Talbehat is a small town situated near Jhansi in district Lalitpur-UP (India). Talbehat Fort was built in 1618 by Bharat Shah. When Rani Laxmibai was struggling against the Britishers, it was under the territory of Maharaja Mardan Singh. The Talbehat Fort is situated on the bank of a big lake. Talbehat town is as big as this lake. Britishers went to Jhansi after destroying a wall of this fort. This is a very cool and calm place. There is a famous Narsingh Mandir which is also situated inside the fort. This fort has two main gates. The Fort is situated on the Jhansi-Lalitpur four-lane road. Raja Mardan Singh ruled here from this fort & he fought along with Rani Laxmi Bai against the Britishers in 1957. The Fort has three temples inside, dedicated to Angad, Hanumanji & Narsingh Bhagwan.
Significance Of Talbehat Fort
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During the Revolt of 1857, Talbehat Fort became a rallying point for Indian revolutionaries, with Mardan Singh proclaiming his support for Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi. He took up residence in Talbehat and commanded the operations there. But, by 1858, the British forces had returned under the command of Sir Hugh Rose. Talbehat Fort fell to the British army on 14th March 1858 and was extensively damaged. Following the British victory, Mardan Singh surrendered himself to the British on 5th July 1858, was taken to Gwalior, and from there to the Lahore Jail. He was then transferred to Vrindavan, where he was under house arrest till his death in 1863. While little remains of Banpur Fort, the ruins of Talbehat Fort still stand tall in memory of the famous Mardan Singh of Banpur, who fought for freedom.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Jhansi
History Of Talbehat Fort
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The Talbehat Fort is an ancient hill fortress located in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was originally constructed in the 9th century by the Chandela Rajputs. Over the centuries, it changed hands between various ruling powers like the Delhi Sultanate, the Bundela Rajputs, and the Marathas before coming under the control of the British East India Company in 1817. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the fort played a key role when Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi led the rebellion against the British forces, using Talbehat as a defensive position. The fort saw intense fighting before eventually falling to the British troops after Rani Laxmibai was forced to evacuate. Today, the ruins of the fort stand as a symbol of the courage and resistance exhibited during the revolt against British rule.
Things To Do In Talbehat Fort
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You can take a stroll around the fort premises and admire the architectural marvels. The fort has several gates, bastions, and structures that showcase the military engineering skills of the bygone era. Within the fort complex, there is a palace that was the residence of the legendary Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi. You can explore the palace’s remains and learn about this brave queen’s life.
A fun thing to do would be to climb up to the top of the fort walls or bastions to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding city and countryside. Later in the evenings when you are tired you can see the captivating light and sound show organised at the fort premises, narrating the history of Jhansi and the life of Rani Laxmibai.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Uttar Pradesh
Places To Visit Near Talbehat Fort
After exploring the mesmerising ambience of the Rani Lakshmi Bai Fort, there are various places nearby that you can’t miss. Read out the below information to enhance your understanding.
1. Jhansi Fort
Located in close proximity to the Rani Mahal, the Jhansi Fort was once the centrepiece of the princely state of Jhansi. The great fort was built in the 17th century, but a significant part was destroyed during the first war of Indian independence, which was fought against the East India Company. Today, the fort houses a vibrant market, a park dedicated to Rani Lakshmibai to commemorate her crucial role in the struggle for freedom, along with temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. The fort is perched on top of a hill called Bagira and offers panoramic views of the beautiful city of Jhansi. It is one of the top places to visit in Jhansi.
Location: Jhokan Bagh, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh 284002
Timings: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm everyday
2. Rani Mahal
As the name suggests, the 18th-century palace was home to the brave queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai. Having witnessed some of the most significant events of our history, like the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857, the palace paints an illustrative picture of the way of life, and the qualms of the royalty that once walked around in the halls. Thanks to all this history, and the fame surrounding the name of Rani Lakshmibai, the Rani Mahal is one of the most popular places to go in Jhansi.
Location: Rani Mahal Rd, Manik Chowk, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh 284002
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm everyday
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3. Jhansi Museum
This is also located on the premises of Jhansi Fort. The museum displays artefacts and weapons of the olden days. It also displays other exhibits related to the history of Jhansi and the revolt of 1857. The Jhansi Government Museum is one of the most important and oldest museums in the country, and thus, one of the top tourist places to visit in Jhansi. Having been constructed back in the 19th century, the museum building is a window into the architectural styles that were followed a couple of centuries ago. The museum is home to a number of historically significant artefacts, some of which date back to the 4th century.
Location: FH3F+C69, Jhokan Bagh, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh 284002
Timings: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday
How To Reach
From Delhi: You can go by train (Train no.1058) directly from the New Delhi Railway Station. This train departs from New Delhi at 8.50 PM every day and reaches Talbehat Railway Station at 6 AM the next day. TBT is the station code that can be used for reservations.
From Mumbai: The same train (Train no. 1057) directly goes to Talbahat from Dadar railway station.
By Air: Gwalior airport is the nearest airport. It is 156 km from Gwalior airport.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Uttar Pradesh
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit Talbehat Fort in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, is from October to March, which is the winter season. During these months, the weather is pleasantly cool and dry, with temperatures typically ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing and exploring the fort’s architecture and stunning views. The skies are usually clear, providing good visibility, and the cooler temperatures, especially from November to February, allow for a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
Further Read: Prem Mandir
So, plan a trip to Uttar Pradesh and prepare to go to a place where you might forget about your usual busy day and immerse yourself in the Talbehat fort where every stone silently tells tales of a past era, and where the connection between the human mind and history is made.
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Frequently Asked Questions For Talbehat Fort
Where is the Talbehat Fort located?
The Talbehat Fort is located in the town of Talbehat, around 25 km from Jhansi city in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Who built the Talbehat Fort and when?
The Talbehat Fort was built in the 17th century by Raja Bir Singh Deo of the Bundela Rajput clan as their capital fort.
What are the key attractions inside the fort?
The key attractions inside the Talbehat Fort include remains of palaces, temples (especially the carved Ganesh Temple), wells and other structures from the Bundela era. The fort walls, gates and bastions are also impressive.
What role did the fort play in history?
The Talbehat Fort played a role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 when it came under attack from British forces during the uprising against British rule.
What can visitors do at the Talbehat Fort?
Visitors can explore the fort ruins, gates, and walls and climb up to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Guides are available to explain the fort's history and architecture.
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