Quick Facts
Location - Northern Madhya Pradesh.
How To Reach - The nearest airports are Gwalior(103km) and
Khajuraho(175km). The railhead of Jhansi is connected with Mumbai, Delhi and
other major cities of India. Jhansi is well connected with entire country by
road network. Local transport includes taxis, tempos, and auto rickshaws
available.
Where To Stay - There are strip of hotels in the Shivpuri road.
When To Go - Round the year.
Jhansi is a historic town and has a glorious more because of it had
witnessed the gory blood bath for the struggle of Indian independence.
Jhansi lies on the border of Madhya Pradesh, it is in the west of the
mountainous Bundelkhand region that has once ill famed for the hiding place
of notorious dacoits. Jhansi Fort is the prime attraction, a mute witness to
the town's turbulent history. Jhansi is also most visited place for many
travelers as a transit point for Orchha and Khajuraho.
Jhansi is specially known in the memories of Indians for brave Lakshmi Bai
who later on renowned as Jhansi ki Rani (queen of Jhansi). When King
Gangadhar Rao died in 1853, his widow and successor rani Lakshmibai was
forcibly pulled back by British. During the Indian uprising also famous as
First War of Independence in 1857, Rani Lakshmibai was at the forefront of
Jhansi's rebellion. They forced British force to take a back seat but in
next year they took the advantage of interior conflict between rebel forces
and defeated the Jhansi rebels. Rani of Jhansi fled to Gwalior. She fought
her last breath, in her last stand she rode out against the British
disguised as a man and subsequently became a heroine of Indian independence.
Sights And Activities
Jhansi Fort
It was established by Maharaja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha in 1653. The local
guides can tell you some exciting stories about the blood letting took place
within its double walls and moats that were inhabited by crocodiles. The
fort is on the hill top called Bangra. Fort is an architectural wonder
because of its beauty and size. During the reign of Peshwas, Jhansi fort was
the stronghold of that area because it was situated at a strategic location
of the center.
State Museum
The Jhansi museum or state museum is located below the fort. It is a nice
place to know the history and heritage of Jhansi and Bundelkhand region. The
museum showcases some beautiful miniature paintings, illustrated
manuscripts, terracotta sculptures, weapons, dresses, and photographs from
the Chandela Dynasty. Also it houses potraits of Rani Lakshmibai, cricketers
and politicians.
Rani Mahal
The place was a home of Rani Rani Lakshmibai. It is a beautiful palace
adorned with colorful paintings and artworks in its fences and walls. The
state government has now changed Rani Mahal to a museum that houses a wide
collection of sculptures and paintings of the period of 9th and 12th
centuries AD. The palace comprises of arched chambers in the region of the
open courtyard gives a splendid outlook. The palace has a distinctive
character of Bundelkhand architecture.
Jhansi Festival
Jhansi festival a locally organised cultural program of music, arts and
dance commences on 28th February. The festival is also known as St. Jude
Festival when thousands Christians pilgrims converge on St Jude's Church to
plead their case to the patron saint of lost causes.
Maha Lakshmi Temple
The presiding deity of this temple is goddess Devi Mahalakshmi. The temple
was constructed in 18th century. It is a nice place to visit as you will
witness several devotees come to take the blessing of Mahalakshmi.
