Jhansi - the city that saw Rani Lakshmi Bai taking on the British Forces

India has so many places of attractions and each place is famous for one thing or another. Right from the top of the map exploring the hills of Himalayas, you can come down to New Delhi and move further down the map toward central India to check out the cities like Jhansi which stood witness to one of the most audacious battle against the British in the history of the nation. Read on to know more.

Jhansi is an interesting town to explore and after checking out the numerous attractions that can be found in the northern parts of India, starting from Jammu & Kashmir, you can travel further down the hills and sceneries toward central India. The correct course for this itinerary is to reach New Delhi. So board a Pathankot to New Delhi train and spend some time exploring the nation’s capital before you head to central India to explore the historic places like Jhansi. Jhansi is a famous town in Uttar Pradesh. It was previously known as Balwant Nagar. It is located near Orchha, which is now in Madhya Pradesh, once the capital of the mighty Bundela rulers. Bundela King Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo built a fort here in 1613.The stronghold covers an area of more than 60,000 sq. meters, and it is considered the most vigorously strengthened fortress of the region. The fortification has ten entryways or Darwaja, including Khanderao Gate, Jharna Gate, Laxmi Gate, Sagar Gate, Orcha Gate, etc. This was a noteworthy fortification when the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 occurred.

The uprising against the British in Jhansi was driven by the ruler of Jhansi, Lakshmi Bai, famously called the Jhansi ki Rani. As the uprising started in June 1857, men of the twelfth infantry captured the fort and executed the European officers of the then British army posted there. The Rani put herself forward as the leader of the warriors, battling against the British. The uprising could not be sustained for any successful outcome as some insiders and members of the royal family betrayed Rani Lakshmi Bai. Soon after, officers of the British armed force began an assault on Jhansi. Ruler Lakshmi Bai courageously battled with sword close by on a horseback, but at the end of the day, she was vanquished. She passed on a legend with her demise and went into the history as a heroic and daring ruler, never seen the likes of which thereafter in the history of India. The British surrendered the fort to the Maharaja of Scindia in 1858, yet later traded it for Gwalior in 1866. Other things to explore here are the Karak Bijli Top (a canon), Rani Jhansi Garden, two sanctuaries, viz. a Shiva sanctuary and a Ganesha sanctuary, and the mazar of Ghulam Gaus Khan, Moti Bai and Khuda Baksh, the leader of the cavalry.The mazar is a fine illustration of patriotism over religion. The post remains as a quiet witness to the valor of Queen Rani Laxmi Bai. Other than the fort, places to explore here are the Rani Mahal and a few exhibition halls.

Rani Mahal was the royal residence of Rani Lakshmi Bai and it was decorated showcases great craftsmanship and paintings on its dividers and roofs. The castle is a twofold storied structure with open yards. It has six corridors with parallel verandas. The castle is the witness to the gruesome battle in which 50 bodyguards of Rani Lakshmi Bai were executed by the British army. The gallery here has a numerous sculptures of the period between the ninth and twelfth centuries. Durbar Hall on the second floor is likewise another attraction to check out.

So, explore Jhansi on your next. You can do a little course correction and head to Lucknow from New Delhi. You can spend a good time in this city, checking out its various cuisine and kebabs. Then you can board a Lucknow to Jhansi train for the tour down the lanes of history.