Historic Jhansi fort completes 400 years

Jhansi, September 2: The historic fort of Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh, has completed 400 years of historical existence this year.

The fort popular known as ‘Rani Jhansi ka quila’ has been a mute witness to major events in the history of India and gave a tough fight to the forces of the British East India Company under Sir Hugh Rose during the First War of Independence.

The war was fought jointly by the Hindus and Muslims under the leadership of Rani of Jhansi Laxmibai, Tantya Tope, Nanasaheb Peshwa, and Bahadurshah Jafar.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had organized a function to commemorate the 400th anniversary of this historic fort recently. The Uttar Pradesh Culture Minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch inaugurated the celebrations by releasing pigeons.

The fort was built in 1613 by Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orcha on the hill top known as Bangira. Jhansi was the stronghold of Chandela kings. The place rose to its prominence under Raja Bir Singh Deo in the 17th century who had very cordial relations with Mughal Emperor Jehangir.

Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundela of Panna was attacked by Mohammad Khan Bangash in 1729. Chhatrasal sought help from Peshwa Bajirao I who defeated Bangash and his army. As a mark of gratitude Chhatrasal offered a part of his state to Bajirao which included Jhansi.

In 1742 Naroshankar was made the subedar of Jhansi during whose time the fort acquired strategic importance. Naroshankar was succeeded by Madhav Govind Kakirde, and Babulal Kanhai.

Later Vishwas Rao Laxman, Raghunath Rai Newalkar II, Ranchandra Rao, Raghunath Rao Newalkar III succeeded as subedars of Jhansi fort. Gangadhar Rao was accepted ruler of Jhansi by the British in 1838.

He was married to Manikarnika Tambe, later popularly rose to fame as ‘Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi’ in 1842.  She ruled Jhasni after the death of her husband till the British took over Jhansi.

Rani Laxmibai was one of the main leaders of 1857 war of independence. She rejected the British move to annex Jhansi to the British Empire.

When the British forces under Sir Hugh Rose encircled Jhansi fort, she secretly escaped and reached Gwalior where she finally died a valiant death fighting with the British forces.

The 400th anniversary of the Jhansi fort was marked by traditional Bundeli folk dances and folk songs in the fort premises.

Addressing the gathering the Minister said that museum dedicated to the close aide of Rani Laxmibai Jhalkari Bai would soon be set up in the fort.

She said that efforts to release commemorative stamp in memory of Rani Laxmibai and to retrieve her sword were underway.

(Additional inputs from agencies)