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Bharatpur, The Eastern Gate of Rajasthan, is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733. Located in Mewat region, Bharatpur was once an impregnable, well-fortified city, and the capital of a kingdom ruled by Jat maharajas. The trio of Bharatpur, Deeg and Dholpur has played an important part in the Jat history of Rajasthan. Located 50 km west of the city of Agra (the city of the Taj Mahal), it is also the administrative headquarters of Bharatpur District.
The place was named as Bharatpur after the name of Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama, whose other brother Laxman was worshipped as the family deity of the Bharatpur. The legends say the rulers Laxman’s name is engraved on the state arms and the seals. The city and the fort have been believed to be founded by Rustam, a Jat of Sogariya clan. Maharaja Suraj Mal took over from Khemkaran, the son of Rustam, and established the empire. He fortified the city by building a massive wall around the city.
The interesting aspect of the Bharatpur history is the domination of Jats in the region since 17th century. Leaders like Churaman and Badan Singh brought the jats together to mould them into a force to reckon with. Suraj Mal has been the greatest ruler who made them a formidable force and played a very important role in the Indian history during 19th century.
History of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
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. Maharaja Suraj Mal was the state's greatest ruler; he made the state a formidable force in the region. Suraj Mal took over the site of Bharatpur from Khemkaran, a son of Rustam, and established it as the capital of his state. He fortified the city by building a massive wall around it. 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.
The young Maharaja of Bharatpur Jaswunt Singh, aged about eleven, in his durbar or court in 1862. The young prince sits in the centre of his guddee or royal seat, which is of velvet richly embroidered with gold. Behind him are four servants, two of whom hold merchauls of peacocks' feathers, and the chouree of yak's tail hair. In two rows on either side of the Rajah, the nobles and sirdars of the state are seated, who may be relatives, or officers in various parts of the state services.
During the British Raj, the state covered an area of 5,123 km².; its rulers enjoyed a salute of 17 guns. The state acceded unto the dominion of India in 1947. It was merged with three nearby princely states to form the 'Matsya Union', which in turn was merged with other adjoining territories to create the present-day state of Rajasthan.
Chronology of Bharatpur rulers of Rajasthan in India
The Royal House of Bharatpur traces their history to the 11th century AD. They claim descent from Yadav Vanshi Sind Pal, common ancestor with the House of Karauli. Than Pal, twelfth in descent from Sind Pal, left several sons, including Dharam Pal, the eldest son and progenitor of Karauli. Madan Pal, the third son of Than Pal, being ancestor of Bharatpur. His descendant, Bal Chand or Balchandra of Sinsini, having no issue by his wife, took a Jat lady as a concubine, by whom he had two sons named Birad (Bijji) and Surad (Sijji). Birad was the ancestor of Thakur Khanu Chand, with whom we treat. The descendants of Khanu Chand became leaders of the Jat race and rose to considerable power during the Mughal decline in the late seventeenth century.
The Jat rulers of Bharatpur were from Sinsinwar clan. Before the formation of Bharatpur state the capital of Sinsinwars was at Sinsini.
Sinsini earlier was known as 'Shoor saini' and its inhabitants were known as 'Saur Sen'. The influence of Saur Sen people can be judged from the fact that the dialect of the entire north India at one time was known as 'Saursaini'.
Shoor Sain people were Chandra Vanshi kshatriyas. Lord Krishna was also born in vrishni branch of Chandravansh. A group of Yadavas was follower of Shiv and Vedic God in Sindh. Some inscriptions and coins of these people have been found in 'Mohenjo Daro'. ' Shiv Shani Sevi' words have been found engraved on one inscription. Yajur Veda mentions 'Shinay Swah'. 'Sini Isar' was found on one gold coin. Atharva Veda mentions 'Sinwali' for Sini God.
