History of Jhansi
Jhansi was a stronghold of the Chandela kings. Balwant Nagar was the name of
this place. But in 11th. century Jhansi lost its importance. In 17th. century
under Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha Jhansi again rose to prominence. Raja Bir
Singh Deo had good relations with the mughal emperor Jehangir. In 1613 Raja
Bir Singh Deo constructed the Jhansi fort. He died in 1627. After his death
his son Juhar Singh succeeded him.
Maharaja Chattrasal Bundela of Panna was a good administrator and a brave warrior.
In 1729 Mohammed Khan Bangash attacked Chattrasal. Peshwa Baji Rao(I ) helped
Maharaja Chattrasal and defeated mughal army. As a mark of gratitude Maharaja
Chattrasal offered a part of his state to Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao(I). Jhansi
was also included in this part.
In 1742 Naroshanker was made the subedar of Jhansi. During his tenure of 15
years he not only extended the Jhansi fort which was of strategic importance
but also constructed some other buildings. The extended part of the fort is
called Shankergarh. In 1757 Naroshanker was called back by the Peshwa. After
him Madhav Govind Kakirde and then Babulal Kanahai were made the subedars of
Jhansi.
In 1766 Vishwas Rao Laxman was made the subedar of Jhansi. His period was from
1766 to 1769. After him Raghunath Rao (II) Newalkar was appointed the subedar
of Jhansi. He was a very able administrator. He increased the revenue of the
state. The MahaLakshmi Temple and the Raghunath Temple were built by him. For
his own residence he constructed a beautiful building Rani Mahal in the city.
In 1796 Raghunath Rao passed the subedari in favour of his brother ShivRao Hari.
In 1803 a treaty was signed between East India company and Maratha.
After the death of Shiv Rao his grand son Ramchandra Rao was made subedar of
Jhansi. He was not a good administrator. Ramchandra Rao died in 1835. After
his death Raghunath Rao (III) was made his successor. In 1838 Raghunath Rao
(III) also died. The British rulers then accepted Gangadhar Rao as the Raja
of Jhansi. Due to the inefficient administration during the period of Raghunath
Rao (III) the financial position of Jhansi was very critical.
Raja Gangadhar Rao was a very good administrator. He was very generous and full
of sympathy. He gave very good administration to Jhansi. During his period the
local population of Jhansi was very satisfied.
In 1842 Raja Gangadhar Rao married Mannikarnika. After this marriage Mannikarnika
was given the new name Lakshmi Bai, who led forces against British in 1857.
She sacrificed her life to the cause of Indian Independence in 1858.
In 1861 the British Government gave the Jhansi fort and Jhansi city to JiyajiRao
Scindia. Jhansi was then became a part of Gwalior state. In 1886 Britishers
took back Jhansi from Gwalior state.
In independent India Jhansi was included in Uttar Pradesh. At present Jhansi
is a Divisional Commissioner's Headquarter including district Jhansi, Lalitpur
and Jalaun
