Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Day 7- Jhansi and Orchha

Day 7

Jhansi is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is the gateway to Bundelkhand. Jhansi became popular during the reign of Marathas because of the heroics of  its valiant queen Rani Lakshmi Bai who fought against the Britishers in the 1857 revolt. Jhansi was first known as Shankargrah, when Orchha was the capital of Bundelas. For strengthening the  security of Orchha, it's king Raja Bir Singh Ja Deo constructed a fort on the hill in Shankargarh.When he looked at the site for the new palace from his Orchha Palace,he realized that the place looked like Jhain-si (blurred shadow). This is how Jhansi got it's present name.


How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest operational airport to Jhansi  is Gwalior which is 98 Kms away.

By Rail: Jhansi junction is a railway station which is very well connected to the major cities across India by direct train links.


Best time to visit: October to March

Languages spoken: Hindi and English

Must eat: Puri-Aloo and Kachori

Famous Restaurants: Hot Bite, Navbharat Bakery Shop,Janack's and Hotel Sita.

Places you must visit:

Jhansi Fort was built by Raja Bir Singh Ji Deo in 1613.The fort was tranferrend to Maharaja of Scindia in 1858, but later exchanged for Gwalior in 1866.Being located on the rocky hills, it offers wonderful views of the city.This huge fort has ten gates and was built in order to act a an army stronghold and garrison but was later modified into residential quarters.The fort has a museum and it holds wonderful collection of sculptures and provides an excellent insight into the lively history of Bundelkhand. A statue of Rani Lakshmi Bai is also installed on the way to the fort.



Government Museum or Jhansi Museum is located in the Jhansi fort itself. It is popular for its prehistoric tools and literature.It is broadly divided into four galleries that comprises of terracotta dating from 4th century BC,sculptures, costumes and weapons  from the Chandela dynasty, arms , manuscripts, paintings and coins of gold, silver and copper.There is also a seperate picture gallery for the Gupta Kings.



Rani Mahal or Queen's Palace was built by Raghunath II of Newalkar family in 18th century.It was the place  where Rani Lakshmi Bai made plans with Tatya Tope and Nana Saheb to overcome the Colonial rule. It is decorated with multicolored paintings and art forms.It is now converted into a museum that contains sculptures dating back from 9th  and 12th century.



St. Jude's Shrine is of great importance among Catholic Christians.St. Jude's bone is buried under the foundation of the cathedral. This place is known for its serene ambiance and  beautiful architecture.
File:Stjude.JPG



Orchha means hidden is a town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh established by Maharaja Rudra Pratap Singh in 1501. It lies on Betwa river and is 15 km away from Jhansi.

Places you must visit:

Chhatris of Orchha are situated on the banks of Betwa river and were built in 16th century.They are the memorials to the Bundelkhand's former rulers.
File:Orchha mausolea.jpg


Raja Mahal was started by Raja Rudra Pratap Singh but was completed by his son Bharti Chand. It is a fine example of Mughal architecture with typical stone jali work and multifaceted arches at the entrance.



Jahangir Mahal was completed by the Mughal Prince Jahangir, after defeating Bir Singh Deo of Bundela, the sworn enemy of Mughals. this palace is sort of more airy and lighted since it has countless windows and pierced stone screens looking out over the skyline to the west, and a sea of treetops and ruined temples in the other direction.



Lakshmi Narayan Temple was built by Bir Singh Deo in 1622.It is a wonderful fusion of fort and temple.It reflects the taste of ethnic Indian royal taste.It is dedicated to the goddess of wealth. The entire structure of the temple is constructed with brick and lime mortar.The exquisite paintings and the beautiful murals are the wonderful amalgamations of Mughal and Bundel art forms.
File:Lakshmi Temple, Orchha.jpg


Chaturbhuj Temple is located opposite Raja Mahal was built in 1558-1573 by Raja Madhukar dedicated to Chaturbhuj meaning four armed. It is perched on a stone platform and has marvelous exteriors  adorned with lotus emblems.The most astonishing fact of the temple is that it has abundant light ans space unlike Hindu temples.



Ram Raja Temple resembles as a palatial residential house rather than a temple. According to the local people, the king of Orchha, Madhukar Shah was a devotee of Banke Bihari and his Queen was devotee of Lord Rama.Upon making fun by the king, the queen left the palace to get Lord Ram from Ayodhya. Before that she ordered her servants to built a temple called Chaturbhuj temple. Looking at the queen's dedication and devotion, Lord Ram appeared and was ready to accompany the queen in the form of a baby. He put forth some conditions to the queen, which she agreed happily. In the mean time the king had a dream in which Lord Krishna got angry with him saying that Both Ram and him are the same. The King realized his mistake and he welcomed the queen grandly.As per the condition put forth by Ram, Ram  was revered as the King of Orchha and before the Queen could establish the baby form of Lord Ram in the Chaturbhuj temple,the idol of Lord Ram got transfixed in the palace itself.



Rai Praveen Mahal is an abode of love of Rai Praveen who was a poet and musician and the lover of Raja Indrajit.He built this marvelous three-storied palace in 1618 A.D. The palace is embellished with a beautiful green garden where myriads of  shrubs and flowerbeds in artistic shapes enhances its beauty.The most attractive part of this palace is its second floor where numerous Nriya mudras of Indian classical dance can be seen.

3 comments:

  1. Gorgeous photographs.... Orchha is an amazing destination...

    Vishnu

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lovely write-up :)
    It was so enjoying to read your blogpost and Orchaa travel experience. And the pictures are beautiful. hotels in Orchha ensures warm hospitality and comfortable stay.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The city of historic palaces and temples nestled between forests and vegetation livens up in monsoons.

    ReplyDelete