The above group of Yadavas came back from Sindh to Brij area and occupied Bayana in Bharatpur district. After some struggle the 'Balai' inhabitants were forced by Shodeo and Saini rulers to move out of Brij land and thus they occupied large areas. 'Saur Saini' was changed to 'ShinShoor' or 'Sinsini' after their God 'Shin'. These people of Sinsini were called Sinsinwar. The chronology of Sinsinwar Jat clan rulers of Bharastpur is as under:
The Maharajah of Bharatpore. circa 1882.Gokula, ? - 1670
Raja Ram, 1670 - 1688
Churaman, 1695 - 1721
Badan Singh, 1722 - 1756
Maharaja Suraj Mal, 1756 - 1767
Maharaja Jawahar Singh, 1767 - 1768
Maharaja Ratan Singh, 1768 - 1769
Maharaja Kehri Singh, 1769 - 1771
Maharaja Nawal Singh, 1771 - 1776
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, 1776 - 1805
Maharaja Randhir Singh, 1805 - 1823
Maharaja Baldeo Singh, 1823 - 1825
Maharaja Balwant Singh, 1825 - 1853
Maharaja Jashwant Singh, 1853 - 1893
Maharaja Ram Singh, 1893 - 1900 (Exiled)
Maharani Girraj Kaur, regent 1900-1918
Maharaja Kishan Singh, 1900 - 1929
Maharaja Brijendra Singh, 1929-1947 (Joined the Indian Union)
Sightseeing and Excursions of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
Keoladeo National Park of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
A paradise for the avian world and the pilgrimage for the bird lovers, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary lies between two of India's most historic cities, Agra and Jaipur. This north Indian sanctuary is situated in the country's northwestern state of Rajasthan, about 190 km from the national capital of Delhi. The Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan, India is a famous avifauna sanctuary that sees (or saw) thousands of rare and highly endangered birds such as the Siberian Crane come here during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds are known to have made the National Park their home. It is also a major tourist centre with scores of ornithologists arriving here in the hibernal season.
The foundation of this Bharatpur wildlife sanctuary was laid in 1760 when the Maharaja of Bharatpur made an artificial lake and the dam at this very site to store the water brought by the annual floods in this area. It got its name as Keoladeo Ghana Park on account of an ancient Hindu temple at the centre of the national park devoted to Lord Shiva. The term 'Ghana' is derived from Hindi, which means dense and refers to the thick forest, which covers the entire area. Bharatpur became a national park on 10 March 1982, and was given the status of a World Heritage Site in December 1985.
Kadam Kunj and Keoladeo Commonly referred to as Bharatpur, the Park is a delight for bird watchers. Over 375 species of birds are found here and raised paths, camouflaged by babul trees and undergrowth make viewing easy. A quiet ride by boat in the early hours of the morning is also un unforgettable experience. There fare mixed heronries on the half submerged babul trees and the cacaphony is unbelievable as painted storks, open bills, spoon bills, egrets, comorants, white ibis and multitudes of others, tend their young. Jacanas with their iridescent colours and elegant tail feathers and purple moorhen can be seen delicately treading over the floating vegetation.
Every year Bharatpur waits with bated breath for the arrival of the Siberian cranes. The tourists mainly visit the Bird Sanctuary, as it is the second habitat in the world that is visited by the Siberian Cranes in winter. There are only two wintering places for this rare species one in Iran and the other Bharatpur and these beautiful birks with their distinctive red beaks and facial patches, fly over 6400 kms from their summer retreats in Siberian cranes with a young one made an appearance in Bharatpur after a lapse of three years. When the rivers of Siberia are frozen due to the extreme winters, the Siberian Cranes visit the sanctuary to spend their winters in India. As soon as the winters are over in Siberia, these huge cranes return to their breeding grounds.
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Lohagarh Fort of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
Lohagarh Fort or the Iron Fort is situated at Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India. It was constructed by Bharatpur Jat rulers. Maharaja Suraj Mal used all his power and wealth to a good cause, and built numerous forts and palaces across his kingdom, one of them being the Lohagarh Fort(Iron fort), which was one of the strongest ever built in Indian history. Conceived and designed to last for years-Lohagarh Fort, true to its name, stood solidly against many attacks by the British, frustrating them to no end. The inaccessible Lohagarh fort could withstand repeated attacks of British forces led by Lord Lake in 1805 when they laid siege for over six weeks. Having lost over 3000 soldiers, the British forces had to retreat and strike a compromise with the Bharatpur ruler.
It is very different from the other forts in the State. There is no flamboyance associated with this fort, but it radiates an aura of strength and magnificence. The fort is surrounded by a moat, which was filled with water to ward off the enemy attacks. Sandy battlements strengthened the sandy ramparts, thus the enemy guns proved of no avail. Some interesting monuments in the fort are Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas, Moti Mahal and Kothi Khas. Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj, inside the fort, were built by Suraj Mal to commemorate the victories over the Mughals and the British. Of the two gates in the fort, one in the north is known as Ashtdhaatu (eight metalled) gate while the one facing the south is called Chowburja (four-pillared) gate. The Ashtadhatu (eight-metal) gateway has paintings of huge elephants.
