Jhansi Tourism

Jhansi city, situated between the rivers Pahunj and Betwa is a symbol of bravery, courage and self respect. It is said that in ancient times Jhansi was a part of the regions Chedi Rashtra, Jejak Bhukti, Jajhoti and Bundelkhand.Jhansi was a stronghold of the Chandela kings. Balwant Nagar was the name of this place. But in 11th. century Jhansi lost its importance. In 17th. century under Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha Jhansi again rose to prominence.Raja Bir Singh Deo had good relations with the mughal emperor Jehangir.In 1613 Raja Bir Singh Deo constructed the Jhansi fort. He died in 1627. After his death his son Juhar Singh succeeded him.Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundela of Panna was a good administrator and a brave warrior. In 1729 Mohammed Khan Bangash attacked Chhatrasal. Peshwa Baji Rao(I ) helped Maharaja Chhatrasal and defeated mughal army. As a mark of gratitude Maharaja Chhatrasal offered a part of his state to Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao(I). Jhansi was also included in this part.In 1742 Naroshanker was made the subedar of Jhansi.During his tenure of 15 years he not only extended the Jhansi fort which was of strategic importance but also constructed some other buildings.

The extended part of the fort is called Shankergarh.In 1757 Naroshanker was called back by the Peshwa. After him Madhav Govind Kakirde and then Babulal Kanahai were made the subedars of Jhansi.In 1766 Vishwas Rao Laxman was made the subedar of Jhansi.His period was from 1766 to 1769. After him Raghunath Rao (II) Newalkar was appointed the subedar of Jhansi. He was a very able administrator. He increased the revenue of the state.The MahaLaxmi Temple and the Raghunath Temple were built by him. For his own residence he constructed a beautiful building Rani Mahal in the city. In 1796 Raghunath Rao passed the subedari in favour of his brother ShivRao Hari.In 1803 a treaty was signed between East India company and Maratha.

After the death of Shiv Rao his grand son Ramchandra Rao was made subedar of Jhansi. He was not a good administrator. Ramchandra Rao died in 1835. After his death Raghunath Rao (III) was made his successor. In 1838 Raghunath Rao(III) also died. The British rulers then accepted Gangadhar Rao as the Raja of Jhansi.Due to the inefficient administration during the period of Raghunath Rao (III) the financial position of Jhansi was very critical.Raja Gangadhar Rao was a very good administrator. He was very generous and full of sympathy. He gave very good administration to Jhansi. During his period the local population of Jhansi was very satisfied.

In 1842 Raja Gangadhar Rao married to Mannikarnika. After this marriage Mannikarnika was given the new name Laxmi Bai , who led forces against British in 1857. She sacrificed her life to the cause of Indian Independence in 1858.In 1861 the British Government gave the Jhansi fort and Jhansi city to JivajiRao Scindia. Jhansi was then became a part of Gwalior state. In 1886 Britishers took back Jhansi from Gwalior state.In independent India Jhansi was included in Uttar Pradesh.At present Jhansi is a Divisional Commissioner's Headquarter including district Jhansi, Lalitpur and Jalaun.Rani Laxmi Bai, the fiery Queen of Jhansi, also known as the Rani of Jhansi, one of the great nationalist heroine of the first war of Indian freedom,

a symbol of resistance to the British rule in India was born on 19th November 1835 at Kashi (Presently known as Varanasi). Her father Moropanth was a Brahmin and her mother Bhagirathibai was a cultured, intelligent and god fearing lady.Mannikarnika (Manu) was the name of Rani Laxmi Bai in her childhood. Manu lost her mother at the age of four. The Complete responsibility of the young girl fell on the father. She completed her education and also learned horse riding, Sword fighting and shooting on a target with a gun.She was married to Raja Gangadhar Rao, the Maharaja of Jhansi in 1842, and became the Rani of Jhansi. After the marriage She was given the name Laxmi Bai. The Marriage ceremony was performed in Ganesh Mandir, the temple of Lord Ganesha situated in the city of Jhansi.Rani Laxmi Bai gave birth to a son in 1851, but unfortunately this child died when he was about four months old. After this tragedy, Damodar Rao was adopted a son. Later on Maharaja Gangadhar Rao also died on 21st November 1853.After the death of Maharaja Gangadhar Rao, Rani Laxmi Bai was left alone. At this time she was eighteen years old.Rani Laxmi Bai did not lost her courage, She always remembered her responsibility.

Jhansi Fort
The Quila or fortress is located atop a hill in Jhansi and was the residence of the Chandela Kings from the 11th to the 17th centuries. Jhansi Fort has thick granite walls and several bastions with mounted cannons. The Fort also houses the Rani Mahal which was the living quarters of Rani Lakshmi Bai and is now an archeological museum. The Jhansi Mahotsav held here during January or February is probably the best time to visit this fort.

Government Museum
The Government Museum of Jhansi was established in 1878 and is one of the best places to find few of the rare archeological gems in India. The massive galleries contain several paintings, weapons, manuscripts and various sculptures and statues that date back to the Chandela and the Gupta dynasty.

Chirgaon
An ancient town in Uttar Pradesh, Chirgaon is located just 30 kilometers away from Jhansi. Chirgaon is famous for its various temples and is one of the best preserved ancient cities of India. The various ancient and sacred ponds in the city are a must visit along with its various ancient temples. The place is also the best if you want to truly experience the region’s culture.

Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Ki Chatri
Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Ki Chatri is dedicated and named after Maharaja Gangadhar Rao who was the Maratha king that ruled Jhansi in the 19th century. The monument is a cenotaph that was built by Rani Lakshmi Bai for her husband in 1853. The monument is located in the Jhansi fort and is built in a typical Maratha Hindu style. Although the town is small and has a few number of tourist attractions, Jhansi is a town that is remembered in history for its significance in the Indian revolt of 1857. The aforementioned places are the best if one wants to experience the true history of the Indian culture and the culture of Jhansi.

Uttar Pradesh Tourism

Uttar Pradesh Tourism is the microcosm of India, multicultural, multiracial, conglomeration of fabulous wealth of nature-hills, valleys, rivers, forests, and vast plains. Viewed as the largest tourist destination in India, Uttar Pradesh boasts of 35 million domestic tourists. Its tourism promotion budget is bigger than that of government of India and half of the states of the Indian union combined. Uttar Pradesh is studded with places of tourist attractions across a wide spectrum of interest to people of diverse interests. The seventh most populated state of the world, Uttar Pradesh can lay claim to be the oldest seat of India's culture and civilization. It has been characterized as the cradle of Indian civilization and culture because it is around the Ganga that the ancient cities and towns sprang up.