Jat Dynasty of Bharatpur and Dholpur

The Jat dynasty of Bharatpur and Dholpur is an important topic in the history of Rajasthan, studying the political, military, and administrative development of the powerful kingdoms established by Jat rulers. Under the leadership of illustrious rulers like Maharaja Surajmal, these kingdoms played a significant role in the politics of North India. This topic helps us understand regional power, fort construction, and social structure.

Jat Dynasty of Bharatpur

Origin and Early Jat Movements

• Place of Origin: Sinsini Village (Braj region).
• Jats: Originally a peasant community, their emergence as an organized political power occurred during the reign of Aurangzeb.
• Taking advantage of the War of Succession (1658–59) among Shah Jahan’s sons, the Jats of the Aligarh Pargana stopped paying agrarian taxes under the leadership of Nandram.
• 1660 AD: Nandram surrendered before Emperor Aurangzeb.
• 1669 AD: Under the leadership of Gokula (Zamindar of Tilpat), a Jat uprising took place in Mathura and Agra.
  • Aurangzeb personally went to suppress this movement.
  • Gokula was arrested and brutally executed.
• 1681 AD: The Jats again killed the Mughal Faujdar of the Agra region, Mulafat Khan.
• Under the leadership of Braj, the Jats took control of the imperial police post (Thana) at Aau, near Deeg (Bharatpur).
• Rajaram, son of Khan Chand (the Zamindar of Sinsini village), took over the leadership of the Jats next.
• At Sikandra (Agra), Rajaram extracted the bones from Akbar’s tomb and burnt them, which infuriated Aurangzeb.
• Aurangzeb sent the military commander Khan-i-Jahan to crush Rajaram’s rebellion (which remained unsuccessful).
• Subsequently, Ram Singh I (Ruler of Amer) was appointed as the Faujdar of Mathura.
• After Ram Singh’s death, the task of suppressing the Jats was assigned to his son, Bishan Singh.
• Following Rajaram’s death, his son Fateh Singh took over the leadership.
• Bishan Singh defeated Fateh Singh and established Kachwaha control over Sinsini.
• The next phase of Jat power was subsequently associated with Churaman.

Churaman (1695–1721 AD)

• Identity: Son of ‘Braj’ and nephew of Rajaram.
• Elected as the leader of the Jats, replacing Fateh Singh.
• Significance: Considered the actual founder and architect of the independent Jat State of Bharatpur.
• Activities: He posed a severe challenge to Mughal authority by launching continuous raids on Mughal territories in Mathura and Agra.
• Established his police posts (Thanas) at Sokher, Ujjain, Sogar, Kasot, Awayar, Rasulpur, etc.
• Developed Thun into his formidable stronghold (fort).

Mughal Attempts at Suppression

• The Mughal Emperor dispatched the Kachwaha Ruler Bishan Singh to suppress Churaman.
• Bishan Singh diplomatically won over the Jat leader ‘Uda’ to his side; however, he was still not entirely successful in crushing Churaman.
• Aurangzeb’s Displeasure: Consequently, Bishan Singh was removed from the Faujdari (governorship/command) of Mathura.

The Battle of Jajau (1707 AD)

• Following Aurangzeb’s death, a war of succession broke out.
• Churaman plundered the retreating army of Azam and later presented himself in the service of the new Emperor, Bahadur Shah I.

• Under Bahadur Shah I
  • Churaman was granted a Mansab of 1500 Zat and 500 Sawar.
  • He was entrusted with the responsibility of controlling the imperial highway between Delhi and Agra.
• 1708 AD: In the Battle of Sambhar, Churaman assisted the Mughal Subedar in defeating the Rajputs.
• He also collaborated in the Mughal Emperor’s campaigns against the Sikhs.
• During the reign of Jahandar Shah, Churaman resumed plundering the imperial highways.
• The Farrukhsiyar Period
  • Chhabilram, the Subedar of Agra, was sent to crush the Jats but remained unsuccessful.
  • The Faujdari of Mathura was then given to Khan-i-Dauran, who mediated peace between Churaman and the Emperor.
• Churaman received a royal pardon and the title of ‘Rao’. He was also granted the right to collect Rahdari (transit duty) on the imperial route from Baramulla to Sikandra.
• Thun Fort: Churaman strengthened this fort and made it his primary residence.
• Churaman eventually returned to his ways of plunder, leading Farrukhsiyar to dispatch Sawai Jai Singh for his suppression.
• 1721 AD: Sawai Jai Singh defeated Churaman and captured the Fort of Thun.
• Churaman committed suicide by consuming poison.