Gopal Bhavan of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
Completed in 1760, an imaginatively designed building complex with beautifully laid gardens at its entrance and the rear overlooks the Gopal Sagar which is flanked with smaller pavilions Sawan and Bhadon.
The formal gardens face a raised terrace with an arch of lustrous marble installed on a pedestal in the form of swing. This exquisite swing is a war trophy brought in by the famous Jat king Raja Suraj Mal from the Mughal court in Delhi.
The spacious and well proportioned Banquet Hall has a double row of graceful pillars. The rear of the chamber is further divided by a charming sunken pool with fountains. The Banquet hall houses a rich collection of curios, souvenirs and Victorian furniture. Staircases wind upstairs to the upper floors. One room contains a solid black marble bed from Delhi.
Bengal Chamber of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
It houses the dining room, and has sloping arches, with comfortable cushions along the outer edges forming the seating area. The walls of the royal Chess Room has trellis design and are painted in soft red.
Suraj Bhavan of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
To the east of the main building, this palace has balconies overhanging the water. The entire palace in marble is like an airy pavilion with fine ornamentation within the apartments.
Nand Bhavan of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
It is a larage audience hall. KRISHNA BHAVAN, and the ingeniously designed water works of KESHAV BHAVAN, with open twelve pillared pavilion are of great interest.
Bharatpur Palace of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
It is a fine fusion of Mughals and Rajput architecture and was built in various phases by different maharajas. The magnificent apartments are richly decorated with patterned floor tiles having exquisite and intricate designs. The building –Kamra Khas, within the fort, has been converted into a museum displaying a rich collection of antiquities, exquisite sculptures and some ancient inscription.
Government Museum of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
The building Kamra Khas within the fort has been converted into a museum, displaying a rich collection of antiquaries, exquisite sculptures and some ancient inscriptions. The sculptures speak volumes about the art of a by gone era and culture typical of this area. The inscriptions are of immense historical vault and helps in tracing back the royal lineage as well as the local life.
Timings : 10 AM to 4 PM
Entry Fee : RS. 3/-
(Closed on Friday)
Ganga Mandir (Temple) of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
Maharaja Balwant Singh started the construction of this big temple in 1845. The construction was carried out by a unique method, where all persons employed in the service of the state, were asked to donate one month’s salary of their service or any raise in pay towards the shrine. The temple is a beautiful piece of architecture.
Laxman Mandir of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
This temple is famous for beautiful stone work with elaborate carvings from doorways to ceilings, pillars, walls and arches. The temple is dedicated to Laxman, brother of lord Rama.
Bayana near Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
Bayana is 45 kms. from Bharatpur between two ranges of aravali hills running more or less parallel to each other close to the left bank of Gambhir river, formerly a tributary of Banganga. The famous fort known as Bijay Garh (Vijay Garh) was built by the famous Hindu King Banasur, in the time of Lord Krishna and was renovated by Maharaja Vijay Pal in whose time the two families of Karauli and Bharatpur separated. One brother built the fort of Timangarh, laying the foundation of the royal house of karaulu. Bharatpur’s ruling families are the descendants of Bijai Pal, a Jadaon Rajput. The fort here is considered to be the 3rd largest in India. The palace, a high tower and Bhim Lath stand out as landmarks. The fort was held by Muhammad Ghore (1196 AD ) Sikandar Lodi(1492) and Humayun (1535 AD ) . In 1526 AD Mughals emperor Babar described it as one of the most famous forts in India. Ain-I-Akbari mentions that in former times Bayana was the capital of a province of which Agra was a dependant village. Emperor Akbar witnessed a march past of his troops from a place near Bayana town known as “Chardare” which has the Inscription on it. The noble and litterateur of Mughals court, Mir Mohammed Masum, engraved this.
Deeg Palace of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
This fort built by Raja Suraj Mal, stands majestically over a slightly elevated point. It is surrounded by impressive moats, ramparts and gateways; the interiors are mostly in ruins now, but the watch tower still stands among the ruins, keeping an eye over the city and the palace; over it is placed a gun captured from Agra Fort. Another defunct cannon, which was captured from Ahmad Shah Abdali ( 1761 AD) – who seized the fort for six months guards vantage point.
