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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Daulatabad Fort: A Travel Guide

The fort city, Daulatabad, in Maharashtra is located at a distance of 16 km northwest of Aurangabad. Daulatabad was earlier called Devgiri. 

Daulatabad province is situated 13 kilometers away from Aurangabad. Literally meaning the city of fortune, Daulatabad is home to the resplendent 12th century fortress perched on the lush hillock. This impregnable fort complex features a 5 kilometer fortified wall and massive ramparts.

We have earlier featured Daulatabad Fort as one of the best forts in India.

In 1327, the city was the capital of Muhammad bin Tughlaq (r. 1325-1351), Tughlaq dynasty. He forcibly shifted the population of Delhi to Daulatabad and also altered the name. But, after two years, the city was abandoned due to scarcity of water.

Daulatabad is a 14th-century fort city in Maharashtra, India, about 16 kilometers northwest of Aurangabad

• Location: Daulatabad, about 16 km northwest of Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
• Built By: Raja Bhillamraj (Yadava General) on the Deogiri Hill.
• Built In: 12th Century.
• Highlights: Hathi Haud, Bharat Mata Temple, Chand Minar, Andheri, Baradari.
• How to Reach: Along the Aurangabad-Ellora Road (NH 211). Aurangabad is well-connected with various railways, airways and roadways.
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
• Entry Fee: Indians - INR 5; Foreigners - $2 or INR 100.

Fort of Deogire
The hill-fortress of Deogire/Devagiri/Daulatabad stands on a conical hill, at an altitude of 200 m. The fort signifies exemplary strength. The fort could be accessed by a narrow bridge. The fort features a long gallery, which has been excavated in the rock and most of the regions on the gallery have a gradual upward slope.

In the mid of this gallery, there are steep stairs that lead to the place where the garrison placed the fire during the time of war.

Moving ahead, one could find the massive old cannon, facing towards the countryside. The fort also features a cave entrance that was constructed to confuse the enemies.

History
The fort was occupied about 100 BCE, and today is regarded as the remains of Buddhist caves like those caves of Ajanta and Ellora. The city of Daulatabad is said to be established by Bhillama V in c. 1187. Prince Bhillama V is said to be dedicated to the Chalukyas and founder of the powerful Yadava Dynasty in the west.

In the year 1294, the fortress was occupied by Ala-ud-din Khilji. Later, the fortress was again captured in 1307 and 1310 by the Muslims under Malik Kafur.

The site also became an important base of the Delhi Sultanate for its conquering operations made towards the south. Muhammad bin Tughluq, in the year 1327 made Devagiri as his capital and changed its name to Daulatabad.

Some Interesting Facts

• The circumference of the outer wall of the fort is 2.75 miles (4.43 km).
• There are three lines of defenses between the upper fort and the base.
• Hathi Haud is a great attracting feature in Daulatabad. It measures 47.75 m in length, 46.75 m in width and 6.61 m in depth.
• Bharat Mata Temple has two openings, one towards the east and another to the north. The temple measures 87.14 m East-West and 72.80 m North-South.
• Chand Minar was built in AD 1447 by Sultan Alau-ud-din-Bahmani (Sultan Ahmed Shah 2). It measures 70 m in height and 21 m in circumference at the base.
• Andheri is a serpentine dark passage. This was constructed as a defense mechanism and was never occupied.
• Baradari was constructed in A.D 1636 for the visit of Shah Jahan (A.D 1627-1658). This structure consisted of 13 halls.
• Chini Mahal, or China Palace, is the remains of a building which was once recognized for great beauty. Here, the last of the Qutb Shahi kings of Golconda, Abul Hasan Tana Shah, was incarcerated in 1687 by Aurangzeb.

Contributed By Neelam Talreja

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Top 10 Forts in India : The Living Legends

Top 10 Forts in India : The Living Legends

“I am the mirror… Standing like a meditative Yogi, I am making you witness the royalty, valor, love, struggle and grandness of the ancient and medieval era of India…”.

India is dotted with numerous forts which can be aptly referred to as the living legends. Each of these forts are replete with saga of romance, chivalry, valor and inevitable deceit and intrigues of court politics.

Some of the forts are brilliant specimen of architecture designed and constructed by the humans. In the forts built during the medieval period, the influence of various art forms from around the world can be well witnessed.

If you have an inclination towards these grand structures, you can go through our list below where we have meticulously chosen top 10 forts in India from a long list:

Red Fort, Delhi

Red Fort in Delhi

A red sandstone structure which presents India before the world, Red Fort in Delhi is rightly been called the pride of the city and of India too.

Inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this magnificent red citadel is but just a ghost of its former glory days. Red Fort in Delhi was built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the 17th century AD.

It took around 10 years to complete and is originally referred to as ‘Quila-e-Mubarak’ as royal family used to live there. Inside the fort, there are public and private halls, mosques, gardens and alongside this runs the river Yamuna.

