Jhansi occupies a significant role in Indian history. Historically, North Central India was a strong hold of Bundelas and the entire region was called Bundelkhand.The monuments found across the city are a witness to the rich cultural heritage and history. Jhansi being its prominent territory was ruled by kings from the Bundela clan, Maratha Peshwas, Mughals each of whom have influenced the cultural heritage in various art forms, folk dances. Folk dances that are an essential part of the lives of the locals, also correctly depict their culture. The Badhai dance is popularly performed at weddings and sometimes even at childbirth. The Akai dance form is inspired by martial arts and dancers use bamboo sticks while playing it. The Norta dance depicts the battle between good and evil where the former always prevails. The Rai dance form is said to be inspired by the movement of a mustard seed in a saucer. The Jawara dance is performed to mark a good harvest. The Diwali dance is performed by boys dressed as cowherds, a fortnight before Diwali, to express their devotion to Lord Krishna. jhansi lays a lot of emphasis to dance and music, and the locals participate with zeal and fervor, breaking into a dance at every occasion.
However, it is obvious that due to the geographic proximity and cultural similarities, Jhansi identifies itself with the Bundeli customs, traditions and cultural norms. For all these reasons, Jhansi is known as the “Gateway to Bundelkhand”.
Jhansi Fort
The fort of Maharani Jhansi has strategic importance since the earliest of times. It was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo (1606-27) of Orchha on a rocky hill called Bangra in the town of Balwantnagar (presently known as Jhansi).
The fort has ten gates ( Darwaza). Some of these are Khandero Gate, Datia Darwaza, Unnao gate, Jharna Gate, Laxmi Gate, Sagar Gate, Orcha Gate, Sainyar Gate, Chand Gate.
Among places of interest within the main fort area are the Karak Bijli Toup (Tank), Rani Jhansi Garden, Shiv temple and a “Mazar” of Ghulam Gaus Khan, Moti Bai and Khuda Baksh.
The Jhansi fort, a living testimony of ancient glamor and valour, also has a fine collection of sculptures which provide an excellent inside into the eventful history of Bundelkhand.
Rani Mahal
Rani Mahal, Palace of Rani Lakshmi Bai embelished with multi colored art and painting on its walls and ceilings. Presently this palace is converted into a museum. It has a massive collection of Sculptures of the period between the 9th and 12th Centuries AD, housed here by the Archaeologral Survey of India.
Uttar Pradesh Government Museum
The State Museum has a fine collection of terracotta, bronzes, Weapons, Sculptures, Manuscripts, Painting and Coins of Gold, Silver and Copper.
Maha Lakshmi Temple
Maha Lakshmi Temple an ancient temple devoted to Devi Mahalaxmi was built in 18th Century. This glorious temple is situated outside Laxmi “Darwaza” near Laxmi Tal.
Maharaja Gangadhar Rao ki Chathri
The Samadhi of Maharaja Gangadhar Rao is situated on the Laxmi Tal. After the death of Maharaja Gangadhar Rao in 1853 this ancient monument was built by his wife Maharani Laxmi Bai.
Ganesh Mandir
Ganesh Mandir, where the marriage ceremany of Maharani Laxmi Bai, the brave hero of 1857 Inedependence war, and Maharajai Gangadhar Rao was performed. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh.
The other places of interest are :
Kaliji Temple
Murli Manohar Temple
Panchkuniya Temple
Jeevan Shah Ka Mazar
St. Jude’s Shrine
Gurudwara at Tallaiya Mohalla
Karguan Jain Pilgrimage
Kunj Bihari Temple
