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Jhansi Fort

Jhansi Fort

heritage site · Uttar Pradesh

State
Uttar Pradesh
Type
Heritage Site

Jhansi Fort is a hilltop fortress in the Bundelkhand region, historically the seat of the Jhansi state and most famous as the stronghold defended by Rani Lakshmibai during the 1857 uprising.

Jhansi Fort is known for

Rani Lakshmibai1857 revolt strongholdBhanderi Gate escapehilltop fortressMaratha-era expansion

A short history

The fort was built on a hilltop called Bangira, with origins tied to the Karhade Brahmin clan controlling the area between the 11th and 17th centuries. In 1728, Peshwa Bajirao I helped Maharaja Chhatrasal defeat Mughal forces, and Chhatrasal granted Jhansi to Bajirao. In 1742 Naroshankar was made subedar and expanded the fortress. Raja Gangadhar Rao married Manikarnika Tambe, who took the name Lakshmi Bai, in 1842; after his death in 1853 the British applied the Doctrine of Lapse and annexed Jhansi. When rebellion broke out in June 1857, Rani Lakshmibai took control of the fort; British forces under General Hugh Rose besieged it in March-April 1858 and captured it on 4 April 1858, though the Rani made a daring escape on horseback through the Bhanderi Gate. [Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jhansi_Fort]

Why Jhansi Fort matters

Jhansi Fort is one of India's most potent symbols of resistance to British colonial rule, inseparably tied to the legend of Rani Lakshmibai, a leading figure of the 1857 revolt.

When to go

October to March

Why visit

The fort of Rani Lakshmibai — ground zero of 1857's most legendary resistance.

How to reach

Jhansi has its own railway station, Virangana Lakshmibai Railway Station (VGLB), on the Delhi-Mumbai trunk route; the nearest airport is Gwalior Airport, about 100 km away.

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