Gwalior-Orchha-Jhansi Trip (2011-12), classes 6-8, a historical heist

Orchha, our first stop was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose the 0stretch of land along the Betwa river to build his capital. Of his successors, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by several graceful chhatris. From here the panoramic view with soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is breathtaking. Besides, complementing the handsome proportions of it's exteriors, are it's interiors which are amongst the epitome of the famed Bundela school of painting. At the Laxminarayan Temple and the Raj Mahal, vibrant murals encompass diverse religious and secular themes to enrich the walls and ceilings. Strewn around the area are little shrines, each with it's own poignant past, making for the enduring romance of Orchha. Gwalior's tradition as the royal capital of the Scindias continued until the formation of present-day India. Several magnificent mementos of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior an appeal, both unique and timeless. We were told, Gwalior's history can be traced to an unsual legend. In 8 A.D, a chieftain called Suraj Sen was stricken by a deadly disease. He was cured by a hermit saint, Gwalipa and in gratitude, Suraj Sen founded a city which he named after the saint. The new city of Gwalior became, over the centuries, the cradle of great dynasties and with each, the city developed new dimensions. It's warrior-kings, poets, musicians and saints contributed to making it a capital city of renown and regard even today. One, where a rich cultural tradition has been interwoven with the fabric of modern life. Also, where a princely past lives on in it's palaces and their museums. And thus manifold images merge to make timeless magic. Jhansi, or gateway to Bundelkhand, was a stronghold of the Chandela kings but lost it's importance after the eclipse of the dynasty in the 11th century. It rose to prominence again in the 17th century under Raja Bir Singh Deo who was a close associate of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. However, its greatest claim to fame is it's warrior-queen Rani Laxmibai, who mobilised the people in a mutiny against the British in 1857, sacrificing her life to the cause of independence. Jhansi Fort is a 17th-century fort built by Raja Bir Singh atop a hill as an army stronghold. The Karak Bijli tank is located within the fort. There is also a museum which holds a collection of sculpture and offers a glimpse of the glory of Bundelkhand. Government Museum, Jhansi was another stop where weapons, statues, dresses and photographs of the Chandela dynasty and a picture gallery of the Gupta period alongwith terracottas, bronzes, manuscripts, paintings and coins spoke to tell, as it were. An unforgettable journey of discovery this, together we, teachers and students unravelled histories of great men and women and their citadels. We glimpsed lavish lifestyles as we wandered magnificent palaces and forts. The tale of Rani Lakshmi Bai that we had read in our texts came alive easily as we effortlessly repeated the immortal lines of poetess, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan. Chamak uthi san 57 mein, woh talwar purani thi, Bundele Harbolon ke muh, hamne suni kahani thi, Khub ladi mardani woh to Jhansi wali Rani thi... As reported by Ms. Sandhya Batheja, teacher.