Bharatpur State

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Bharatpur was a princely state under British suzerainty. It was ruled by the Sinsinwar clan of the Hindu Jats. The state was founded by Maharaja Badan Singh in 1722. Suraj Mal played an important role in the development and expansion of the state. During Suraj Mal's reign (1755–1763), the annual revenue of the state was 17,500,000 gold coins.[1]

Under Suraj Mal leadership, the major architecture of this state include the Lohagarh Fort, Deeg Palace and the Keoladeo National Park, a royal hunting reserve, is a World Heritage Site.[2][3]

History

The Jat rulers of Deeg and Bharatpur emerged in the medieval period, spreading over parts of the Subah of Agra, including Deeg, Bharatpur, and Mewat. During this time, the Jats were zamindars and cultivators causing trouble for the Mughal Empire alongside Gujars and Meos. During early time Jats were considered outcasts and jungle inhabitants. According to Tarikh-i-Firishta, in 1026 AD, a band of Jats attacked Mahmud of Ghazni on his return from Gujarat but were nearly exterminated. In 1397 AD, Timur massacred a group of Jats while marching towards Delhi. In 1526 AD, Babar army was harassed by Jats during his march through Punjab.[4]

File:JatBhurtporeDurbar1860s.jpg
Royal court of Bharatpur Kingdom during 1860s

The Bharatpur rulers were Jats of Sinsinwar clan. According to a mythological origin, they descended from Balchand, a Yadav Rajput, through his sons Vijje and Sijje, born to a Jat concubine. They adopted the Sinsinwar gotra after being rejected as Rajputs.[5] Ram Pande states that this legend was created "to show superiority of Sinsinwar Jats over other Jats."[6]

File:Dig Fort in Rajasthan in the 1890s.jpg
View of the Deeg Fort taken in the 1890s. Deeg was the first capital of the Sinsini Jats established by Badan Singh. Later the capital was moved to Bharatpur.

The formation of the state of Bharatpur was a result of revolts by the Jats living in the region around Delhi, Agra, and Mathura against the imperial Mughals. Gokula was a prominent Jat zamindar of Tilpat who led a rebellion against the Mughal Empire during the reign of Aurangzeb. In 1669, he spearheaded the Battle of Tilpat, where Jat farmers revolted against heavy Mughal taxation. Despite initial successes, Gokula was eventually captured and executed in 1670.[7][8]

File:Silver Rupee of Bharatpur state, struck in Mughal emperor Akbar II, struck in Mahe Indrapur Mint.jpg
Silver Rupee of Bharatpur state, struck in the name of Mughal emperor Akbar II, Mahe Indrapur Mint.

Rajaram of Sinsini succeeded Gokula and continued the struggle against Mughal rule. He is noted for organising the Jats into a more cohesive force and avenging Gokula’s death by desecrating Akbar’s tomb. Rajaram’s leadership saw several victories against Mughal forces, including the defeat of Mughal Nawab Bahadur Khan (Mughal general). He was instrumental in consolidating Jat power in the region until his death in 1688. Now Aurangzeb approached the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler Bishan Singh to crush the uprising and appointed him as the faujdar of Mathura, granting him the entire area in zamindari. Conflict between Jats and Rajputs for zamindari rights also complicated the issue, with Jats primarily being landowners, whereas the Rajputs were primarily revenue collectors.[9]

The Jats put up a stiff resistance but by 1691, Rajaram and his successor Churaman were compelled to submit to the Imperial Mughals. However unrest among Jats continued and later on in the beginning of the 18th century, Churaman, taking advantage of the Mughal civil wars, was able to expel the Rajputs from the area and establish an independent state where Jat chiefs formed the ruling class.[9] Rajaram who also exhumed and burned the remains of Akbar is known for setting up a small fort at Sinsini and it was a key foundation of this kingdom.[10][11]