Historical Perspective of Kalika Ranjan Qanungo

• “Churaman was an unsuccessful patriot and a successful rebel; he did not receive kingly honors and titles, yet his character displayed a wonderful blend of Maratha-like cunning and political foresight.”

Badan Singh (1722–1756 AD)

• Relation:
  • Nephew of Churaman.
  • Son of Bhau Singh.
• After Churaman’s death:
  • A struggle broke out between his son Mohkam Singh and nephew Badan Singh.
  • Mohkam Singh imprisoned Badan Singh.
  • Badan Singh escaped and reached Sawai Jai Singh.
• August 1722: Sawai Jai Singh captured Thun Fort and ousted Mohkam Singh.
  • Mohkam Singh fled to Maharaja Ajit Singh of Jodhpur.
• Sawai Jai Singh leveraged internal Jat discord to establish his influence over the Jat region.
• Badan Singh accepted Jai Singh’s suzerainty and became his Feudatory (Samant).
• Jai Singh conferred the title of ‘Brajraj / Raja’ and several Jagirs upon Badan Singh.
• June 19, 1725: A formal treaty was signed between Jai Singh and Badan Singh.
• Greatest Achievement: Ended the traditional Jat-Kachwaha animosity and established friendly relations.
• When Jai Singh became the Subedar of Agra, Badan Singh was entrusted with the security of the Delhi–Agra–Jaipur imperial routes.
• 1730: Suppressed the Meos of the Mewat region, pleasing Jai Singh.

Architecture and Construction

• Made Deeg his primary residence.
• Built a formidable fort at Deeg.
• Constructed beautiful Jal Mahals (Water Palaces) and gardens in Deeg.
• Constructed the forts of Deeg, Kumher, Bharatpur, and Weir.
• Built a temple in Vrindavan.
• November 2, 1745: His second son, Pratap Singh (Raja of Weir), passed away.
• Handed over the reins of administration to his capable son, Surajmal, during his lifetime.
• This transition is mentioned in Fraser Gottlieb’s book, “Persian History of the Jats”.
• June 7, 1756: Badan Singh passed away in Deeg.

Maharaja Surajmal (1756–1763 AD)

• Successor of Badan Singh.
• Captured the Bharatpur Fort (Garhi) from Khemkaran, founded Bharatpur city, and made it his capital.
• Bharatpur Fort (Original): Built in 1700 AD by Rustam Sogariya.
• Known as the actual founder of Bharatpur city and the ruler who made it a permanent residence.
• Policy: Followed his father’s policy of friendship and cooperation with Jaipur.
• 1743: Participated in the Ashvamedha Yajna performed by Sawai Jai Singh.
• Supported Ishwari Singh (1743–50) in the war of succession following Sawai Jai Singh’s death.
• 1750 AD: Received the title of ‘Raja’ from the Mughal Emperor on the recommendation of Ishwari Singh.
• Battle of Sarai Sobhachand (1750 AD):
  • Opponents: Surajmal vs. Mir Bakshi Salawat Khan (Mughal Commander).
  • Result: Surajmal emerged victorious.
• Wazir Safdarjung, impressed by Surajmal’s bravery, became his friend.
• Surajmal was the first formal ‘Raja’ of Bharatpur.
• March 17, 1754: Surajmal successfully repelled an attack on Kumher by Khanderao Holkar.
• June 1754: Alamgir II became the Mughal Emperor; Marathas increased activities to gain control over Delhi.
• August 1754: A Jat-Maratha Agreement was reached, after which Jat influence over Delhi and Agra increased.
• July 26, 1755:Najib Khan was forced to sign a treaty with the Jats.
  • Terms: Surajmal retained the Aligarh region; Surajmal to pay 26 Lakh Rupees to the Mughals; Surajmal to vacate the Fort of Sikandra.
• 1756: Formally became the ruler of Bharatpur after Badan Singh’s death, though his son Jawahar Singh rebelled.

Invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali

• 1757: During Abdali’s invasion, the Jats sacrificed their lives defending Mathura.
• Third Battle of Panipat (January 14, 1761):
  • Ahmad Shah Abdali vs. Maratha Commander Sadashivrao Bhau.
  • Surajmal advised Bhau to adopt Guerrilla Warfare.
  • Bhau insisted on an open battle and reneged on the promise to make Imad-ul-Mulk the Wazir.
  • Distressed by Bhau’s behavior, Surajmal returned to Bharatpur.
  • The Marathas suffered a crushing defeat.

• Post-War Actions: provided refuge to the defeated Marathas in his kingdom.
  • He arranged medical treatment for Shamsher Bahadur (Bajirao’s brother) and built a Chhatri (cenotaph) in his memory at Deeg upon his death.
• June 12, 1761: Surajmal captured the Agra Fort, which was the second capital of the Mughals.
• 1763: Surajmal attained martyrdom while fighting against Najib Khan Rohilla in the war against the Rohillas.
• Najib Khan believed the news of his death only after full verification.
  • Proverb: “Believe a Jat is dead only after his thirteenth-day funeral rites (Terahvin) are over.”
  • Titles and Legacy
• Title: “The Plato of the Jat Caste (Aflatun)” – given by Syed Ghulam Ali Naqvi (in the text ‘Imad-us-Sa’adat’).
• Perspective of Kalika Ranjan Qanungo: Surajmal possessed all the virtues of the Jat race—strength, courage, cleverness, loyalty, and an indomitable spirit that never accepted defeat.
• According to court historian Ruparam Katari, Surajmal played a significant role in successes against Abdali.

Lohagarh Fort (The Iron Fort)

• Construction: Built by Surajmal in 1733 AD while he was the Crown Prince.
• Epithets: “Gateway of Rajasthan” (Singhdwar), “Sentinel of the Eastern Border”.

Wife:Kishori Devi.

Jawahar Singh (1765–1768 AD)

• Son and successor of Maharaja Surajmal.
• Some chieftains (Sardars) favored Nahar Singh as the ruler, leading to internal dissension.
• 1764: Defeated the Rohilla chief Najib-ud-Daula (Najib Khan) with the assistance of Malhar Rao Holkar.
• Later, frustrated by the pressure from Holkar, Sikh soldiers, and the secret friendship between his own commander and Najib Khan, he returned from Delhi.
• Jawahar Burj: Constructed in the Lohagarh Fort to commemorate his victory over Delhi.
• Ashtadhatu Gate (Octo-alloy Gate):
  • In 1765, while plundering the Mughal imperial treasury, he removed the historic gates of the Red Fort and installed them at Lohagarh.
• Used force against his own chieftains, imprisoned them, and engaged in forced wealth recovery.
• To reduce Jat dominance within the army, he recruited foreign mercenaries:
  • 1765: Sumru’s battalion.
  • July 1767: René Madec’s contingent.
• 1765: Defeated Bahadur Singh, the Jagirdar of Weir, and took control of the region.
• 1766: Defeated Nahar Singh and Holkar to establish control over Dholpur.
• Assisted Rana Chhatrashal Jat of Gohad in his struggle against the Marathas.
• 1767: A Jat-Maratha treaty was signed on the orders of the Peshwa; however, Jawahar Singh continued his efforts to expel the Marathas from North India.
• December 6, 1767: At Pushkar, he established peace against the Marathas by entering into a brotherhood bond with Vijay Singh (Marwar).
• Battle of Maonda (1767): Suffered defeat at the hands of Madho Singh I (Jaipur) during the Kachwaha-Jat conflict.
• 1768: Jawahar Singh was assassinated, marking the end of a brave ruler.

Ratan Singh (1768–1769 AD)

• Brother of Jawahar Singh.
• In April 1769, he was assassinated by Rupanand Gosain in Vrindavan.

