Jhansi

Jhansi is a historic city located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It sits within the Bundelkhand region on the banks of the Pahuj River. The city is also positioned near the Betwa River. Because of its location, people often call it the Gateway to Bundelkhand.

It serves as the administrative headquarters for both the Jhansi district and the Jhansi division. The city is well-connected to major towns through extensive road and railway networks.

The name Jhansi has interesting possible origins. One theory suggests it means "covered in bushes or undergrowth." This comes from the Hindi word *jhāṛ*, meaning bushes. Another folk etymology suggests the name means "like a shadow." This story claims a raja once described the fort as being indistinct or shadow-like. Before the city became a major center, the land was mostly forest. The site belonged to the village of Lahargird under the territory of the raja of Orchha.

Significant changes began in 1613 when the Orchha raja, Bir Singh Deo, built the Jhansi Fort on Bangra hill. A village known as Balwantnagar grew around this fort. Following the death of Bir Singh Deo's son, Jhujhar Singh, the area came under Mughal control. Mughal troops and governors remained in the area until the early 1700s. In 1722, Chhatrasal took over the region as part of the Bundelkhand kingdom. However, the Mughal army later reclaimed control after a conflict involving the Nawab of Farrukhabad. Eventually, the Maratha Empire gained control after Chhatrasal requested help from the Peshwa, Baji Rao I.

The Maratha period saw Jhansi transform from a small village into a large town. A pivotal governor named Naru Shankar managed this growth during his tenure. He undertook major construction projects and expanded the fort. He also increased the population by bringing in people from other towns, such as Orchha. Later, in 1757, Madho Gobind Antia became governor and built the Antia Tal reservoir. This reservoir was located outside the city walls on the Gwalior road. During the late 1700s, Sheo Rao Hari was responsible for building the city walls between 1796 and 1814.

Political shifts led to British control of the Jhansi State in 1854. The last ruler was Gangadhar Rao, who died in 1853. He and his wife, Lakshmi Bai, had adopted a boy named Damodar Rao to be the successor. However, the British used the Doctrine of Lapse to refuse this heir. They declared that the state would pass to the British government instead. At this time, the city had an estimated population of 40,000 people. It was a major commercial hub where 3 million rupees worth of goods passed through annually. Merchants traded grain, cotton, and salt for sugar and other goods.

In 1857, the city became a center for the battle for independence. Tensions had risen due to the British annexation and changes to local religious customs. On June 5, Indian troops rose up and attacked British officers. The rebels then besieged the main fort.

Following the chaos, Rani Lakshmi Bai took control of the city. She established a full administration, including a mint and a raised army. She also worked to strengthen the forts at Jhansi and Karahra. She faced challenges from the raja of Orchha, who invaded to reclaim old territories.

Today, Jhansi is undergoing modern economic development. The Indian government is developing the city as part of a defence corridor. This project aims to boost the economy of the entire region. The city is also part of the National Highways Development Project. Major transport routes, including the north-south and east-west corridors, pass closely by. In 2018, Jhansi was ranked as the third cleanest city in Uttar Pradesh. Plans are also in place to develop a new greenfield airport to support its growth.