VISITING PLACES

THE FORT OF MAHARANI JHANSI (JHANSI FORT - HISTORICAL PLACE(6 KMs )- Click here to get details)

The fort of Maharani Jhansi has strategic importance since the earliest of times. It was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo (1606-27) of Orchha on a rocky hill called Bangra in the town of Balwantnagar (presently known as Jhansi). The fort has ten gates ( Darwaza) .Some of these are Khandero Gate, Datia Darwaza, Unnao gate, Jharna Gate, Laxmi Gate, Sagar Gate, Orcha Gate, Sainyar Gate, Chand gate. Among places of interest within the main fort area are the Karak Bijli Toup ( Tank), Rani Jhansi Garden, Shiv temple and a "Mazar" of Ghulam Gaus Khan, Moti Bai and Khuda Baksh . The Jhansi fort, a living testimony of ancient glamor and valour, also has a fine collection of sculptures which provide an excellent inside into the eventful history of Bundelkhand

The creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon. The legend that describes the origin of this great dynasty is a fascinating one: Hemavati, the beautiful young daughter of a Brahmin priest was seduced by the moon god while bathing in the Rati one evening. The child born of this union between a mortal and a god was a son, Chandravarman. Harassed by society, the unwed mother sought refuge in the dense forest of Central India where she was both mother and guru to her young son. The boy grew up to found the great Chandela dynasty. When he was established as a ruler, he had a dream-visitation from his mother, who implored him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and in doing so bring about a realization of the emptiness of human desire. Chandravarman began the construction of the first of the temples, successive rulers added to the fast growing complex.

ORCCHA

Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors are interiors which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. In the Laxminarayan Temple and Raj Mahal, vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes, bring the walls and ceilings to rich life

DATIA

Situated 26 kms north of Jhansi towards Gwalior is Datia. It has a deserted seven storey palace of Raj Bir Singh Deo. It?s an impressive building, and some of the rooms still contain murals

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, NEAR LAXMI BAI PARK, JHANSI.

Stone sculptures, archaeological objects, terracotta, coins, metal objects, paintings, miniature paintings, manuscripts, folk art objects, ornaments.
leaflets Folders, Monographs.
Library.
School programs; Film show; lectures; Photography allowed
Multi-Purpose Museum.

This museum has a museum shop.

Some important Links:

http://www.up-tourism.com

http://www.up-tourism.com/museum.htm

http://www.upgov.nic.in/upinfo/instweb.htm