Bharatpur - The 'Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan', was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733 AD, it was once an impregnable well fortified city, carved out of the region formerly known as Mewat. The trio of Bharatpur, Deeg and Dholpur has played an important part in the history of Rajasthan.

The place was named as Bharatpur after the name of Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama, whose other brother Laxman was worshipped as the family deity of the Bharatpur. The legends say the rulers Laxman's name is engraved on the state arms and the seals. The city and the fort have been believed to be founded by Rustam, a Jat of Sogariya clan. Maharaja Suraj Mal took over from Khemkaran, the son of Rustam, and established the empire. He fortified the city by building a massive wall around the city.

The interesting aspect of the Bharatpur history is the domination of Jats in the region since 17th century. Leaders like Churaman and Badan Singh brought the jats together to mould them into a force to reckon with. Suraj Mal has been the greatest ruler who made them a formidable force and played a very important role in the Indian history during 19th century.


Places to Visit at Bahratpur

Lohagarh Fort

The massive iron structure built in the early 18th century. With its impregnable defences it sustained itself even after a number of British attacks. The fort was conceived and designed by Maharaja Suraj Mal, the founder of Bharatpur. The fort has three palaces within its precincts - Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas.


Government Museum

A rich collection of artefacts, exquisitely carved sculptures and ancient inscriptions can be admired in the Government Museum located in the Palaces. All these items speak volumes about the rich heritage, art and crafts of the region.


Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj

A few of the eight imposing towers still stand erect within the glorious ramparts of the Fort. Especially two of them - Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj are of special interest. These were built by Maharaja Suraj Mal to commemorate his victories over the Mughals and British respectively.


Keoladeo National Park

Once the royal hunting preserve of the princes of Bharatpur, it is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world inundated with over 400 species of water birds. Exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, central .Asia, Tibet as well as Siberian cranes from the arctic, greyleg geese from Siberia and bareheaded geese from China , come here in July/Aug to spend the winters in warmer climate and they breed till Oct/Nov.


The Palace

This royal edifice is a fusion of the Mughal and Rajput architectural styles with magnificent apartments and intricately designed floor tiles having interesting patterns. One can marvel at the ancient exhibits displayed in the museum in the centeral part of the palace.


How To Get To Bharatpur

By Air:  Agra 56 km is the nearest airport. Daily flight form Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi and Lucknow are available to Agra.

By Road:  A network of bus services links Bharatpur with several cities within and outside the State.

By Rail:  Regular rail services connect Bharatpur with several cities on Delhi-Mumbai trunk route, Jaipur and Agra.
 

Rajasthan is one of the 26 states that, along, with seven union territories forms the republic of India. Rajasthan is one of the 26 states that, along, with seven union territories forms the republic of India. Located in the north-west, it shares its borders with Punjab, Hariyana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and and Gujarat, The Complete Rajasthan -- Take a desert- burning sand in the long summers, large tracts of dune-decked plains, with scarce water and even scarcer vegetation and create a habitation with the mind's eye, if you can. And the come to Rajasthan to see if you imagination can begin to match where reality takes over.

History
Archaeological and historical evidence shows a continuous human habitation of the area dating back 100,000 years. Between the 7th and the 11th century AD, several dynasties arose, with Rajput strength reaching its peak at the beginning of the 16th century. Emperor Akbar brought the Rajput states into the Mughal Empire; by early 19th century, they allied with the Marathas. Later, the British established supremacy in the region. Rajasthan soon emerged as a centre of Indian nationalism. When the new constitution went into effect in 1950, Rajput princes surrendered their powers to the Indian Union.`

Ajmer -   Bhartpur -   Bikaner -  Chittaurgarh -   Jaipur -   Jodhpur -   Jaisalmer -   Mandwa

Mount Abu  -   Pushkar -   Ranthambhor -   Sariska -   Ranakpur -   Udaipur