The Grandeur of Bundelkhand

The Grandeur of Bundelkhand By Ravi Valluri Lalitpur Power Generation Unit (LPGU) is a thermal power generation complex is situated in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh; a region steeped in history and replete with multitudinous nuggets which attracts the attention of populace both domestic and overseas. This modern structure is situated near the historical town of Jhansi and generates 1,980 megawatts of power. Lalitpur Power Generation Co. Ltd., has synchronised its Unit 3 of 660 MW capacity. Three units of this gargantuan powerhouse are vitally critical to supply ‘power’ to this arid region of the state. Come monsoon, this seemingly infecund and parched land metamorphoses into a verdant area. This mystery of nature perennially leaves one wonder struck. How is it that the vapid and baked landscape, during monsoon and winter blossoms into a viridescent landscape. Sandwiched between the super thermal power house and smaller stations on the way, is a detour to the town of Orchha. The Ram Raja Temple is a sacred place for the faithful situated in Orchha and attracts devotees in significant numbers regularly. Interestingly, this is the only temple in the subcontinent where Lord Ram is worshipped as a king. The Orchha Fort complex bearing the stamp of nagara architecture houses several ancient monuments including the fort, palaces, temple, and other prominent edifices. The majestic fort and other structures in the precincts were constructed by the Bundela Rajput sovereigns, beginning from the early 16th century by King Rudra Pratap Singh, and extended by other valorous kings who subsequently ruled. As the evening sun sinks in the ancient city of Jhansi, a coruscating and lambent glow spreads across the robust fort of Jhansi and the surrounding skyline. The sheer grandeur and majesty of the fort transports tourist’s febrile minds aeons back. They witness history through the baritone voice of Om Puri. The one-hour sound and light show conjured images of the robust and brawny Jhansi fort, its history and provided glimpses of the run up to the First War of Independence in the country. The construction of the Jhansi Fort is ascribed to the Bundela Rajput chief and ruler of the kingdom of Orchha, Veer Singh ji Deo Bundela in 1613. Though the kingdom was administered by several rulers, it is singularly associated with Raja Gangadhar Rao and his wife Maharani Lakshmi Bai. The pious Shaivite was a woman of steel and substance. The couple rather unfortunately lost their only four-month-old son named Damodar Rao. The couple adopted a child called Anand Rao who was also rechristened Damodar. However, after the death of Gangadhar Rao, Lord Dalhousie, then Governor General invoked the instrument of Doctrine of Lapse and usurped the kingdom. Soon began the movement to free Jhansi from the clutches of East India Company by Maharani Lakshmi Bai and led to her pact with Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar and other chieftains spawning from parts of India. The bugle of independence was first sounded during the First War of Independence in 1857. Jhansi ki Rani succumbed to injuries while in action on 18th of June 1858. But she fired the imagination of millions of women of India who scrimmage for their rights to this day. India was free from the foreign yoke on 15th of August 1947, but not before, Netaji Bose had formed a Lakshmi Bai regiment in his celebrated Indian National Army.