In the Round Tower at Jhansi - Classic Text | Alexandria
In the Round Tower at Jhansi: A Historical-Poetic Chronicle
"In the Round Tower at Jhansi" is a haunting dramatic monologue penned by Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830-1894), published in her 1862 collection "Goblin Market and Other Poems." The poem draws its historical backdrop from the Indian Rebellion of 1857-58, specifically the siege of Jhansi, where the legendary Rani Lakshmibai made her last stand against British forces.
Composed during the Victorian era when news of the Indian Rebellion was still fresh in British consciousness, the poem represents a unique intersection of historical event and poetic imagination. Rossetti, though never having visited India, crafted a powerful narrative voice speaking from within the besieged fortress of Jhansi. The work is particularly noteworthy for its departure from Rossetti's usual themes of love, death, and religious devotion, venturing instead into the realm of colonial conflict and human tragedy.
The poem's structure and narrative perspective offer a compelling study in Victorian attitudes toward empire and gender. Through the voice of an English speaker trapped in the tower during the siege, Rossetti creates a tense atmosphere of impending doom while simultaneously exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and cultural collision. The work's historical accuracy has been debated by scholars, as it blends documented events with poetic license, creating a rich tapestry of fact and artistic interpretation.
The legacy of "In the Round Tower at Jhansi" extends beyond its immediate historical context, serving as an important document in both literary studies and colonial discourse analysis. Modern scholars have particularly noted its complex positioning within feminist and postcolonial critiques, as it presents a feminine perspective on colonial conflict while simultaneously embodying Victorian imperial attitudes. The poem continues to intrigue readers and academics alike, raising questions about the intersection of historical truth, poetic imagination, and cultural representation in Victorian literature. Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to prompt discussions about perspective, power, and the role of poetry in documenting historical trauma.