Kehri Singh / Kesari Singh (1769–1775 AD)

• The one-and-a-half-year-old son of Ratan Singh; declared the ruler.
• Regent: Commander Dan Shah.
• Nawal Singh (brother of Ratan Singh) and Ranjit Singh were dissatisfied with this arrangement; a struggle for the throne commenced.
• Battle of Barsana – October 30, 1773:
  • Mughal Commander Najaf Khan vs. Nawal Singh.
  • Result: Nawal Singh was defeated.
  • Following the victory at Barsana, Najaf Khan also captured the city of Kotvan (which was being defended by Sitaram).
• 1774: The Agra Fort was seized from Nawal Singh.
• August 11, 1775: Nawal Singh passed away in Deeg.
• Finally, in 1775, Ranjit Singh ascended the throne.

Ranjit Singh (1775–1805 AD)

• Became the ruler after ousting Kehri Singh.
• 1776: The Mughal commander Najaf Khan captured the Deeg Fort.
• Ranjit Singh made Kumher his new base of operations and began reclaiming his territories from the Mughals.
• 1778: A treaty was mediated between Najaf Khan and Ranjit Singh by Kishori Devi (Ranjit Singh’s mother).
• September 1803: Entered into a treaty with the British commander Lord Lake; both parties pledged mutual assistance.
  • (Confirmed by the Governor-General in January 1804).
• October 1804: Ranjit Singh breached the treaty by supporting Holkar against the British.
• The British laid siege to Bharatpur, but remained unsuccessful in capturing the fort.
• April 1805:
  • Bharatpur withdrew its support for Holkar and entered into a fresh treaty with the British.

Randhir Singh (1805–1823 AD)

• Eldest son of Ranjit Singh.
• 1814: Met Governor-General Lord Hastings at Fatehpur Sikri.
• Allied with the British during the Nepal War, suppression of the Pindaris, and against the Marathas.
• 1806: Appointed Motiram as the Kotwal of Bharatpur. Under Motiram’s supervision, the Cenotaph (Chhatri) and palace of Ranjit Singh were constructed.

Baldeo Singh (1823–1825 AD)

• Brother of Randhir Singh (who died childless).
• Invited the British officer David Ochterlony to declare his son, Balwant Singh, as the Crown Prince (Yuvraj).
• His own reign was short-lived.

Balwant Singh (1826–1853 AD)

• Ascended the throne with the assistance of British Commander Lord Combermere.
• Being a minor, a ‘Regency Council’ was formed under the leadership of his mother, Amrit Kunwari.
• The administration remained under the control of the British ‘Political Agent’.
• During his reign, the British established control over the Lohagarh Fort for the first time.
• Construction of the Jama Masjid of Bharatpur was completed; it was based on the design of the Buland Darwaza of Fatehpur Sikri.
• A period of strong British influence began during his era.

Jaswant / Yashwant Singh (1853–1893 AD)

• Being a minor, administration was initially held by the Political Agent, Morrison.
• Revolution of 1857:
  • Both the ruler and the subjects of Bharatpur supported the revolution.
  • Morrison was forced to leave Bharatpur.
• 1879: Signed a Salt Treaty with the British Government.
• 1890: His gun salute was increased from 17 to 19.
• 1893: Death of Jaswant Singh.

Ram Singh (1893–1900 AD)

• 1897: The office of the Political Agent for Eastern Rajputana States was shifted from Dholpur to Bharatpur.
• 1900: Ram Singh was deposed and sent to the Delhi Cantonment for the crime of murdering his private servant at Mount Abu.
• 1929: Death of Ram Singh.

Kishan Singh (1900–1929 AD)

• Prior to being granted ruling powers, the Bharatpur army was utilized by the British in Somaliland, Tibet, and World War I.
• 1918: Viceroy Chelmsford visited Bharatpur and granted full ruling powers to Kishan Singh.
• Language Policy:
  • Replaced Urdu with ‘Hindi’ as the state language of Bharatpur and adopted Devanagari as the official script.
• 1925: Presided over the Jat Mahasammelan (Convention) held at Pushkar.
• Made efforts toward the modernization of the state; however, excessive interference by British officers led to increasing discord.
• 1928: P.G. Mackenzie was appointed as the Diwan of Bharatpur, and most financial and administrative powers were transferred to him.
• His reign is considered the era of administrative reforms and the foundation of modern institutions.