Maharaja Suraj Mal was the most prominent ruler of Bharatpur. On 12 June 1761, he captured the significant Mughal city of Agra. During his reign, he melted the two silver doors of the Taj Mahal. Agra remained under Bharatpur’s control until 1774. After Maharaja Suraj Mal’s death, his successors continued to rule over Agra Fort. Maharaja Jawahar Singh succeeded him, followed by Maharaja Ratan Singh. During the minority of Maharaja Kehri Singh, Maharaja Nawal Singh acted as the regent.[12][13]

File:Maharaja Suraj Mal.jpg
Suraj Mal, most prominent ruler of Bharatpur Kingdom

In 1805, war between the British and the Holkars broke out. Maharaja Ranjit Singh agreed to help the Holkar and the two Maharajas fell back to the Bharatpur fort. The British surrounded the fort and after three months, Ranjit Singh agreed to peace and signed a treaty with the British, thus becoming a princely state.[14] Maharaja Jaswant Singh of Bharatpur provided great support for the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and this aid was greatly acknowledged by the British. Jaswant Singh was made a G.C.S.I and his personal gun salute was increased.[15]

In August 1947, Bharatpur acceded to the newly independent Dominion of India. The following year, in 1948, it became part of the Matsya Union, and in 1949, it was integrated into the state of Rajasthan. Members of the Bharatpur royal family have remained active in national and regional politics. Several family members have served as members of parliament and in the state legislature.[16]

List of Maharajas

Template:Main This section includes list of Maharajas of Bharatpur in chronological order. The current titular Maharaja of Bharatpur is Vishvendra Singh since July 1995.

Portrait Name of Maharaja Reign Notes
File:Detail of Raja Badan Singh from a painting from an illustrated 'Sujan Charitra' series, by Ramji, Jaipur School, circa mid-to-late 18th century (cropped).jpg Badan Singh 1722 - 1755 Founder of the princely state of Bharatpur.[17][18]
File:Suraj Mal.jpg Suraj Mal 1755 - 1763 Son of Badan Singh. He is known for his political acumen and military prowess, he expanded his kingdom significantly and built the formidable Lohagarh Fort and Deeg Palace. He is often referred to as the Plato of the Sinsinwar Jat tribe or Jat Ullyses.[19][20]
File:Jawahar Singh of Bharatpur.jpg Jawahar Singh 1763 - 1768 Son of Suraj Mal. He successfully repelled several attacks, including Ahmad Shah Abdali's, from Bharatpur. Additionally, he oversaw campaigns against the Marathas and Rohillas. With Sikh allies' assistance, he seized areas in Bundelkhand and Northern Malwa and even sacked Delhi in 1764.[21][22]
File:Ratan Singh of Bharatpur.jpg Ratan Singh 1768 - 1769 Brother of Jawahar Singh. He ruled only for about nine months.[23]
File:Portrait of Maharaja Kehri Singh of Bharatpur State (cropped).jpg Kehri Singh 1769 - 1777 Son (minor) of Ratan Singh[18]
File:Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Bharatpur.jpg Ranjit Singh 1777 - 1805 Son of Suraj Mal. He participated in the Second Anglo-Maratha War on the side of the Marathas and his forces proved to be a tough match for Lord Lake[18][24]
File:Maharaja Randhir Singh.jpg Randhir Singh 1805 - 1823 Son of Ranjit Singh[18]
File:Maharaja Baldeo Singh.jpg Baldeo Singh 1823 - 1825 Brother of Randhir Singh[18]
File:Maharaja Balwant Singh.jpg Balwant Singh 1825 - 1853 Son of Baldeo Singh[18]
File:Jaswant Singh Bharatpur.jpg Jaswant Singh 1853 - 1893 Son of Balwant Singh[18]
File:Ram Singh of Bharatpur.jpg Ram Singh 1893 - 1900 Son of Jaswant Singh[18]
File:Maharaja Kisan Singh.jpg Kishan Singh 1900 - 1929 Son of Ram Singh[18]
File:Maharaja Brijendra Singh of Bharatpur.jpg Brijendra Singh 1929 - 1947 He was the last ruler of the princely state of Bharatpur. He was a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) 1962–1971. He was deprived of his royal rank, titles and honours by the Government of India on 28 December 1971.[25][26]

