Situated on a hill called Bangra, this hill fort was built by the Maharaja Veer Singh Ju Dev of Orchha Bundelkhand, in 1613 AD. After some time, it came under the control of the Mughals and then the Marathas. History of Marathas control on this Hill Fort is very interesting.
When Maha Raja Chhatrsal was helped by Peshwa Baji Rao-I, in March 1729 at Jaitpur Bundelkhand against the attack of Mohammed Khan Bangash who was a Bawan Hazari Sardar of Mughal Empire means the Commander of 52000 soldiers. With the support and intervention of Baji Rao-I, Maharaja Chhatrsal defeated Mohammad Khan Bangash then as a gratitude he gifted many things to Baji Rao-I including the Jhansi’s hill fort and Jhansi.
After the death of the last king Gangadhar Rao, the fort came under the control of the British due to their usurpation policy. On 5 June 1857, the army which was recruited by the Rani, led by the Maharani Lakshmibai waged a fierce war against the British and once again the queen ascended the throne.
On 23 March 1858, the British laid siege to the fort under the leadership of Major General Hugh Rose and due to some of her treacherous chieftains, the queen was forced to leave the fort. British forces siege the Jhansi and captured the fort in March-April 1858 and Rani Laxmibai escaped joined the rebellions in Kalpi then moved to Gwalior and ultimately on 18th June 1858 she had to sacrifice her life for the sake of her country.
This fort is a witness to the unmatched bravery and sacrifice of the queen in the national freedom struggle. The construction period of the fort can be divided into three phases. Firstly, the construction done by the King of Orchha, secondly, the additions made by the Marathas and finally the changes made by the British. A defence rampart was built around the fort and is equipped with big and small bastions and battlements at regular intervals and there are small and big holes in it to shoot arrows, spears etc. at the enemy from inside the fort. There are ten gates in the ramparts of the fort around which settlements were established later.
Apart from this, there are 4 small gates also. There are two temples inside the fort which are famous by the name of Shiva temple and Ganesh temple. Inside the fort are the tombs of Ghulam Gaus Khan, Moti Bai and Khuda Bakhsh (who were trusted aides of Rani Lakshmi Bai). The cannon named “Kadak Bijli” used in the freedom struggle is also worth seeing.
It’s a very popular tourists attraction throughout the year tourists are visiting this historical fort. Cab or Car can reach the main entrance. Entry fee is quite affordable.