Jhansi

Jhansi
Pinakpani · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Jhansi
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	25, 26, 55, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	India
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Uttar Pradesh
Subdivision type2	Division
Subdivision name2	Jhansi division
Subdivision type3	District
Subdivision name3	Jhansi district
Established title	Founded
Established date	1613
Founder	Raja Bir Singh Deo
Government type	Municipal Corporation
Governing body	Jhansi Municipal Corporation
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Vacant
Leader title1	District Magistrate
Leader name1	Andra Vamsi
Unit pref	Metric
Area total km2	160
Elevation m	285
Population total	507,293
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Demographics type1	Languages
Demographics1 title1	Official
Demographics1 info1	Hindi
Demographics1 title2	Regional
Demographics1 info2	Bundeli
Timezone1	IST
Utc offset1	+5:30
Postal code type	PIN
Postal code	284001-284006
Area code type	Telephone code
Area code	+91-510
Registration plate	UP-93
Website	http://jhansi.nic.in/

Jhansi. Jhansi is a historic city in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, renowned for its pivotal role during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Founded in the 17th century under the Orchha State, it gained legendary status as the seat of Rani Lakshmibai, a key figure in the struggle against British rule. Today, it serves as a major administrative, educational, and transportation hub for the region, with its economy anchored by agriculture, manufacturing, and a growing industrial sector.

History

The city's foundation is attributed to Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha State in 1613, with the formidable Jhansi Fort constructed as a stronghold. Jhansi rose to prominence as the capital of the Maratha-ruled Jhansi State in the 18th century, governed by the Peshwa's subedar, Raghunath Rao Newalkar. Its most defining historical chapter unfolded during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, when Rani Lakshmibai, the widow of Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, led a fierce defense against the forces of the British East India Company. Following the rebellion and the Doctrine of Lapse, the state was annexed, with the city later becoming part of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. The region also witnessed significant action during the Chandrashekhar Azad-era revolutionary movement and the Quit India Movement.

Geography

Jhansi is situated on the rocky plateau of central Bundelkhand, near the border with Madhya Pradesh. The city lies on the banks of the Pahuj River and the Pushpavati River, tributaries of the Betwa River. The terrain is characterized by undulating plains and hills, with the Vindhya Range influencing the local topography. The region experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers, a monsoon season, and mild winters. Key geographical landmarks include the Jhansi Fort hill and the nearby Rani Lakshmibai Park.

Demographics

As per the 2011 Census of India, Jhansi had a population of over 500,000. The city has a diverse demographic profile, with Hinduism being the majority religion, followed by Islam, Jainism, and Sikhism. The primary language spoken is Bundeli, a dialect of Hindi, while Hindi itself serves as the official administrative language. The literacy rate is above the state average, supported by numerous institutions like the Bundelkhand University and the Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes form a significant portion of the population.

Economy

The economy of Jhansi is a mix of traditional agriculture and modern industry. It is a major market for agricultural produce from the surrounding region, including pulses, oilseeds, and wheat. The city is a prominent hub for the distribution of pulses. Industrial activity is centered around the Jhansi Industrial Development Area and the Parichha Thermal Power Station. Key manufacturing sectors include railway wagon repair at the Jhansi Railway Workshop, ordnance factories under the Ordnance Factories Board, and textile production. The city's strategic location on major road and rail corridors, including the Grand Trunk Road and the Delhi–Chennai line, further bolsters its commercial significance.

Culture

Jhansi's culture is deeply rooted in the valorous history of Bundelkhand. The annual Jhansi Mahotsav celebrates local arts, crafts, and the legacy of Rani Lakshmibai. Traditional folk arts like Alha singing and Rai dance are popular. The city's cuisine features Bundeli specialties such as kadhi, bafla, and korma. Major cultural sites include the Jhansi Fort, the Rani Mahal, the State Museum, and the Mahabodhi Society Temple. The Jhansi Railway Station and the U.P. Police Headquarters are notable architectural landmarks from the colonial era.

Administration

Jhansi is administered by the Jhansi Municipal Corporation, headed by a Mayor. It serves as the divisional headquarters of Jhansi division and the district headquarters of Jhansi district. The district magistrate is the senior administrative officer. The city is part of the Jhansi (Lok Sabha constituency) and the Jhansi (Vidhan Sabha constituency). Key administrative bodies include the Jhansi Development Authority and the Uttar Pradesh Police. The city also houses the Jhansi Cantonment, governed by the Cantonment Board Jhansi, and is a key jurisdiction for the Uttar Pradesh Judiciary.

Category:Jhansi Category:Cities in Uttar Pradesh Category:Former capital cities in India