[Vivek Sharma page cont'd--native place]
Jhansi
(INDIA)
 

Bundelo harbolo ke munh humne suni kahani thi
khub lari mardani woh to Jhansi wali Rani thi'

Jhansi, however, has a long history and Bundelkhand was an important force in the time of the Chandela kings. Then, sudeenly, it receded  into oblivion for nearly 500 years. It reemerged as a stronghold of Raja Bir Singh Joo Deo (1602-1627 AD), a close friend of Prince Salim, who later became Emperor jehangir, one of the most colourful mughal rulers. The fort of Jhansi and many important structures in  Bundelkhan are a contribution of Raja Bir Singh and his successors.

Jhansi and the Bundelkhand, apart from the valour of its people, are also important for the scenic beauty of the surroundings.

How to get there

Air
Nearest airport is Gwalior, 103 km, connected by Indian Airlines to Delhi, Bhopal, Indore and Bombay.

Rail

Jhansi is connected by an excellent railway network. 2001/2002 Shatabdi Express, one of the fastest luxury trains on Indian rails, provides easierst access to Jhansi from important stations between Delhi and Bhopal.

Roads

jhansi, on a National Highways 25 and 26, is linked by a good network of roads to all regions. Road distances to some important centres in the area are Agra 221 km; Khajuraho 172 km; Datia 32 km; Shivpuri 101 km;kalpi 142 km ; Delhi 414 km.
 

What to see?

The Fort
Standing a top a hill the fort was made by Raja Bir Singh Joo Deo in the 17th century A.D.

Rani Mahal
The palace of Rani Lakshmi Bai which has now been turned into a musuem. It also houses a collection of archaelogical remains of the period between 9th and 12th century AD.
 

Excursions

Deogarh

106 km. A town that has figured prominently in the history of the region and which various dynasties had favoured with their imprints. Traces of remains of the Guptas, Gurjaras, pratiharas, Gonds, Bundelas, and Marathas are implanted in the surroundings of the town. Principal attractions of the town are Darticcotar Temple, a Vishnu temple of the Gupta period, and a number of Jain temples.

Mahoba

161 km. The chandelas who held sway over large areas of central india in the later half of the last millenia are famous for the exquisite temples and other buildings they left behind as their legacy  to future generations. Amongst the examples of their artistic excellence are Khajurao, Kalinjar, Datia etc. and Mahoba was their seat of power.

Set beside a large lake, Madan Sagar, one of the four the Chandelas made. The saga of Alha and Udal who sacrificed their lives for the honour of their land, is sung by bards all over Bundelkhand.

Kalinjar

147 km. The history of Kalinjar is an unending account of invasions. Held by the Chandelas who ruled a large part of central india the fort of kalinjar withstood many Muslims invaders including Mahmud of Ghazni. The ruins of the two palaces, the Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal, still survive in the fort.  On the other sights at kalinjar Patal Ganga, Pandu kund, Budhi Talao, Siddhi-ki-Gufa, Rani-ki-Aman, Mirha-Bhairon, Mrigdhara, Khumbu, Varha and Nilkhanth temples are important.

Chitrakoot

342 km. Enclosed in verdant hills of central India Chitrakoot, on the banks of the Mandakini river, also called here Paisuni river, is associated with the Ramayana. it is said when Lord Rama was exiled for 14 years he passed through these forests and spent some time here at the ashram of Rishi Atri and Sati Anasuya.

Chitrakoot is an important centre of pilgrimage and the banks of the Mandakini river in the town are lined with bathing ghats. The beauty of the hills of Chitrakoot is narrated in many Hindu religous scriptures and legends. Thick forests inhabited by tyribals still only marginally tainted with ways of modern civilisation, a small river meandering through valleys and tumbling over waterfalls, make for an excellent holiday retreat too.
 

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