About five minutes before the Jhansi Fort is Rani of Jhansi ka museum. You see her icon in black. On the left in white is an icon of her husband Maharaj Gangadhar Rao.
Rani of Jhansi initially lived in the Fort but later on moved to Rani Mahal.
The inner wall of the palace facing the courtyard contains paintings mostly red in color. You see paintings of the wall in the Darbar Hall.
Sections of the Rani Mahal are today used to showcase various sculptures. You see one such piece.
Before you enter the fort some artisans have used statutes to create a mock battle showing the British bribing their way to the town. You see picture of board. Excerpts are ‘The artisans have exhibited craftsmanship in projecting the Queen as Ran Chandi ‘Incarnation of Goddess Durga’.
They have enlivened the various aspects of the battle showing the British bribing their way into the town. You see what the craftsmen created.
You see the fort. It was built by Raja Bir Deo in 1613, with concentric walls, 5.5-9 m high and ten gates. The fort is not an imposing structure with high walls or at a great height.
This board is placed as you enter the fort and is useful. Take a guide to make your visit enjoyable. Note Rani of Jhansi was a Maharashtrian and born in Varanasi.
Bhawani Shankar Cannon is placed in North South direction having a crocodile face design in its front portion and the lateral portion is designed like a elephants face. Total measurement is 5 mt by .60 mt with a diameter of .52m. This was not used when the British attacked Jhansi because if used it would destroy Kalmosar temple on hill. Unfired gola or ammunition is still there in the mouth of the cannon.
These are two small cannons as you enter the main fort. Like we have a gun salute today the cannons would fire ammunition on special occasions.
Kadak bijli canon Gangadhar Rao’s period is still visible in the eastern side of the rampart. It used to lighten from its nozzle at the time of operation which is curved like a lion’s mouth and as such it received this name. Its total measurement is 5.5 mt by 1.8 mt and having a diameter of .60 metres. You see the cannon and sections of the fort, Jhansi town in the background.
See the Panch Mahal. When you see it from a distance it looks like it is 2 storeys but from the rear you see it is 5. There are rooms within rooms could get lost there.
This is the point from which Rani of Jhansi jumped on a horse back with her adopted son.
You see Shivaji ka Mandir (temple). Rani of Jhansi offered her prayers daily.
You see the Ganesh Mandir (temple) where Rani offered her prayers regularly. Read Travelogue on Jhansi.