Jhansi Fort, Jhansi

The Jhansi fort is situated in the outskirts of Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh. It was Built in the year 1613 by Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha.

The Jhansi Fort gained provenance in the 19th century where it played a major role during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. The huge fort is built on a hilltop called Bangira. The fort was a residence of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, who fought the British East India Company during the 1857 War of Independence and attained martyrdom..

There are 10 gates giving access to the fort. Some of these are Khanderao Gate, Datia Darwaza, Unnao Gate, Jharna Gate, Laxmi Gate, Sagar Gate, Orcha Gate, Sainyar Gate and Chand gate. Notable sights in the fort are the Shiva temple, Ganesh temple at the entrance, and the Kadak Bijli cannon used in the uprising of 1857. The memorial board reminds one of the hair-raising feat of the Rani Lakshmibai in jumping on horseback from the fort. Nearby is the Rani Mahal, built in the later half of the 18th century where an archaeological museum has come up today.

The fort extends to a sprawling expansion of 15 acres and this colossal structure measures about 312m in length and 225m in width. On the whole, there are twenty-two supports with a mammoth strengthening wall cosseted by a moat on both sides.

The shattered upholder on the eastern side was rebuild by the British, who also supplemented a floor to Panch Mahal. Every year in the month of jan-feb a grand occasion is held known as jhansi mahotsav many eminent personalities and artist perform their play.

During battle of 1857 the queen of Jhansi put all the people inside the fort to save their lives.