The most prominent part of the history of Bharatpur is associated with the Jat empire. The Jats ruled in this place in the medieval age. Bharatpur has been a segment of the old Matsya Desh. This place has some important mythological connections.
For example, the Pandavas are believed to have spent the 13th year of their exile here around 3500 years back. Some archaeological specimens of the ancient civilization of this place can still be seen in the Bharatpur Museum.
In the 17th century, the Bharatpur Jats tried to fight against the Mughals of Bharatpur - Rajasthan . The Jats of the villages of Thoon and Sinsini particularly took part in this fight. The Jats were then led by Bhajjasingh and his son Rajaram.
The Jat power in Bharatpur strengthened in the 18th century under the leadership of Badan Singh and Churaman. However, the Mughals got the famous Jat Churaman killed in 1721. But, they were not successful in curbing the Jat power as Churaman's brother Badan Singh beacme a very good Jat leader following the death of Churaman.
In the 1750s, the Jats became strong enough to plan an attack on the Mughals. Therefore, the Mughals made peace with the Jats by acknowledging their power n Bharatpur. Jai Singh II gave Badan Singh the title 'Raja' and he settled in the town of Deeg.
Badan Singh was succeeded by Suraj Mal. He had a big role to play in increasing the power of the Jats. he also put up quite a few palaces and forts. He was succeeded by Jawahar Singh, who was his son. The British then made peace with the Jats by signing an agreement with them in 1818.
In 1825, Lord Combermere sieged Lohargarh and finally Bharatpur became a part of the British empire.
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Last Updated on 23/07/2012
