The city of Jhansi, located in the southwestern part of Uttar Pradesh, played a pivotal role in the history of India’s movement for independence. This historic land stands as a silent witness to battles for power and acts of supreme sacrifice. Situated just 15 kilometers away from Orchha, on the border of Madhya Pradesh, the region was once densely covered by the deep forests of Bundelkhand. In 1606, Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo of Orchha built a fort atop the rocky Bangra hills, around which he established a small settlement called Balwantnagar. Over time, Balwantnagar came to be known as Jhansi.

Jhansi is renowned in the chapter of Indian history, for the extraordinary courage and unyielding spirit of Rani Laxmibai, who became a timeless inspiration for countless Indian freedom fighters in the decades that followed. After India’s independence in 1947, Jhansi was integrated into the state of Uttar Pradesh.

While traveling from Gwalior to Khajuraho, I stopped by the Jhansi Fort one late afternoon, touching upon the echoes of sacrifice and bravery that defined India’s long and arduous battle for freedom.

(Images shot on VIVO X100)