Jhansi, the gateway to Bundelkand, was a stronghold of the Chandela kings but lost its importance after the eclipse of the dynasty in the 11th century. It rose to prominence again in the 17th century under Raja Bir Singh Deo who was a close associate of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. However its great claim to fame is its fiery queen Rani Laxmibai who led forces against the British in 1857 A.D. sacrificing her life to the cause of Indian independence.

Once used by the Indian army, the fort was built in 1613 by Maharaja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha. The British ceded the fort to the maharaja of Scindia in 1858, but later exchanged it for Gwalior in 1866. There's nothing much to see, apart from the excellent views from the ramparts. Watch out for the band of aggressive monkeys by the temples here. Just below the walls as you approach the fort is a bizarre blood-and-guts diorama of the battle in which the Rani of Jhansi died. On the road leading up to the fort is the large but the largely empty government museum. Its four galleries house an interesting collection of prehistoric tools; terracottas dating from the 4th century BC; and sculptures, costumes, and weapons from the Chandela dynasty.

Sightseeing

• Jhansi Fort
  Once used by the Indian army, the fort was built in 1613 by Maharaja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha. The British ceded the fort to the maharaja of Scindia in 1858, but later exchanged it for Gwalior in 1866. There's nothing much to see, apart from the excellent views from the ramparts. Watch out for the band of aggressive monkeys by the temples here. Just below the walls as you approach the fort is a bizarre blood-and-guts diorama of the battle in which the Rani of Jhansi died.
• Government Museum
  On the road leading up to the fort is the large but the largely empty government museum. Its four galleries house an interesting collection of prehistoric tools; terracottas dating from the 4th century BC; and sculptures, costumes, and weapons from the Chandela dynasty.
• Rani Mahal
  The former palace of Rani Lakshmibai, consisting of arched chambers around an open courtyard, was built in the 18th century. In a famous incident at the palace, British troops stormed the building through a rear stable and masacred 50 of the rani's bodyguards. The palace is now a museum containing hundreds of 9th to 12th century sculptures. The durbar hall on the 2nd floor features an original painted wood-paneled ceiling.

How to reach

• Air
  Nearest airport is Gwalior Airport – 98 km.
• Road
  Jhansi, on National Highway No. 25 and 26, is linked by a good network of roads.
• Rail
  Jhansi is well connected by an excellent railway network. Shatabadi Express (2001/2002) is one of the fastest luxury trains in India, provides the easiest access to the Jhansi from important stations between Delhi and Bhopal. There are also direct trains from Jhansi to Banglore, Lucknow, Chennai, Pune and Varnasi.