Part 2: MP & UP Trip - Jhansi

10-Oct-17            Tuesday               4              Jhansi  

Train from Khajuro@9:25 AM to Jhansi @13:30

Fort of Jhansi  : 

The fort of Jhansi was built in 1613, by Raja Bir Singh Judao (1606-27) of Orchha. This fort is built on a rocky hill and the city of Jhansi is around this fort. During the earlier days, Wall of the fort was all around Jhansi city. This Wall has ten gates. Some of these gates are still existing and some vanished with time. But Places around these gates are still identified with name of gates. Some of the gates are Khandero Gate, Datia darwaza, Unnao gate, Jharna Gate, Laxmi Gate, Sagar Gate, Orchha Gate, Sainyar Gate and Chand gate. Timings: dawn to dusk daily. Entry fee: Re 5.00

Jhansi Fort, also known as Jhansi ka Kila, was built in the 17th century by Raja Bir Singh Deo on a large hilltop called Bangira, in Uttar Pradesh. Jhansi is famous for Rani Laxmi Bai, also known as Jhansi ki Rani.

In 1729, Maharaj Chattrasal gave the fort to Mohammed Khan Bangash as a token of his gratitude, for helping him defeat the Mughal army. In 1742, Naroshanker was appointed as subedar of Jhansi, who not only extended the fort but also added other buildings. After Naroshanker, Madhav Govind Kakirde followed by Babulal Kanahai served as the subedar of Jhansi. Vishwas Rao Laxman served from 1766 to 1769, and was followed by Raghunath Rao (II) Newalkar, who apart from increasing the revenue of the state also built the MahaLakshmi Temple and the Raghunath Temple. His rule was followed by the inefficient Raghunath Rao (III) who left Jhansi in a terrible financial state. Jhansi again got an able administrator in the form of Raja Gangadhar Rao, who, due to his generosity, succeeded in keeping the local population satisfied. Following his death, Manikarnika Tambe, his wife, later known as Rani Laxmi Bai, ruled in his stead. In 1858, she bravely led Jhansi against the British East India Company. There is a memorial board present which reminds one of her heroic feat in jumping from the fort on horseback with her adopted son. In April 1858, British forces captured Jhansi under General Hugh Rose, and in 1861, the British Government gave it to the Maharaja of Gwalior only to later take it back in 1868.

Rani Mahal  : Rani Mahal or Queen's Palace was built by Raghunath II of Newalkar family (1769-96). Su-Tu 10AM-5PM. It is located in heart of city near to Jhansi fort. Rani mahal is decorated with multicolored paintings and art forms. At present Rani mahal is converted to museum with artefacts from 9th and 12th century AD. Best way to reach Rani Mahal is to take an Auto from Elite crossing to City.

11-Oct-17            Wednesday       5              Orchha –

Took a Auto for Orchha, and reached around 11.30 am.