History of Bharatpur
In 1733 AD, Raja Badan Singh 's adopted son, Suraj Mal had shown signs of
promise, when he captured the fort of Bharatpur from Khemkaran, the rival
chief, whom he killed and thus laid the foundation of Bharatpur City.
Maharaja Suraj Mal displayed immense courage and carved a niche for himself
in the midst of political disorder. Gathering around him fiercely martial
Jat peasants, he went from one success to another. He accompanied Emperor
Muhammed Shah against Ali Muhammed Ruhela and in 1748 AD, at the battle
of Bagru he led the Jaipur vanguard against the Marathas. He also defeated
the commander-in-chief of the Mughal emperor. Despite being a very religious
man he was secular.
The history of Bharatpur dates back to the epic age, when the Matsya Kingdom
flourished here in the 5th century BC The matsya were allies of the Pandavas
in the Mahabharata war. According to tradition the name of Bharatpur is
traced to Bharat, the brother of lord Rama of Ayodhya whose other brother
Laxman was given the high place of family deity of the ruling family of
Bharatpur. His name also appears in the state seals and coat-of-arms.
Bharatpur, which is also called the Eastern gateway of Rajasthan, was found
by Maharaja Suraj mal in 1733 AD. Raja Badan Singhs adopted son, Suraj
Mal had shown signs of promise, when he captured the fort of Bharatpur from
Khemkaran, the rival chief, whom he killed and thus laid the foundation
of Bharatpur City.
Maharaja Suraj Mal displayed immense courage and carved a niche for himself
in the midst of political disorder. Gathering around him fiercely martial
Jat peasants, he went from one success to another. He accompanied Emperor
Mohammed Shah against Ali Mohammed Ruhela and in 1748 AD, at the battle
of Bagru he led the Jaipur vanguard against the Marathas. He also defeated
the commander- in Chief of the Mughal emperor.
He built numerous forts and palaces across the kingdom including the Pleasure
Palace complex at Deeg. Bharatpur, is today known the world over
for its Keoladeo Ghana National Park.