Pratap Singh, the son of Badan Singh, was the ruler of Bharatpur. He was, however, appointed as an administrator of Wair by his father. Under his rule Wair was transformed into a seat of higher learning and Pratap Singh is also credited for establishing a democratic social order in his small kingdom.
Pratap Singh, the architect and builder of Wair was the younger brother of Suraj Mai, both born of the womb of same mother Deoki, the wife of Badan Singh, the Jat ruler. Pratap Singh was a great soldier and a daring warrior. He had exceptional physical capacity, indomitable confidence and willpower, firmness and vigilance. Pratap Singh strongly attacked his enemies, unruly Zamindars and demolished countless mud-fortresses and forced the petty Zamindars to accept his dominance. He was himself an excellent horse rider and his large artillery consisted of very skilled matchlock men including Muslims. Pratap Singh always kept his army ready and equipped for war, along with grains, food, and clothes. He took part in many battles outside his country under Suraj Mai or independently. Pratap Singh proved his proficiency in the Bhopal battle by leading the Jat cavalry and even in Gangwana battle he led his forces against the Marwar army.
Pratap Singh was a man of polite behaviour and superior intellect. He was wise, benevolent, generous, compassionate and kind towards the poor and downtrodden. He was a simple, cultured and concerned ruler. Pratap Singh was respectful, and an intimate friend and companion of Muslims. His glittering dress, tying of turban, and eating habits matched that of the high Amirs of Delhi court. Pratap Singh was a connoisseur of art and architecture. On his first inspection of the region of Wair, Pratap Singh settled a new town there naming it Wairgarh. In the year 1726, a formidable citadel was constructed by him, inside which there were residential palaces, courts, arsenal and barracks for soldiers. The enticing Phulwari, situated in the northern part of the fort is a prime architecture of Wair. The Safed Mahal and the Lal Mahal also gives the evidence of the aesthetic and artistic sense of Pratap Singh.
Being an art lover, Pratap Singh gave refuge to many famous planners, designers, artisans, craftsmen, architects, and artists of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. He himself was a scholar of repute. Music poetry and art of different forms flourished during his regime. Pratap Singh appointed a council on the pattern of the Mughals and Rajputs; which reflected a mixed culture. Mughal custom, dress and culture had great sway on him. He grew up with the airs and graces of a high-bred Muslim grandee with good manners and elegant speech. The glamour of his court reminded one of the Persian and Mughal courts in their days of glory. Pratap Singh gave high importance to culture and traditions. During his time the extravaganza at Wair was worth enjoying. Dussehra festival was celebrated at the sprawling lawns of Phulwari with great pomp, show and display. Auspicious rituals were observed and folk-songs were sung. The whole city was well decorated and illuminated. Wair had become a centre of culture during the reign of Pratap Singh.
Pratap Singh died in the year 1745, due to some conflict with his elder brother Suraj Mai. Pratap Singh was a man of multi-dimensional personality, an academician and as well as a great soldier. He had the vitality and vision for the Ram rajya type of Kingdom. Pratap Singh was developing Wair as the centre and capital of an independent state. His pleasing personality, cultured behaviour and commanding attitude are a subject of local folklores till date.
