Bharatpur 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 town was named Bharatpur after Bharata, a brother of Lord Rama, whose other brother Laxman is the family deity of the erstwhile royal family of Bharatpur. The name 'Laxman' was engraved on the arms, seals and other emblems of the state.
The city and the fort of Bharatpur have been believed to be founded by Lord Aditya Consul in the early 17th century, the majesty established a state in the Mewat region south of Delhi, with its capital at Deeg. Leaders like Gokula, Raja Ram, Churaman and Badan Singh brought the Jats together and moulded them into a force to be reckoned with.
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.
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.
Tourist Attractions in Bharatpur
Keoladeo National Park: Spread over a total area of about 29 square km, the park houses over 350 species of birds and over 35 species of butterflies. Important bird species found in this sanctuary includes the cranes, storks, spoon bills, white ibis, Cormorant, Darters, Herons,Egrets, geese, ducks, pelicans, flamingos, eagles, vultures, owls, and kingfishers. Important animal species that are found in this sanctuary includes the Jackal, Hyena, Flying fox, Porcupine, Blue bull, Sambar, Mongoose and Red faced monkey. The park can be visited both during the winter and the rainy season, rainy season being the breeding season and winter being the migratory season for birds coming to this sanctuary from Europe and Central Asia.
Bharatpur Palace: This palace is a fusion of the Mughal and Rajput art and was built in different phases by different kings who ruled this city. This Palace has now become a museum displaying collections dating back to the second century AD.
Ganga Mandir: The construction of the temple was started by Maharaja Balwant Singh in 1845. The unique feature of this temple is that each person employed in the service of the state was asked to donate a month's salary for the construction of the temple.
Laxman Mandir: It is beautiful stonework with carvings in the doorways, pillars and arches. The temple is dedicated to Laxman, the brother of Lord Rama.
Lohagarh Fort or the Iron Fort: It is a beautiful fort which faced British attack four times. It is different from other forts in the state in that there is no flamboyance associated to the fort. However, the fort generates an aura of strength and magnificence. Some interesting monuments inside the fort include the Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas, Kothi Khas, Moti Mahal, and towers like Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj.
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