Suraj Mai was the son of Badan Singh, the Jat leader of Bharatpur. After the death of his father on seventh June 1756 at Sahar, Suraj Mai took up the reigns of Bharatpur in his hands. He had already proved his military forte in his fight with the Sogharias and had captured the Fatehgarh fortress. It was under Suraj Mai that Bharatpur flourished as the primary center of Jat community in Rajasthan.

Suraj Mai"s claim to fame had been the capture of Fatehgarh fortress. A strongly built man of above medium height, a robust frame, inclining to stoutness in his old age and of a very dark complexion, Suraj Mai was known for his politeness. Though he had little academic qualifications and was devoid of any country grace but possessed great political wisdom, a steady intellect and a clear vision. He was very down to earth and could speak only his own Braj dialect. He was blessed with all the benevolent qualities of his race like energy, courage, shrewdness, dogged perseverance and a determined never-say-die spirit that would never accept defeat.

In matters of war or diplomacy, Suraj Mai was at par with the dissembling Mughal and the cunning Maratha. Suraj Mai"s incredible genius made it clear to all that he was the fittest man to lead the rising Jat power. The history of the Bharatpur kingdom during the latter half of Badan Singh`s reign was really the history of Suraj Mai. The reputation of Suraj Mai`s leadership and the tough combating qualities of his troops spread far and wide and soon there came frequent solicitations for his sword from the highest in the land.

In 1745, Suraj Mai made his first expedition outside the Jat country. He strengthened his relations with Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Amber, the most powerful and intelligent Rajput ruler of his time, in order to disarm the jealous Rajput spirit and allow the infant Jat power to grow unhindered under the shadow of Amber. It was not just his policy but also his mark of loyalty towards the Maharaja. His loyalty continued even after the death of the Maharaja when Suraj Mai stood faithfully by his eldest son, Ishwari Singh whose rightful claim to the throne was disputed by his younger brother Madho Singh. To help the weak Ishwari Singh Suraj Mai left Kumher with 10,000 handpicked cavalrymen, 2000 troopers and 2000 spear bearers to fight the battle of Bagroo. His contingent consisted of Jats, Gujjars, Ahirs, Meenas, Rajputs and Muslims. After a violent combat that followed, Suraj Mai`s valour saved Ishwar Singh and made him a hero in the whole of Hindustan. Suraj Mai triumphantly led back the army of Amber, after having snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat. Suraj Mai`s bravery reigned supreme in the face of adversity and his aura of brilliance and bravery bludgeoned every wave of enemy attack. He was almost alone in Bagroo battle. The battle of Sarai Sobhachand also gave him the platform to prove his strength and thereby, enhance his fame.

The great siege of Kumher against Malhar Holkar was another milestone for Suraj Mai where Rani Kishori, his favourite wife, with her optimistic outlook and presence of mind turned situations in his favour. The negotiating skill of his ambassador Rupram Katara also contributed in enhancing the glory and prowess of Suraj Mai. Even in his struggle with Ahmad Shah Abdali he came out with flying colours. He formed alliance with Imad-ul-Mulkand and the Marathas and thus by then, Suraj Mai was the wealthiest monarch in Hindustan, and the only one who without giving Chauth or Sardeshmukhi to the Marathas was on good terms with them. But later his relations with the Marathas soured due to the unscrupulous impulse of the Maratha chief Sadashiv Rao Bhao. In such a situation Rupram Katara"s cool head and clear vision chalked out the right path for Suraj Mai as he withdrew his support from the Bhao. The Panipat debacle of Marathas had left almost every important power of India in ruins but only Suraj Mai did not bend or bow before the rampaging Abdali. The siege of Agra fort after the Third Battle of Panipat proved to be quite rewarding for Suraj Mai. He carried away 50 lakh rupees, massive artillery, weapons and precious articles of royal wardrobe to Bharatpur. Finding himself the sole powerful player in the subcontinent he set out to extend his possessions. From the western side of Yamuna till the Ganga River there was no other government but his.

The region of Mewat has always been a robber"s den and the patron of these robbers was Musavi Khan, a Baluchi chief. His seat was at Farrukhnagar, a very well-fortified place. But it was captured by Suraj Mai, who came up with reinforcements and a train of big guns. Musavi Khan Baluchi emerged out of the besieged fort with his family on promise of safety, but was arrested and confined in the fort of Bharatpur. Najib-ud-daula wrote many letters to Suraj Mai for the release of Musavi Khan and restoration of Farrukhnagar to him and was trying to avoid war against the Jat king. But Suraj Mai had been thoroughly exasperated and decided to crush this thorn in his path. In the unavoidable war that followed, Najib"s and Suraj Mai`s armies after crossing Yamuna River took up positions on the banks of the Hindon River. In his attempt to cross the Hindon along with six thousand troops, he fell into an Afghan ambuscade and was shot down with most of his companions, thus, marking a tragic end to the glory of the Jats. A tensed Najib had won the battle without fighting and by sheer luck and accident.

Maharaja Suraj Mai, the eye and the shining star of the Jat tribe—the most formidable prince in Hindustan for twenty years, thus, disappeared from the stage of Hindustan`s political life. The life of Suraj Mai is a saga of bravery and valour. He was an epitome of courage, bravery and adventure, who scripted his own destiny. During his times an all-embracing spirit and celebrated pluralism of Bharatpur became commendable. In an age of darkness, deceit and disloyalty the Bharatpur king represented a flicker of hope for Hindustan. He never sacrificed morality for expediency and neither sold his soul to the highest bidder. His qualities of an able administrator and decency ensured him a place in later medieval history. His name enjoys the esprit de corps of Jats till date.