[ Read more about Red Fort, Delhi]

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Amber Fort in Jaipur

A beautiful gemstone in the royal crown of Rajasthan, Jaipur charms the guests with its fleet of palaces and forts. One of the most visited and beguiling of Jaipur forts is the Amber Fort, situated in a serene backdrop of the Aravali Hill.

When you reach the fort, you will get a warm welcome by the silent wavelets of the Maota Lake. The blend of Hindu, Rajput and Mughal architectural style adorn the fort and make the guests let them loose to its grandeur of presentation.

The intricate marble, glass, metal and wood carvings can be well witnessed in this beautiful fort built by Raja Man Singh I.

[Read more about Amber Fort]

Agra Fort, Agra 

Red Fort In Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Though the city of Agra is most famous for its iconic Taj Mahal, but there are several other architectural wonders that still make it one of the best destination for a cultural tour to India.

The red giant structure of Agra fort speaks volumes about the Mughal dynasty, their rise and fall in the country of India. While you enter inside this fort, a beautifully manicured lawn gives you a green carpet welcome.

There are different palaces inside this red citadel most of which were built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. This chivalric king also had spent his last years in a high towering palace of Red Fort from where Taj Mahal can be seen clearly.

[Read more about the Agra Fort]

Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan

Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan

Each corner of the state of Rajasthan speaks of the royal lifestyle of the Rajput rulers and Jaisalmer is certainly not an exception to that.

In this city of Rajasthan which seems to be an embodiment of the Arabian Night fables, the Jaisalmer Fort is standing in a cliff top that becomes visible from a distance.

This yellow sandstone fort glitters like a golden crown when the sun rays hits its outer wall. Simplicity in grandness is seen in its décor and architecture and it is also crowned as one of the largest forts in the world.

[Read more about Jaisalmer Fort]

 Daulatabad Fort, Aurangabad

Daulatabad Fort, Aurangabad

Though the sand of time has left its imprints behind the Daulatabad Fort, it is still can be called one of the best documents containing the history of the city.

The fort overlooks the green views of the vegetation around and is certainly a photographer’s paradise. With its vintage look, it never ceases to amaze the visitors.

 It’s been ruled by many dynasties and their remains can be still seen in this almost forgotten fort of Aurangabad.

[Read more about Daulatabad Fort]

Golkonda Fort, Hyderabad

Golkonda Fort, Hyderabad

Situated just 11 kilometers away from the city of Hyderabad, Golkonda Fort is not that famous among the tourists as the Red Fort in Delhi or the Agra fort. But still, it is one of the best places to visit which will mounts up to your expectations while you are in a cultural tour to India.

It was originally built by Kakatiya Dynasty which was later ruled by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah Wali. During Qutub Shah’s reign, the fort went through a number of reconstructions. Away from the hustle-bustle of city life, this fort is standing silently in a cliff top and singing the saga of its royal days.

[Read more about Golkonda Fort]

Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

It is a well preserved forts situated at the center of the city of Bikaner in Rajasthan. It is a massive structure with a fleet of art galleries, corridors and courtyards which beautifully display the history, culture and traditions of the city.

A scattering of color can be well witnessed in the halls and rooms of this fortress. Built in the year 1589 AD, this fort was being rules by as many as 20 rulers of Bikaner till 1920 AD.

Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh

Gwalior Fort in  Madhya Pradesh

It is another well preserved and maintained fort in India which has colorful artworks inscribed in its inner and outer walls and pillars. It is so massive and alluring, that India Postal Service has issued a postal stamp with the photo of this fort.

The Mughal Emperor Babur once described is as “the pearl in the necklace of the forts of Hind”. From the fort, you can also savor the panoramic view of the old Gwalior. Gwalior Fort also occupies a unique place in the human civilization as the place which has the first ever recorded the use of zero.

[Read more about Gwalior Fort]

Jhansi Fort, Jhansi

Jhansi Fort, Jhansi

Built by Bir Singh Ju Deo, the king of Orcha in the year 1613, this Indian fort is situated in a rocky hill called Bangra in Jhansi.

The fort has ten gates including the Khandero Gate, Datia Darwaza, Unnao Gate, Jharna Gate, Laxmi Gate, Sagar Gate, Orcha Gate, Sainyar Gate, and Chand Gate.

The fort still speaks about the life of the courageous queen of Jhansi, Rani Laxmi Bai.

[ Read More About Jhansi Fort ]

Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh Fort in Chittorgarh

If Chittorgarh is the pride of Rajasthan, then Chittorgarh Fort must be its icon. Stretches in a huge area, the fort bears witness to a time when royal people preferred to die before submitting themselves to the enemies.

The folklore about the gallantry of Rani Padmini can be still heard when you visit this fort. There are several palaces, temples and public and private halls inside the fort which grab the attention of millions of travelers every year.

[Read more about Chittorgarh Fort]

Interested in forts and palaces tours, check out these packages at Indianholiday.com

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Contributed by Nikhil Chandra

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