Forts

Once the seat of a powerful princely state, Samthar – 60 km north of Jhansi – is best known for its magnificent fort, a spectacular amalgamation of Bundelkhandi and French architecture.

The origins of the fortification here can be traced to the 16th century, when Samsher Khan, a Subedar or Governor of Mughal Emperor Babur (r. 1526 – 1530 CE), was stationed at nearby Erach (23 km away). He is said to have built a small fort or garhi and named it ‘Shamshergarh’, after himself. The fort was used as a small check-post of the Mughals and later became part of the Bundela kingdom of Datia.

The beautiful fort complex of Baruasagar was built as a summer retreat for the Rajas of Orchha, and has been witness to some historic events. Baruasagar, 22 km south-east of Jhansi, was built by the Bundela Raja Udit Singh of Orchha between 1705 and 1707 CE. He also built the large lake adjacent to it. Inside the fort complex were palaces and several small temples

Right next to the Mahalakshmi Temple in Jhansi city is the beautiful Raja Gangadharrao Chhatri, a cenotaph built by Rani Laxmibai in memory of her husband. Raja Gangadharrao (yr. 1843 to 1853) was the sixth and last Maha

raja of the Jhansi kingdom. He had ascended the throne in 1843 CE and was an able administrator. He was also a kind human being, who got married to Rani Laxmibai, the year before he ascended the throne.

The picturesque view of fort that has been living history since early 17th century.

The formidable stone architecture at the entrance gate to Bijna fort

A closeup of old structures inside Star Fort

Seat of the warrior sanyasis

The huge stones around the fort wall provide a picturesque landscape to the avid photographers.