Jhansi

Jhansi city, situated between the rivers Pahunj and Betwa is a symbol of bravery, courage and self respect. It is said that in ancient times Jhansi was a part of the regions Chedi Rashtra, Jejak Bhukit, Jajhoti and Bundelkhand. 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 Jujhar 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 Raghun...

After completing our visit to Orchha we visited Jhansi Fort, which is just 18km away and on our way to the Jhansi station (now named as Veerangana Lakshmibai Station) after the queen of Jhansi. As our train for Delhi was to leave at 3-30 PM, we had enough time to visit Jhansi. I have been craving to visit the Jhansi fort since my early school days, when I read the poem written by famous Indian poet, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan on the struggle by Jhansi Ki Rani (queen of Jhansi) to save her kingdom from the clutches of the British forces and had also seen a movie (Jhansi ki Rani), based on her life. Historically, the fort is reported to have been constructed by the ruler of Orchha kingdom, Veer Singh Deo Bundela in 1613. When Moghul Commander attacked Orchha in 1728, Maharaja Chhatrasal of Orchha requested the Maratha ruler Bajirao Peshwa for help and after defeating the Moghul army, he gifted the Jhansi fort, a part of his kingdom to Peshwa. Peshwa appointed a subedar for the day to day governance of Jhansi and in the course of time many subedars ruled Jhansi till 1838, when the subedar was given the title of King by the East India company Governor General. During 1850s, the then British rulers wanted to annex Jhansi on the death of then Jhansi King and did not accept the adopted son as the king, his mother, Lakshmibai challenged and fought bravely tiening her son on her back till her death. Till this date her brave fight, sacrifice and injustice by the Britishers is remembere...

The present-day city is an agricultural marketplace located at a major road and rail junction. Jhansi also has a steel-rolling mill and some manufacturing. Bundelkhand University is located there, as are a railway colony and workshops. Pop. (2001) city, 383,644; urban agglom., 460,278; (2011) city, 505,693; urban agglom., 547,638. This article was most recently revised and updated by