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A WORD ABOUT THE
FOUNDER
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 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 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.
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