Bharatpur Tourism, Rajasthan
About Bharatpur
Located in the Brij region -55 km west of the city of Agra (the city of the Taj Mahal) and 35 km from Mathura, Bharatpur, a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is considered as the Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan. The city was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733. It was the capital of Jat kingdom ruled by Sinsinwar Maharajas. Bharatpur is famous for Keoladeo National Park.
History of Bharatpur
Bharatpur was once a part of the Matsya Desh of past era. As per mythological belief, the Pandava brothers were supposed to have spent their 13th year of exile here about 3500 years back. But as per historical findings, Bharatpur came in existence much later, in the late 17th century. It was the premier Jat State of Rajasthan. Badan Singh established and founded the fort and palaces of Deeg in 1725. Seven years later, his son- Suraj Mal- laid the foundation nearby of the fort of Bharatpur. Suraj Mal was ambitious; he regularly raided the cities of Agra and Delhi. Under his leadership, the Jats were able to hold Agra for 13 years. They even marched on to Delhi in 1763, but the Mughals managed to kill Suraj Mal. After the death of Suraj Mal, his son Jawahar Singh took the charge of the state. In the meantime the British (East India Company) tried to gain ground with these powerful Jats. With their long term plans, they were soon pushing their way into Bharatpur Fort and successfully captured it in 1825.