hotels can be booked for staying in Jhansi.

Hotel Chanda

365/1 A Civil Lines, Jhansi 284001

Hotel Shrinath Palace

1051, Station Road, Civil Lines, Jhansi 284001

Hotel Ajay International

A/2/D Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg , Opposite GPO, Civil Lines, Jhansi 211001, India

09415340224

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