Jhansi

Jhansi is a historic city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Jhansi district and forms part of the Bundelkhand region, near the border with Madhya Pradesh. The city is known for the Jhansi Fort, a hilltop complex that provides a window into the area's fortifications and royal heritage.

Historically, the area rose as a strategic center under the Bundela rulers and later came under Maratha influence. The fort and its monuments, including the Rani Mahal, reflect centuries of cultural and political change. Jhansi gained prominence during the 1857 rebellion when Rani Lakshmibai, the queen of Jhansi, led forces against the British. She died in 1858 during the conflict near Gwalior, and her resistance has made Jhansi a symbol of Indian nationalism.

In contemporary times, Jhansi is an educational and commercial hub for Bundelkhand. Bundelkhand University, established in 1975, is based in the city and serves multiple districts. The city is a major railway junction on the North Central Railway network, with road connections linking it to neighboring districts and states.

The population is predominantly Hindi-speaking, with Bundeli and Urdu communities contributing to local culture. The economy combines agriculture from surrounding areas with commerce and services. The climate is typically hot in summer and cool in winter, with a monsoon season bringing most rainfall.