Jhansi - Land of the Gallant Queen

Jhansi is not only the most important city in Bundelkhand region but also one of the most important in entire Uttar Pradesh. The city has lots of historical, cultural and heritage value attached to it. The city has actually become synonymous to the Rani of Jhansi, Lakshmi Bai and the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.

The city is known for its resistance against the British in 1857. In fact, wherever you go in the city, you will find some or other place or monument that reminds of the bloodbath of 1857. Jhansi Fort that is situated a kilometer off to the town was the seat of the siege that followed the revolt. It was here that the 12th Native Regiment of the Royal British Armed Force stated the mutiny by ruthlessly murdering the British Resident and citizens of the Fort. Close by is Rani Mahal that was the seat of various conspiracies that were hatched by Lakshmi Bai, Tantya Tope and Nana Sahib.

The city is situated amidst 3 National highways namely NH 25, NH 26 and NH 3 and thus is well connected to the rest of India. The city is growing as the heartland of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh that has for long been infested by bandits and goons. The hard life of people in this region is hardened more by the lack of water and arable land thanks to the semi-arid climate and a topography ridden by "Gully erosion". These are some of the reasons behind the backwardness of this area that has extremely good tourism prospects.

HISTORY
Not much of Jhansi’s history before the 9th century is known. The city was first ruled by the kings of Rajput Chandela dynasty belonging to Khajuraho. Their rule was followed by the Khangars who are known to have built the fort of Karar, located in the town’s vicinity.

In the 14th century, the Bundelas gained the control of the reign and it was then that the name Bundelkhand was allotted to the area. The popular Fortress of Jhansi was built by the Orchha rulers in the year 1610. Legends have it that the name of the city was christened as Jhansi, when King Orchha saw a shadow on a mound and uttered the word – Jhain si (meaning a shadow).

The city was frequented by Mughals, Chhatrasal and the Marathas. The history of Jhansi reiterates the velour and audacity of Rani Laxmibai. She was the widow of a childless king, who was not allowed to adopt an heir (a popular custom in that time) by the British.

In the year 1817 the Peshwas of Pune handed over the reigns of Jhansi to the East India Company. However, the lack of an heir gave the British a right over the throne to which Lakshmi Bai protested. As a result, she was suppressed. She did not lose hope and planned on avenging the British.

She actively participated in the revolt of 1857 and died as a martyr on June 17th 1958. Her contribution in India’s independence is considered very important. The rule of Jhansi came under the British Empire in the year 1886 and it was then, that the British gained complete control over it.

It was added to the United Province which was rechristened as Uttar Pradesh in 1947, after India’s independence.

WEATHER
Jhansi is situated in the North-Central India and thus experiences a climate that ranges from warm subtropical to Semi-arid in nature. The city witnesses a chilly but dry winters that persists from December to February. The maximum temperature remains around 24°C where as the minimum hovers in the range of 3-4°C. The city experience very little of fog but one can find a layer of smog in late winters.

Summers in Jhansi are hot and humid with mercury rising up to 45°C in daytime. Evenings are relatively cooler. Hot dry winds called “Loo” blow during the summer. These can prove fatal at times

Due to its location in a semi-arid region of Bundelkhand, Jhansi receives about 50 cm of annual rainfall mostly from the Southwest monsoon winds between July and September.

Jhansi is an important tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh and is known for its insight in to the life and History of the Bundelkhand region. The place has also gained prominence because of its relation with Jhansi ki Rani, Lakshmi Bai and the Great Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. The city offers quite a few attractions that are a must visit for every tourist. These are as follows: -

PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST
Jhansi Fort: Jhansi Fort is not only one of the best-fortified areas in Uttar Pradesh but also one of the best fortified in India. Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha commissioned this fort in the early 17th century. The fort was earlier built on the top of the hillock in order to act as an army stronghold and garrison but was later modified in to residential quarters.