Expansion and decline

Template:Main Bharatpur State, founded in 1722 by Maharaja Badan Singh, saw significant expansion under the leadership of Maharaja Suraj Mal, who ruled from 1755 to 1763, was instrumental in consolidating and expanding the state’s territories. During his reign, the state’s revenue reached an impressive 17,500,000 gold coins per annum. Suraj Mal’s strategic alliances and military prowess enabled Bharatpur to withstand numerous invasions, including those from the Mughal Empire and the East India Company.[27]

Suraj Mal captured important territories such as Agra, Mathura, and parts of Aligarh. The capture of Agra in 1761, in particular, was a significant achievement, as it was a major Mughal stronghold. Suraj Mal’s forces also successfully defended Bharatpur against multiple invasions, showcasing the state’s military strength.[28][29]

In the 1760s, the Kingdom of Bharatpur reached its zenith and covered present day capital Delhi and district of Bharatpur, Bulandshahr, Dholpur, Hathras, Jhajjar, Kanpur Dehat, Auraiya, Hapur, Firozabad, Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar, Palwal, Rohtak, Sonipat. The areas under the control of Jats broadly included parts of modern eastern Rajasthan, southern Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.[30][31]

After Suraj Mal death in 1763, Bharatpur State experienced internal conflicts and succession issues, weakening its stability. The British East India Company saw an opportunity and attacked in 1805, but Bharatpur initially resisted. However, in 1825-26, the British, led by Lord Combermere, besieged and captured the Lohagarh Fort. This ended Bharatpur’s independence, and in 1826, the state had to sign a treaty, making it a British protectorate.Template:Citation needed Jats ruled Agra for 13 years from 1761 to 1774. On 18 February 1774, the Mughal Commander Mirza Najaf Khan re-captured Agra.[29]

Military power

The Kingdom during Jawahar Singh's time had a large army of 25,000 Infantry, 15,000 Cavalry and 300 pieces of cannons with addition to the troops stationed at his forts.[32]

Architecture

Template:Main Bharatpur State is known for its blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles.[33]

File:Lohagarh Fort.jpg
Lohagarh Fort, built by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1732 on an artificial island and took eight years to complete.

Lohagarh Fort is one of the architectural achievement of the state. It was built by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1732 A.D. on an artificial island and construction of this fort took almost eight years.[34] This fort is considered as one of the strongest fort due to its formidable defense because the British forces led by Lord Lake were unable to capture the fort in spite of multiple attacks during the Siege of Bharatpur and the fort remained free from British control for more than twenty years till 1825.[35]

Between December 1825 and January 1826, British troops under Lord Combermere initially surrounded the state's capital until on 18 January 1826 its fortress was stormed and captured. After this siege, it became princely state under British Raj control.[36]

File:Deeg Palace.jpg
Deeg Palace, built in 1772 as a palace for the rulers of Bharatpur State.

Apart from the Lohagarh fort, the Deeg Palace was also built by the Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1730 as a luxurious summer resort for the rulers of Bharatpur State. It is the only Hindu-style palace in north India and a perfect blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.[33][2]

File:Sambhars are common sight at Keoladeo Ghana National Park Bharatpur India.jpg
Sambar deer in Keoladeo National Park

Originally a royal hunting reserve, Keoladeo National Park was developed by Maharaja Suraj Mal.[3] It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a bird sanctuary.[37]

