Rani Mahal

Rani Mahal is a historic palace in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, located near Jhansi Fort. Built in the late 18th century by Raghu Nath Singh of the Newalkar family, it later served as the residence of Rani Lakshmibai. Known for its Bundelkhand architectural style, the palace now houses the Jhansi State Archaeological Museum displaying sculptures, paintings and artifacts from the 9th to 12th centuries and the Bundelkhand region.

Visitors can expect a two-storey palace built around a central courtyard with arched corridors, decorated halls, and Bundelkhand-style architecture. The interior houses the State Archaeological Museum with galleries displaying stone sculptures, terracottas, coins, manuscripts, paintings and weapons. Rooms associated with Rani Lakshmibai, colorful wall paintings and period architecture can be seen while exploring the courtyard and museum halls.

Rani Mahal was constructed in the late 18th century by Raghu Nath Singh, a trustee of the Newalkar rulers of Jhansi. It later became the residence of Rani Lakshmibai after her marriage to Raja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar. The palace is an example of Bundelkhand architecture and is historically associated with the period of Rani Lakshmibai's stay in Jhansi before 1857. It now functions as a State Archaeological Museum preserving regional history.

The palace is culturally significant as the former residence of Rani Lakshmibai, a prominent figure in Jhansi's history, and as a repository of Bundelkhand art and heritage. The museum collection reflects the cultural traditions, sculpture art and history of the Bundelkhand region from the 9th to 12th centuries.