Jhansi Museum: The Jhansi museum is located in the Jhansi Fort itself. The Jhansi museum is a not-to-be-missed tourist destination in Jhansi. The museum not only gives an insight to the history and heritage of Jhansi but whole of Bundelkhand region. The museum also gives a deep insight in to the life of Chandela dynasty. Among others, The Jhansi Museum houses weapons, statues, dresses and photographs that represent the Chandela dynasty.

Rani Mahal: Rani Mahal of Jhansi was actually the palace of Lakshmi Bai, Rani of Jhansi. The palace of Lakshmi Bai has now been converted in to a museum that treasures the memory of Rani Lakshmi Bai as well as the archeological remains of 9th to 12th century that has been excavated and unearthed recently.


EXCURSIONS AROUND JHANSI
There are quite a few excursion destinations around Jhansi. These excursion spots have historical and heritage value attached to them. Nearly all these sites are in a range of 70-80 Kilometers from Jhansi and that is why you need not stay there for the night. Following are some of the major excursions around Jhansi: -

Chitrakoot: This religious town falls between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and is famous because it was home to Tulsi Das, the composer of Ramcharitmanas. The town that is situated amidst hills boasts of several temples and relics related to the life and times of Lord Rama. Notable among these are Sphatik Shila, Hanuman Dhara, Ram Ghat and Janki Kund

Barua Sagar: Barua Sagar is located just 24 kilometers from the city of Jhansi. This otherwise sleepy village rose to prominence because of some of the historical events that marked this place in 18th century. Barua Sagar is a spot where the local Budels took on the mighty Maratha Empire in the year 1744 A.D. The place is named after the Barua Sagar Tal, a large lake created over 250 years ago when Raja Udit Singh of Orchha built the embankment. The place is also famous for a magnificent fort. The fort commands an excellent view of the lake and surrounding landscape.

Parichha: Parichha that is situated 25 odd kilometers from Jhansi is an interesting excursion location around Jhansi. The place is famous for a dam that has been built on the Betwa River. The area is rich in scenic beauty. A good sighting spot from the dam gives a marvelous view of Betwa River and its reservoir. The reservoir is ideal for water sports such as white water surfing.

Samthar: Samthar is situated 65 kilometers from downtown Jhansi. The place that was formerly called Samshergarh was an independent estate during the periods of turmoil that stretched all through 17th and 18th century. The place was ruled and defended by valiant Gujjar warriors. There are quite a few places that are in depleted condition due to lack of maintenance. The place can be visited for some good frescos that are done on the outer as well as inner walls of the palaces.

Orchha: 18 km from Jhansi, Orchha is a city, frozen in time. It was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela chieftain, Rudra Pratap Singh, who built this new capital on a large wooded island, on the river Betwa. Today, remains of the fort and palaces speak eloquently of Orchha’s time of glory, of its splendid legacy of art and culture.

Todi-Fatehpur: The place is 50 kilometers from Jhansi and is considered a good excursion destination. The place boasts off a palace that covers an area of 5 acres. This palace cum force is built on a hillock and is surrounded by three massive stonewalls.

HOW TO REACH JHANSI
By Air: The nearest airport from Jhansi is Gwalior that is at the distance of 100 kilometers from the city. It is well connected to cities like Delhi, Varanasi, Mumbai and Bangalore etc. Nearly all the major Public as well as private carriers’ offers their service to and from the city of Agra

By Rail: Jhansi is well connected to the major cities of India. Jhansi Cantonment Railway Station is the main Railway station in the city. Regular expresses as well as super-fast trains are available to destinations like Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mumbai and Kolkata. Book the tickets in advance to avoid rush.

By Road: Jhansi is well connected to the cities like Mathura, Delhi, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Chitrakoot, etc. Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation plies several buses to these cities. Various privately run luxury buses are also available. Jhansi falls on National Highway No. 25 and 26 that in turn are linked by a good network of roads.