Jhansi Fort - A True Symbol of Bravery and Honor

Situated between the rivers Pahunj and Betwa in Uttar Pradesh, the city of Jhansi holds a significant place in the pages of history. Being ruled by the Marathas in the past, Jhansi has always worn the cap of courage and bravery. Once a princely state, the archaeology of Jhansi has been the notifying aspect of the place.

With numerous forts, museums and temples in its list of attractions, Jhansi has always been wandered for its enriching historical background. One such attraction is the Jhansi Fort which was built on a large hilltop called Bangira. Also known as Jhansi ka Kila, the fortress served as a stronghold of the Chandela kings in the 17th century.

We have also rated it earlier as one of the top ten forts in India.  

Jhansi Fort, Uttar Pradesh - One of the Historical Places of India

History 

With various ups and downs, the history of the magnificent Jhansi fort revolves around the seventeenth century. It was the time when India was at its zenith of archaeology under the Mughal rule of Jahangir. The region of Jhansi under Raja Bir Singh Deo held much prominence during that time. In the year 1613, he built the Jhansi fort in order to serve as an army stronghold and garrison. The ruler of Jhansi was in the good books of the emperor Jahangir. As a consequence, when Raja Bir Singh died, the fort came under the control of Jahangir.

Later conquests in the region of Jhansi culminated in the defeat of the Mughal army by the Maharaja of Panna. The brave ruler of Panna was helped by the legendary Peshwa Baji Rao (I) in his annihilation. He then offered Jhansi to the Maratha warrior as a mark of gratitude. In the following tenure of Subedar Naroshanker in Jhansi, the boundary of the fort was extended and construction of other buildings also took place in the region.

By the time of 1840, the princely state of Jhansi was put under the control of Raja Gangadhar Rao. The Jhansi fort again came into the spotlight during this time. After the death of Gangadhar Rao, the historic fort was used by his wife Rani Lakshmi Bai as her residence. The Rani got defeated in the revolt of 1857 and the Jhansi Fort was brought into the hands of the imperial British control.

Jhansi Fort Structure

The historic Jhansi fort extends to a vast perimeter of 15 acres and with a mammoth strengthening wall on the sides, it proved as a tough intrusion for the enemies in the past. Based on North Indian style of construction, the granite walls of the Fort are kept between 16 and 20 feet thick. Construction of the fort is supported by twenty two bastions having a dimension near to 312 m in length and 225 m in width. For the entry into the sprawling lawns of the fort, there are 10 entry gates.

Once inside the Jhansi fort, one is expected to come across the two famous temples-Shiva temple and Ganesh temple. Besides the temples, the fort also houses the Panch Mahal and Kadak Bijli canon which was highly used in the freedom struggle of 1857.

Other important tourist attractions of the fort include Baradari, Shahar Darwaza, Grave of Gulam Gaus Khan, Execution tower and Kal Kothari. There is also a memorial board present, which reminds the death defying jump of Rani Lakshmibai on her horseback in an attempt to flee the British army after a heroic fight.  

Jhansi Fort - Timings and entry fee

Good for history buffs, the Jhansi fort is open for all days of the week between the hours of the morning 6 to evening 6.  The entry fee is kept very basic at Rs 5 per person for Indians, while the foreigners have to pay Rs 200 for the same.

How to Reach Jhansi

Jhansi city is well within the reach by Air, rail and road. The nearest airport is at Gwalior, a town hundred kilometers from Jhansi. Rail route is also viable as Jhansi junction is well connected to the rest of India. Besides, one can even take a road trip via the local and state transport bus services.

[ Interested in knowing more about the top 10 forts in India II ]

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