Steeped in myths the history of Bharatpur is a tale of valour, camaraderie and severe struggle. Whilst the ancient history dates back to 3500 years and is linked with mythology, the medieval era in Bharatpur witnessed the rise of the Jat power. In fact this region became one of the power centers for the Jat community. However the modern history of Bharatpur narrates quite different tales with its annexation to the British territories.
From the archaeological evidences that are available, it is proved that the history of Bharatpur dates back to the era of the Mahabharata. Bharatpur was once a part of Matsya Desh and it was here that the Pandava brothers spent their 13th year of exile. The people of Matsya Desh helped the Pandavas in the battle of Kurukshetra. Though steeped in mythology but the most interesting part of the history of Bharatpur is in the medieval times when it was under the reign of the Jats. Bharatpur was named after Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama. According to popular belief the Jats are believed to have descended from the Moon God.
In the late 17th century, the Jats of Sinsini and Thoon villages rose against the Mughal power. The leaders were father and son, Bhajja Singh and Rajaram. The Jats, for their independence, put up a brave fight against the Mughals which became more vigorous during the 18th century under the leadership of Churaman and Badan Singh. It was under these rulers that the Jats were brought together and transformed into an alarming force. The rebellion was at its peak during the reign of Aurangazeb but Churaman was killed in a combat in 1721. The death of their leader did not dampen the spirit of the Jats and they rose again under the guidance of Badan Singh. At the end of the long strife Bharatpur was recaptured from the Mughals and the title of "Raja" was conferred upon Badan Singh by Jai Singh II of Jaipur and Badan Singh was put in charge of the town of Deeg.
The Jats had frequent clashes with the Rajputs who had established themselves all over Rajasthan but the intensity of this strife was kept in check through matrimonial alliances. But over all the greatest and mightiest foes of the Jats were the Mughals. The political stability of Bharatpur was achieved under the rule of Suraj Mai who ascended the throne after the death of his father Badan Singh. He extended the empire and made good use of its resources. The Battle of Bagroo and the Battle of Sarai Sobhachand enhanced the vigour and dynamism of this great Jat ruler. Suraj Mai was also a connoisseur of architecture and build splendid palaces and forts. The most remarkable of which are Deeg palace and Bharatpur fort. After the death of Suraj Mai, Jawahar Singh succeeded to the throne of Bharatpur. He inherited the competence and skill of his father and expanded the kingdom of Bharatpur. Even during the reign of Raja Ranjit Singh, the history of Bharatpur had witnessed the gain of further territories.
Bharatpur"s history to a large extent was affected by the advent of the British. The British troops were led by Colonel Lake in the siege of Bharatpur but they suffered massive losses and finally were compelled to enter into an agreement with the Jats of Bharatpur. But ultimately in the year 1825, Bharatpur was brought under the supremacy of the British.
The 3500 years old history of Bharatpur is a saga of power struggles. The vivacity and vitality of the Jats made Bharatpur an important episode in the history of Rajasthan. The palaces and forts built by the Jat rulers are now a major tourist attraction. With their deeds of courage and determination, the Jats immortalised their names in the history of Bharatpur.
