Jhansi is one of the beautiful cities in Uttar Pradesh. The city is synonymous with the name of Rani Jhansi. The history of Jhansi attracts tourists from all over the world. Ruled by the Chandela kings, Jhansi was previously known as Balwant Nagar. It was in the 11th century that Jhansi began losing its importance slowly. During the 17th century, under Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha, Jhansi again became popular.
One of the best administrators of Jhansi was Raja Gangadhar Rao. In the year In 1842 Raja Gangadhar Rao married Mannikarnika. After this marriage she was named as Lakshmi Bai. Lakshmi Bai was the Rani of Jhansi or Queen of Jhansi who led her forces against the British during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. She sacrificed her life during this first struggle of Indian Independence in 1858. Also known as the Joan of Arc of India, Lakshmi Bai’s name is famous throughout the world and symbolises strength, valor and courage.
During 1853, the Britishers wanted to take over Jhansi as the king had no son as the heir to the throne. Lakshmi Bai fought against the British with other revolutionaries of that period. So it was Jhansi ki Rani Lakshmi Bai who led the Sepoys of the 1857 revolt that sowed the seeds of India’s struggle for independence.
Lakshmi Bai became a martyr on 17th June 1858 during a battle with the British soldiers at Gwalior. Later in 1861, the British Government gave the Jhansi Fort and city to Jiyaji Rao Scindia.
In independent India, Jhansi is a part of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. At present Jhansi is a Divisional Commissioner’s Headquarter that includes districts like Jhansi, Lalitpur and Jalaun. There are a number of Tourist attractions in Jhansi which you can explore on your Tour to Uttar Pradesh.
