|
|
THE LAND OF WARRIORS
Barua sagar is situated on the banks of the Betwa River, the place is
named after the Barua Sagar Taal,
a large lake created about 260 years ago when Raja Udit Singh of Orchha
built the embankment. Here, atop a hill, is another historic fort of
Bundelkhand. This is where the Marathas fought the Bundelas in 1744. The
view from the fort is magnificient, as it overlooks the vast reservoir
created by the dam across the Betwa. The sandstone fort, partially in
ruins, is currently being restored by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Forts
Fort of Bundelkhand:
This
historic fort, picturesquely located at a great height, commands an
excellent view of the lake and surrounding landscape.
Kalijar Fort:
Situated at a height of 700 ft, on the Vindhya ranges, this fort is
accessible through seven gateways- the Alamgir Darwaza, Ganesh Dwar,
Chauburji Darwaza, Buddh Bhandra Darwaza, Hanuman Dwar, Lal Darwaza and
Bara Darwaza. Within the fort are two palaces- the Raja Mahal and the Rani
Mahal, as well as several other places of interest.
Temples
Chandela Temples:
To the northeast of the lake are ruins of two old Chandela temples. Built
of granite, the older one is known as Ghughua Math.
Jarai Ka Math:
Barua sagar is also known for a beautiful temple, the Jarai-Ka-Math.
Built during the reign of the Pratiharas, it is a precursor to the
vigorous temple-building activity, which became a characteristic feature
of the Chandellas. The temple is dedicated to Devi (Amba or Durga) whose
multifarious forms are represented in the profusely carved sculptures
along the temple walls. The temple stands on elevated ground dominating
its surroundings.
Neelkanth Temple:
This temple was built by the Chandela ruler, Parmardideva. In a niche by
the rock-cut Swargarohan pool, stands a colossal 18-armed image of Kaal
Bhairava, the fearsome aspect of Lord Shiva.
Vankhandeshwar Mahadev Temple:
Located at the source of the Shivasari Ganga, this is also worth a visit.
Lakes
Barua Sagar Lake:
The place is named after the Baruasagar Taal, a large lake formed about
260 years ago, when an embankment was erected by Raja Udit Singh of
Orchha. Barua sagar is a pleasant place, and the vast water body of the
Barua Sagar Taal greatly enhances its appeal.
Jhansi: 
Jhansi,
the gateway to Bundelkhand, was a stronghold of the Chandela kings. It
rose to prominence again in the 17th century under Raja Bir Singh Deo. Its
greatest claim to fame is its fiery queen Rani Laxmibai, who led forces
against the British in 1857, sacrificing her life to the cause of Indian
independence. A new dimension has been added to this historic city with
the introduction of the Jhansi festival, held every year in
February-March. It offers a fine opportunity to enjoy the arts, crafts and
culture of the region.
Mahoba:
160 km (via Nawgaon) This lesser known destination has several lakes
created in medieval times, the famous Sun Temple, and ruins of temples and
other structures built in the same style as the ones at Khajuraho.
Orchha: 26 km (via Notghat).
Orchha was founded in 1531 and remained a Rajput capital till 1783. Its
golden age was during the first half of the 17th century. Situated on the
River Betwa, Orchha has numerous well preserved palaces. These include the
Jehangir Mahal and the Raj Mahal. Orchha’s fine temples are still in
worship, and devotees throng the Ram Raja Temple, the Chaturbhuj Temple
and the Laxmi Narayan Temple.
Air: The nearest airports are Gwalior and
Khajuraho.
Rail: Barua Sagar lies the Jhansi -
Varanasi route.
Hotel Veerangana (UPSTDC), near Circuit House, Jhansi.
Mahoba: 160 km (via Nawgaon)
Orchha: 26 km (via Notghat)
Area: 4.64 sq. km.
Population: 18,783 (1991 census).
Altitude: 210 m above sea level.
Clothing:
Summer: Light cottons.
Winter: Woollens.