JHANSI FORT

One of the finest example of architecture culture and tradition is Jhansi fort also known as Jhansi ka Qila. It is situated on a large hill top called Bangira.

The fort was built in 1613 by Raja Bir Singh Deo. The fortification covers and area of 49 acres, with the fort proper taking up 15 of those acres within the over all fortified complex and measures 312 m in length and 225 m in width.

There are 10 gates to the fort namely, Khanderao Gate,Datia Darwaza, Unnao Gate, Jharna Gate Lakshmi Gate ,Sagar Gate ,Orchha Gate ,Sainyar Gate, Chand Gate.

There are also four khirkis made in the walls. 

The fort is divided in three parts- Baradari Shankergarh and Panch Mahal.

The other key features of this fort are: Kadak bijli canon, Ganesh temple, Bhawani Shanker, Shahar Darwaza, Grave of Gulam Gaus Khan, Execution tower, Shiv temple, Kal-Kothari and Jumping Spot.

KADAK BIJLI CANNON

This Canon can be seen by ancient through the main gate. Its name was derived by the countries sound it made then fire that is ,Kadak Bijli. The canon was operated under the leadership of Ghulam Gaus Khan. It measures around 0.6 m in diameter and 5.5 m in length. The canon has the face of a lion carved on its muzzle.

ganesh mandir

This temple is located on the northern slope of the fort near the main entrance the temple features are don't structure ,and its architectural design indicates the artistic techniques of its time.

BHAWANI SHANKAR

The front portion of this Canon has the shape of crocodile and back portion has elephant carved on it. It got the name Bhawani Shankar as it was believed that it is blessed with the power of goddess Bhawani. It measures 5.00 × 0.60 m with a diameter of 0.52 m which is placed in north- south direction of the fort.

BARADARI

The term Baradari refers to its architectural structure, it describe a building that have 12 doors. It was mostly served as meeting place or as public gatherings. It is also said that this pavilion was built by Raja Gangadhar Rao for his brother Raghunath Rao who was known for his interest in drama, music, art etc. The pavilion has creative design elements which signify cultural richness of the fort. It has three arched opening on each side with an erected square shaped platform.

SHAHAR DARWAZA

It was the original main entrance to the Jhansi fort but when British to over the control of the fort they closed this main entrance

GHULAM GAUS KHAN

Ghulam Gaus Khan was the master gunman and also a trusted advisor of Rani Lakshmi Bai. He was killed by the British while protecting Jhansi. His grave stands as a testament of bravery and loyalty towards Rani Lakshmi Bai and Jhansi.

PANCH MAHAL

The panch Mahal is a five story building in a ascended pyramid form. The top floor of the palace was added during British rule. Rani Lakshmi Bai stayed in this palace and also she used this as her meeting hall.

EXECUTION TOWER

Execution tower was built during Raja Gangadhar Rao reign,  to execute or hang criminals, prisoners and offenders. The tower shows the harsh realities of historical rule of the Jhansi fort both by Bundela rulers and the British. It is also said that Rani Lakshmi Bai ended the practice of hanging prisoners and instead advocated for the use of Kal -Kothari as punishment.

SHIVA TEMPLE

This temple was built in the 18th century by Maratha chief Naru Shankar. It is a fine example of Bundela and Maratha architecture. The Shiv-linga enshrined here is made of granite. Rani Lakshmi Bai come here daily to worship Lord Shiva. Even today, this Shiva temple is a major center of the people of Jhansi. Is specially on Mahashivratri, there is a huge crowd of people here.

KAL KOTHRI

Kal Kothri dark and filthy prison cell which was built by Marathas to punish the criminals. When British to control over the Fort they added one more floor and two state for the same purpose. It is located adjacent to the Panch Mahal.

JUMPING SPOT

Jumping Spot is the location from where Rani Lakshmi Bai jumped off the fort walls on her horseback (Badal) with her son Damodar Rao, to escape from Britishers.