Jhansi is a city found between the rivers of Pahunj and Betwa and depicts a land of bravery, self respect and courage. According to Jhansi history, Jhansi was part of Jejak Bhukit, Chedi Rashtra, Jajhoti and Bundelkhand, and was first the stronghold of Chandela kings.

It was under the rule of Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha, in 17th century that Jhansi once again rose to prominence. He had built the Jhansi fort in 1613. In the year 1729, Mohammed Khan Bangash had attacked Chattrasal when Chattrasal was ruled by Maharaja Chattrasal Bundela of Panna. In this attack, Peshwa Baji Rao I had helped Maharaja Chattrasal defeat the Mughal army; and in gratitude, the maharaja had offered a part of his state, including Jhansi, to Maratha Peshawa Baji Rao.

Naroshanker was made the subedar of Jhansi in 1742; and in his tenure of 15 years, he had extended the Jhansi fort and constructed many buildings. This extended part of the fort is called Shankergarh. The subedar from 1769, Raghunath Rao (II) Newalkar had built the Mahalakshmi and Raghunath temples and the Rani Mahal for his own residence.
After numerous subedars, the British accepted Gangadhar Rao as the Raja of Jhansi in 1838 as the financial position of Jhansi was critical due to inefficient administration of past subedars. Under his rule, the administration and financial position of Jhansi improved, making the people of Jhansi happy.

Raja Gangadhar Rao married Mannikarnika in 1842; after marriage, Mannikarnika was named Lakshmi Bai. It was this Lakshmi Bai who had led forces against British in 1857 while she sacrificed her life to the cause of Indian Independence in 1858. In 1861, Jhansi fort and city were made a part of Gwalior by British Government. However the Britishers took back Jhansi from Gwalior state on 1886.

Finally, Jhansi was included in Uttar Pradesh in independent India; and at present, Jhansi is a Divisional Commissioner’s Headquarter which includes Jhansi, Lalitpur and Jalaun.