Brijendra Singh (1929–1947 AD)

• Status: The last ruler of the Jat dynasty of Bharatpur.
• Titles: ‘Sawai’ and ‘Bahadur Jung’ (conferred for his bravery).
• July 31, 1947: Signed the Instrument of Accession to the Union of India.
• March 18, 1948: The Bharatpur Princely State merged into the ‘Matsya Union’, becoming an integral part of the Indian Union.

Jat Dynasty of Dholpur

Origin and Background of Gohad

• Place of Origin: Gohad Village (present-day Madhya Pradesh).
• 16th Century: Jat King Maha Singh built a formidable fort at Gohad.
• Initially, the Jats of Gohad maintained cordial relations with the Marathas, which gradually deteriorated.
• 1761 AD: During the Third Battle of Panipat, while the Marathas were occupied in North India, Rana Bhim Singh of Gohad captured 10 Maratha forts, including Gwalior.
• These Jat rulers of Gohad eventually went on to form the Princely State of Dholpur.

Rana Lokendra Singh

• Became the ruler of Gohad after Rana Bhim Singh.
• 1767 AD: Peshwa Madhavrao attacked Gohad.
  • Collected Khiraj (tribute/land tax) from Gohad.
  • Recognized Lokendra Singh as the independent King of Gohad.
• 1779 AD: During the First Anglo-Maratha War:
  • The Company Government seized the Gohad region from the Marathas.
  • Restored Gohad to Lokendra Singh and handed over the Gwalior Fort to his authority.
• 1782 AD: Mahadji Scindia attacked and recaptured both Gohad and Gwalior. Lokendra Singh was imprisoned and subsequently passed away in captivity.

Rana Kirat Singh (1805–1836 AD)

• Son of Lokendra Singh.
• The conflict took place during the Second Anglo-Maratha War.
• January 17, 1804: The Company Government defeated Mahadji Scindia and reclaimed the Gohad region.
• The British reinstated Kirat Singh as the ruler of Gohad.
• Kirat Singh entered into a Subsidiary Alliance with the British.
• Later, Mahadji Scindia signed a treaty with the British, leading the Company to return Gohad and Gwalior to Scindia once again.
• 1805 AD: The Princely State of Dholpur was formed by separating the parganas of Dholpur, Bari, and Rajakhera from the Gwalior State.
• Rana Kirat Singh became the first ruler of the Dholpur State.
• The title of the ruler changed from ‘Rana of Gohad’ to ‘Rana of Dholpur’.
• Death: 1836 AD.

Rana Bhagwant Singh (1836–1873 AD)

• Son of Rana Kirat Singh.
• Second ruler of Dholpur.
• Ruler of Dholpur during the Uprising of 1857.

Rana Nihal Singh (1873–1901 AD)

• Epithet: Popularly known as ‘Pyare Raja Sahab’.
• Grandson of Rana Bhagwant Singh.
• Since he was a minor, the administration of Dholpur was entrusted to Sir Dinkar Rao.
• 1875 AD: Rana Nihal Singh invited Mr. Smith to conduct a Land Settlement of the state.
• 1877 AD: The Land Settlement was completed with the assistance of Munshi Kanhaiyalal and Durga Prasad.
• The foundation of modern revenue administration in Dholpur was laid during his reign.

Rana Ram Singh (1901–1911 AD)

• Eldest son of Nihal Singh.
• Ruler of Dholpur.
• Passed away childless in 1911 AD.

Rana Udaybhan Singh (1911–1948 AD)

• The last ruler of Dholpur and younger son of Rana Nihal Singh.
• Member of the Chamber of Princes (Narendra Mandal); participated in the First Round Table Conference.
• Contemporary Peers: Maharaja Ganga Singh (Bikaner) and Maharaja Jai Singh (Alwar).
• March 18, 1948: The Dholpur Princely State merged into the ‘Matsya Union’.
  • Rana Udaybhan Singh was appointed as the Rajpramukh (Head of State) of the Matsya Union.
• With this, the Jat-Rana rule of Dholpur was integrated into the Indian federal structure.