The programme was that two British columns should simultaneously advance, one, the more eastern, from Jabalpur, due northward across Bundelkhand to Banda — the other moving north-eastward from Mhow upon Jhánsí and Kálpi. Sir Hugh Rose's series of successes, while in command of the latter column, forms one of the most interesting and splendid chapters of English military history. Leaving Indore at the beginning of 1858, he fought his way northward, early in February relieved the beleaguered garrison of Ságar, and on the 21st March appeared before Jhánsí, above the granite walls of which floated the banner of the insurgent Rání. The fort was of great strength, standing on a lofty rock, its walls of solid masonry and bristling with guns. Its garrison of 11,000 men was fired with the fierce enthusiasm of their leader. The besiegers opened a cannonade. For seventeen days the English batteries poured in a ceaseless fire of shot and shell. A breach had been effected, when news arrived that Tántia Topi was advancing from the direction of Kálpi, with 23,000 men and twenty-eight guns, to the relief of the beleaguered Princess. Sir Hugh, without allowing an instant's pause in the operations of the siege, led a portion of the besieging force against his new foe, drove Tántia Topis army headlong into the jungle, and returned m two days to deliver a successful assault upon the fortress. Jhánsí captured, the victorious General was soon on the road to Kálpi, and, on the 22nd May, encountered the rebel force and inflicted a repulse which seemed
