Jhansi Fort: A symbol of Rani Lakshmibai’s courage against British rule. Credit: Canva
There is little that differentiates this quiet town from Jhansi in the mind of any traveler, except its legendary warrior queen, Rani Lakshmibaiwhich is today a symbol of courage and defiance against British colonial ruleJhansi, part of Bundelkhand, the cultural region that flourished under the rule of the Bundela Rajputs from the 16th century, has as its most fascinating tourist site its hill fort, which dominates the city like a silent sentinel.
It was founded by a Bundela king of Orchha, Raja Bir Singh Deo, in the 17th century and served as a stronghold of the Orchha army. Its strategic location and robust architecture made it an impregnable fortress. The design of the fort, typical of Bundelkhand architecture, incorporates a blend of Hindu and Islamic elements. Its prominent features include massive stone walls, fortified gates and watchtowers.
A fortress with a historical past
In the early 18th century, Bundelkhand fell under Mughal rule, before being controlled by the Marathas. It was the Maharaja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao, whom Rani Lakshmibai married in 1842. When the Maharaja died in 1853, the British East India Company, under Governor-General Lord Dalhousie, refused to recognise the right of his adopted heir and annexed Jhansi under the doctrine of lapse.
Rani Lakshmibai, the queen of Jhansi, transformed the fort into a bastion of resistance against the British, making the fort the epicenter of her struggle for independence. The fort witnessed fierce battles between Rani’s forces and the British army. Her bravery and determination inspired countless Indians to rise up against the colonial oppressors. Once her fort fell, she escaped on horseback. Though she eventually lost her life after being wounded in a fight against the British in Gwalior, her legacy lives on and the history of India lives on. Jhansi Fort It is a poignant reminder of their bravery.
Things to see in Jhansi FortWithin the fort complex are temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva, along with the Jhansi Ki Rani, Kadak Bijli and Bhawani Shankar guns. There is also a spot from where Rani Lakshmibai is believed to have escaped on horseback, with her adopted son tied to her back. In the evening, a light and sound show depicts the life of Rani Lakshmibai and the 1857 War of Independence.
You can also visit the Rani Mahal, the former residence of the legendary Rani Lakshmibai, which is located a short distance from the fort and is now a museum. It houses archaeological artefacts dating back to the 9th and 12th centuries. The palace’s distinctive Bundelkhand architecture, characterised by open courtyards and arched chambers, offers a glimpse into the region’s past.
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