See also

References

  1. ↑ An Advanced History of Modern India{{#if:Sen|, Sen}. Macmillan(2010). ISBN 978-0-230-32885-3
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Hindu : Magazine / Travel : Summer symphony(2007-03-20). Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Majestic Monuments of India: Ancient Indian Mega Structures{{#if:TL|, TL}. Nestfame Creations Pvt. Ltd.(2019-08-04) “Raja Suraj Mal created Keoladeo National Park, also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Previously this park was established as a bird sanctuary in 1956 and in 1982”
  4. ↑ History of Mewat{{#if:Ahmad|, Ahmad}. Alina Books(2021-07-09). ISBN 978-81-933914-2-6 “The first authentic information respecting the remote ancestors of the Jat rulers of Bhartpur is mentioned in Tarikh-i-Firishta, which states that in 1026 AD a band of Jats molested Mahmud of Ghazni on his return from Gujarat and were nearly exterminated by him. In 1397 AD, Timur, marching towards Delhi, fell in with and massacred a horde of the same race, which was even then, noted freebooters. In 1526 AD, the army of Babar was harassed by them on his march through the Punjab.”
  5. ↑ Indian Princely Medals: A Record of the Orders, Decorations, and Medals of the Indian Princely States{{#if:McClenaghan|, McClenaghan}. Lancer Publishers(1996). ISBN 978-1-897829-19-6
  6. ↑ Bharatpur up to 1826: A Social and Political History of the Jats{{#if:Pande|, Pande}. Rama Publishing House(1970)
  7. ↑ History of jats state during 17th century. Jagran Josh(22 September 2015). Retrieved 4 April 2024. “Gokla: He was the zamindar of Tilpat and one who provided leadership in 1669 AD uprising to the Jat. He was stamped down by the Mughal governor, Hasan Ali.”
  8. ↑ जानें आगरा के फव्वारा चौक की रोचक कथा और कौन थे वीर गोकुला जाट जिनकी मूर्ति का हुआ अनावरण. News18 हिंदी(2022-10-04). Retrieved 2025-01-06. “गोकुला जाट का नाम आगरा के लिए सम्मान की बात है. दरअसल, तिलपतगढ़ी के गोकुला जाट की शौर्यगाथा 1666 से ही लोगों के जुबान पर रही है. जब दिल्ली पर औरंगजेब का शासन था. वीर गोकुला जाट ने औरंगजेब को मालगुजारी देने से इनकार कर दिया था. इससे बौखलाए औरंगजेब ने अपनी सेना युद्ध के लिए मथुरा स्थिति तिलपतगढ़ी भेजी. यह युद्ध 3 दिनों तक चला. वीर गोकुला जाट ने औरंगजेब की सेना के छक्के छुड़ा दिए. हार मानकर औरंगजेब ने 1669 में खुद वीर गोकुला जाट से युद्ध करने के लिए मथुरा पहुंचा. इस युद्ध में औरंगजेब ने वीर गोकुला जाट को बंदी बना लिया.”
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Medieval India{{#if:Chandra|, Chandra}. National Council for Educational Research and Training(1990)
  10. ↑ Kunj Bihari Lal Gupta. The Evolution of the Administration of the former Bharatpur State. Vidya Bhawan Publishers, Jaipur, 1959.
  11. ↑ Tony McClenaghan. Indian Princely Medals: A record of the Orders, Decorations and Medals of the Indian Princely States. Lancer Publications, Spantech & Lancer, New Delhi, 1996.
  12. ↑ Maharaja Suraj Mal, 1707-1763: His Life and Times{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. Rupa & Company(2001). ISBN 978-81-7167-510-4
  13. ↑ History of India, from 1707 to 1856{{#if:Bhatia|, Bhatia}. Surjeet Book Depot(1968)
  14. ↑ Rise and Fall of The Maratha Empire 1750-1818{{#if:Nandakumar|, Nandakumar}. Notion Press(2020). ISBN 978-1-647-83961-1
  15. ↑ His Highness Maharaja Jaswant Singh Bahadur, G.C.S.I. of Bharatpur{{#if:Sahai|, Sahai}. Jwala Sahai, retired Nazim & Honorary Magistrate(1914)
