Maharaja Surat Mal

Maharaja Surat Mal is one of the most famous personalities associated with the history of Bharatpur. He is one of the Jat leaders who used to rule in the place.

In the 18th century, the Jats of Bharatpur - Rajasthan became a strong political group under the leadership of two eminent Jats called Badan Singh and Churaman. Badan Singh was given the title 'Raja' by Jai Singh II of Jaipur. He was succeeded by Maharaja Suraj Mal, who was the eldest son of Badan Singh.

Maharaja Suraj Mal was an able successor of Badan Singh and his predecessors. This Maharaja strengthened the Jat rule and put the financial resources of the empire to good use. He established a number of palaces and forts throughout the empire. The most famous of the structures put up by Maharaja Suraj Mal in Bharatpur are the Bharatpur Fort and the Deeg Palace.

Suraj Mal was a man with a lot of ambition and he started invading the prominent cities of Delhi and Agra. He looted these places of a huge amont of wealth. It was during the reign of Maharaja Suraj Mal at Bharatpur that the Jats kept the city of Agra under their control for 13 long years. Finally, they were replaced by the brave Marathas in the year 1774.

The Jats also planned to invade the city of Delhi under Maharaja Suraj Mal in the year 1763. During that time, the power of the Mughals was already on the way of collapse. However, the Mughals ultimately got him murdered. After the death of Maharaja Suraj Mal, Jawahar Singh, who was his son rose to power.

Last Updated on 23/07/2012