Apart from being synonymous with the valor of Rani Lakshmibai, the city of Jhansi has a lot to offer when it comes to culture and heritage.
close-up of a statue of the queen on her horse with a sword in hand
Several historical monuments adorn the city. Jhansi has been ruled by the Chandela kings, the Marathas, the Peshwas, and the Bundela clan. Being in geographical proximity with Bundelkhand, Jhansi identifies itself with Bundeli cultures and has been influenced by the ruling dynasties. The city is thus profoundly called ‘Gateway to Bundelkhand’ and is adorned by several historical monuments. Nestled between the rivers Pahnuj and Betwa, the city forms a part of southern Uttar Pradesh.
The markets of the city, especially the Sipri bazaar adorns antique objects, handicrafts, and intricately designed royal paintings. Jhansi is famous for its colorful glass bangles. Other markets like the Sadar Bazaar and Manik Chowk provide a budget-friendly atmosphere along with varieties of jewelry, toys, clothing, and electronics. Shopping in the markets of Jhansi is thus an exciting affair. The charm of ancient Jhansi has been retained in its shops, mansions, and historical monuments.
Art forms and folk dances depict the rich culture of the city. Folk dances are an essential element of the local lifestyle. Special emphasis is laid on music and dance during the festivals. Akai dance, north dance, rai dance,badhai dance, and jawara dance are a few folk dances practiced in the city.
- The badhai dance is performed in wedding ceremonies and other celebrations like childbirth while the Akai dance derives inspiration from martial arts.
- The Akai dancers make use of bamboo sticks in the performance.
- The north dance depicts a battle fought between good and evil while the jawara dance marks a good harvest.
- The night before Diwali is celebrated with a special type of dance card Diwali dance. It is performed by boys who dress up as cowherds. They express their devotion to Lord Krishna.
Several historical monuments adorn the city thereby attracting a large number of tourists every year.
The Government Museum of Jhansi is located at the heart of the city and stores artifacts and relics that date back to the 4th century. Manuscripts, sculptures, and statues that belong to the Gupta and Chandela dynasties are present in the museum. 11th century Jhansi was ruled by the Chandela kings. Their dresses, royal paintings, and coins adorn the collection of the museum. Weapons and terracotta items are also present.
Jhansi Fort: the battleground!
night view of Jhansi fort
The Jhansi fort is historically significant. The fort has witnessed the battle between Queen Manikarnika and the British officials. It was constructed on the top of a hill by Raja Bir Singh Deo in the 17th century.
kadak Bijli canon in the premises of the fort
- The complex is strategically designed with a Ganesh temple at the entrance and a Shiva temple on the insides. It is believed that it was the worship house of the queen.
close-up of the Ganesh temple within the fort
Shiva temple in the premises of Jhansi fort
- There are several spots of significance within the fort like the jumping point from where the queen jumped off on her horse with her child tied behind her.
- The cannons used in the war still adorn the fort while other spots like the Kaal Kothari and hanging tower are still present.
close-up of the hanging tower in Jhansi fort
- The fort hosts a sound and light show that demonstrates the valor of the queen.
The erstwhile residence of the queen, Rani Mahal has been converted into a museum. It is symbolic of the Bundelkhandi style of architecture with open courtyards and arched chambers. It was built by Raghunath(II) Newalkar in the eighteenth century.
intricately designed, colourful walls of Rani Mahal
The palace is highlighted by colorful walls and constitutes six big rooms among which the Durbar Hall is well preserved. The interiors are halls are decorated with colors and motifs. The motifs vary from floral to geometrical. Vibrant vermillion and indigo hues decorate the walls. The palace is close to the Jhansi fort.
Apart from these historical sites, the regions around the city have a lot to offer. Chanderi is located 103km away from the city and is dotted with several monuments. It features the chanderi silk saree and ancient Jain temples while Chirgaon has located 30km from the city. The samadhi of the renowned Hindi poet, Maithili Sharan Gupt is present here. 133 km away from Jhansi lies Deogarh which houses the Dashavatar temple which dates back to the fifth century. The city of Mahoba which was the erstwhile capital of the Chandelas is also quite famous. It has a rich architectural heritage that includes the lakes built by the kings, Kakramath(Shiva temple), and tanks like Ram Kund and Suraj Kund. These tanks are lined with granite slabs and are carved out in a pyramidal shape
close-up of rabri-jalebi
The city offers water sports in Mauranipur through its Jal Vihar Mahotsav, the water cruise festival of the city! Apart from such splendid architecture and rich customs, the city has a lot to offer when it comes to cuisines. Rabri, papri chaat,chhena, kadhi, and kachori are a few delights that can be savored in the city of Jhansi.
Pooja Kumari Sha
24/02/22
One Comment
Such an inspiration to all female in the India