  16. ↑ Members : Lok Sabha : Singh, Shri Vishvendra(2022-04-01). Retrieved 2025-01-06.
  17. ↑ THE GAZETTEER OF INDIA Volume 2{{#if:Division|, Division}. Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. ISBN 978-81-230-2265-9
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 18.7 18.8 Final Report on the Bharatpur State Settlement (1900-1901) (PDF). Michael O'Dwyer. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  19. ↑ Maharaja Suraj Mal, 1707-1763: his life and times{{#if:Natwar-Singh|, Natwar-Singh}. Rupa and Co(2001). ISBN 978-81-7167-510-4
  20. ↑ Comprehensive Modern Indian History: From 1707 To The Modern Times{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. S. Chand Publishing. ISBN 978-93-5501-657-7
  21. ↑ Bharatpur Maharaja Jawahar Singh Jat{{#if:Ranavat Manohar Singh Ji|, Ranavat Manohar Singh Ji}(1973)
  22. ↑ Fall of the Mughal empire{{#if:Sarkar|, Sarkar}. Orient Longman. ISBN 978-81-250-3245-8
  23. ↑ Imperial Gazetteer of India ...{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Clarendon Press(1908)
  24. ↑ Bharatpur Fort and its resistance against British forces. amritmahotsav.nic.in. Retrieved 6 January 2025. Government of India “The origins of the conflict between the British and the Bharatpur state can be traced to the Second Anglo-Maratha War, when the ruler of the state, Ranjit Singh, formed an alliance with the Marathas against the colonial forces. This angered the British, who ly decided to invade the princely state in 1805”
  25. ↑ Encyclopaedia Indica: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Anmol Publ(1996). ISBN 978-81-7041-859-7
  26. ↑ …दो घंटे में डूबने वाला था भरतपुर, तब खुद महाराजा कर्नल सवाई बृजेंद्र सिंह ने खोला था अटलबंध का मोरा | ... Bharatpur was about to drown in two hours. Patrika News(2019-12-01). Retrieved 2024-12-28.
  27. ↑ The History and Culture of the Indian People: The Maratha supremacy{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan(1977)
  28. ↑ Fall of the Mughal Empire: 1754-1771. (Panipat) 2d ed., rev. 1950{{#if:Sarkar|, Sarkar}. M.C. Sarkar(1950)
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 The Province of Agra: Its History and Administration{{#if:Bhanu|, Bhanu}. Concept Publishing Company(1979)
  30. ↑ The Golden Book of India. A Genealogical and Biographical Dictionary of the Ruling Princes, Chiefs, Nobles, and Other Personages, Titled or Decorated, of the Indian Empire. With an Appendix for Ceylon(1900).
  31. ↑ The History and Culture of the Indian People. Vol. 8: The Maratha{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan(1977)
  32. ↑ A History of Jaipur: C. 1503-1938{{#if:Sarkar|, Sarkar}. Orient Blackswan(1994). ISBN 978-81-250-0333-5
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Deeg Palace erupts in colour for Braj Holi, Dhar, Aarti. The Hindu(March 2015). Retrieved 4 January 2025. “Celebrations at Deeg Palace, with its wonderful mix of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture.”
  34. ↑ ये है देश का एकमात्र अजेय किला, अंग्रेजों ने इसकी मजबूती के आगे टेके थे घुटने. Patrika News(2024-02-23). Retrieved 2025-01-06.
  35. ↑ भरतपुर का लोहागढ़ किला, जिसके आगे अंग्रेजों ने भी टेक दिया था घुटना. News18 हिंदी(2024-10-17). Retrieved 2025-01-06.
  36. ↑ Siege of Bharatpur, 1825-1826. amritmahotsav.nic.in(5 May 2024).
  37. ↑ Keoladeo National Park, Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2025-01-06.

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