Barua Sagar Fort, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh India

Barua Sagar, a tourist attraction of Uttar Pradesh, is framed by River Betwa and is named after the lake of the same name. The lake was constructed by the ruler of Orchha called Udit Singh. As you look around, you will see a historic fort that rests on a hill.

Barua Sagar, situated in Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh, is a small village of the Bundelkhand region. It is famous for a large lake, from which it draws its name, Barua Sagar Tal, built by the king of Orchha, Raja Udit Singh. He also built embankments around it. These embankments are built in steps style and are a marvelous piece of public architecture. A fort, now in much ruins, was also built by Raja Udit Singh. The fort commands an excellent view of this lake and surrounding landscapes. Ken-Betwa Link, a project of the Government of India, has this lake as the end point of the proposed canal to bring water from Ken river.

During the fight for supremacy over Bundelkhand between the Marathas and the Bundelas, a battle between the troops of the Peshwas and the Bundelas  took place at Barua Sagar in 1744 CE. Being situated very near to Jhansi town, Barua Sagar played an instrumental role in the life and events connected with Rani Lakshmi Bai, the wife of Gangadhar Rao. After the death of Gangadhar Rao, Jhansi sank into an unstable political situation.

Nathe Khan, the prime minister of Orchha, took advantage of this and attacked on Jhansi. He conquered Barua Sagar and besieged the Jhansi fort. However he had to retract back after the pressure from the British. Barua Sagar was recaptured by Rani by employing 4,00 troops under the command of his father, Moropant Tambe.

Barua Sagar also found mention in Vrindavan Lal Verma’s historic novel ‘Jhansi ki Rani’. It was here where decoit Kunwar Sagar Singh submitted with his companions to Rani Lakshmi Bai. The whole gang of Sagar Singh later joined the army of the Rani. During the early days of the Indian Independence, the political workers kept a secret office at Barua Sagar from where hand-written news-bulletins were sent to neighboring princely states of Bundelkhand through special messengers, who distributed papers at night and came back to office in the mornings.

Barua sagar is a large lake produced about 260 years ago when Raja Udit Singh of Orchha built the embankment. The town around it is named Barua Sagar, after the name of this lake. Near the lake is the impressive Barua Sagar Fort, which affords a panoramic view of the town of Barua Sagar. Jarai-ka-Math is a good-looking temple dedicated to goddess Amba. It was built during the reign of Pratiharas. The place is nearby by rail and road and the adjacent airports are at Khajuraho and Gwalior.  

Barua Sagar Fort is a historical monument in Barua Sagar. Unfortunately, it is partially in ruins now. This fort is located at a great height and gives an excellent view of Barua Sagar Lake. It is situated on the top of a hill. Archaeological Survey of India had restored the fort.