Bandh Baretha near Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
Band Baretha, old wildlife reserve of the rulers of Bharatpur State is about 65 km from Bharatpur city; there is a dam on “Kakund” River. The foundation stone of this dam was laid in 1866 by Maharaja Jaswant Singh and completed in 1897-88 during Maharaja Ram Singh’s period. There is an old palace, which is still private property of Bharatpur Royal family. Animals like sambhur, chital, blue bull, wild boar, hyena and leopard inhabit Bandh Baretha. It also inhabited by 200 rare species of birds every year number of bird watcher come here.
Kaman near Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
Kaman is a very old town, situated in the north of Bharatpur. It is a very old and sacred town of Hindus as it forms a part of Braj area where Lord Krishna spent his early life. It is also known as Kamaban. Its former name is said to have been Brahampore, but Raja Kama sen the maternal grand father of Krishna changed it to Kaman after his own name. Kaman is the short name of Kadambawana for numerous Kadhamba Trees are found here. It is a place of Pilgrimage, Annually visited by a large number of Vaishnava in the month of Bhadon as a part of Banyatra .The remains of a temple /mosque consisting of 84 pillars, named Chourasi Khamaba’ still exist here. None of these pillars is without onament and some are very highly decorated. Kaman has long been under the rule of Jaipur but was conquered and annexed by Maharaja jawahar Singh. Some palaces of Jaipur Chiefs still exist here. Maharaja jai Singh took the ilols of Madan Mohanji and Gokul Chandraman to his newly built city of Jaipur but due to some resions the idols were brought back to Kaman after a short stay at Bikaner.
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Fairs and Festivals of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
Braj Mahotsav of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
All the fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are celebrated with traditional rituals, but Bharatpur's proximity to Uttar Pradesh shows a great influence of UP's culture also.
The Brij Festival takes place a few days before Holi, (the festival of colours) in the month of March. Bharatpur lies close to Braj Bhoomi - the birthplace of Lord Krishna and where he spent his childhood. Held in honour of Lord Krishna, this festival is marked by verve and zest. Villagers, in gay, multihued attire, can be seen singing and performing the Raslila dance (dance depicting the immortal love-story of Radha and Krishna). The Ras Leela, depicting the life of Krishna, is performed by professionals selected by the Rai community for this occasion. All of Bharatpur echoes the sound of folk melodies on this festival held on the eve of Holi. Men and women, young and old, rich and poor-all are touched by the spirit of this festival. Boisterous revellers spare no one during this festival and delight in splashing colour on everyone around.
Location and Transport of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
Bharatpur, Eastern gate of Rajasthan, is situated between 26° 22' to 27° 83' North Latitude and 76° 53' to 78° 17' East Longitude. It is situated 100 meters above the sea level. It is 184 km. away from Delhi in South-East. Northern Border of the district touches district Gurgaon of state Haryana, Eastern Border touches district Mathura, Southern Border touches district Agra of state Uttar Pradesh and district Dholpur of Rajasthan. It touches district Dausa in south-west and district Alwar in the North-West.
Road Connectivity
Bharatpur is accessible by road from Agra (55 km. or 34 miles) and Jaipur ( 185 km. or 115miles). It is 1,207 km. (750 miles) from Mumbai on the broad-gauge line of the Western Railway.
All important places of Bharatpur are connected by roads. In the district, total length of roads is 1994.4 km. In the district 317 village panchayat and 911 villages are connected by roads and 60 village panchayat , 828 villages are to be connected.
Local Transport of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
Auto rickshaw, Cycle-rickshaw and Tongas are available at Old Bus Stand and Railway Station. Rates are negotiable
Facts of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
Guide Services in Bharatpur of Rajasthan, India
Approved tourist guides for the National Park can be hired from
The Asstt. Director,
Tourist Reception Center
Hotel Saras (RTDC), Tel 222542
&
Deputy Chief Wildlife Warden,
Forest Rest House. Tel 222777
Guides are also available at the Bird Sanctuary gate.
Post and Telegraph Offices in Bharatpur of Rajasthan, India
G. P. O. Gandhi Park
City Post Office near Jama Masjid
Collectrate Post Office, in collectrate campus.
Important Telephone Numbers in Bharatpur of Rajasthan, India
Superintendent of Police 223116
D. I. G. 222859
Kotwali 222548
Police Station, Mathura Gate 222444
Ambulance 223633
Telephone Enquiry No. 197
Railway Enquiry 131/139
Roadways Enquiry 260330
Medical Services in Bharatpur of Rajasthan, India
General Hospital
Zanana Hospital, Mathura Gate
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