The most interesting part of the history of Bharatpur district is the authority of the Jats over this region during the late medieval times in the 17th century. Leaders like Churaman and Badan Singh consolidated the Jat Empire which was further strengthened under Suraj Mai, the son of Badan Singh. Suraj Mai was a connoisseur of art and architecture and had put the resources of his kingdom into good use by building several monuments in the kingdom of Bharatpur.
The Lohagarh fort is the most distinguishable monument of Bharatpur district. It is also referred to as the iron fort and was founded and designed by Suraj Mai, the ruler of Bharatpur, in 18th century A.D. It took nearly twenty years for the fort to be completed. The name suggests the invincible nature of the fort. It stood firmly in face of repeated attacks by the British. More than splendour or lavishness, it is the air of magnificence and might that is associated with it. The Lohagarh fort of Bharatpur district is one of the best architectural monuments in Rajasthan. There are two gates in the fort, the one facing the north is called the Ashtdhaatu that is eight metalled gate. It is decorated with paintings of elephants. The gate in the south is known as Chowburja or the four pillared gate. There are also some enthralling towers and monuments inside the Lohagarh fort. The tower Jawahar Burj was erected to celebrate the triumph of the Jats over the Mughals and the Fateh burj tower marked the defeat of the British army in the year 1803 A.D. The monuments like the Kishori Mahal, Mahal khas, Kothi khas and Moti Mahal inside the Lohagarh fort adds to its grandeur. The Lohagarh fort in Bharatpur district at present has been transformed into an extensive museum. Articles like swords, daggers and guns and antiques like hunted tigers, bear kids, wood articles, vessels, jewellery boxes and ornaments have been put into display for tourists. There are also some inscriptions and historical pieces that are exhibited. The Lohagarh fort is breathing evidence to the gallantry and courage of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur. Another monument of Bharatpur is its palace. The Bharatpur Palace is next to Lohagarh fort in terms of magnificence and elegance. It is a medieval monument in the old city of Bharatpur in Rajasthan. It was built at different phases by different Jat maharajas of Bharatpur. The royal palace is a radiant combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The splendid apartments have beautiful carvings and are embedded with marvelously designed floor tiles. It gives us a vivid idea of the royal lifestyle of the Jat rulers. Bharatpur palace houses a museum which has a collection of antique that dates back to 2nd century. These specimens provide important historical evidence of the ancient culture of the region. The palace is located near to the museum and is within easy reach of the tourists. The designer floor tiles and the stylish furnishings are all reflective of the grace and splendour of the majestic lifestyle of the Jats. Besides these monuments, the Bayana town of Bharatpur district is also a store house of many historical monuments. The chief attraction is the Old fort which has an interesting blend of Hindu and Muslim relics. Only the outer walls and the huge watch tower stand firmly but the rest of the complex is in ruins. The Barah Khamboh Ki Chhatri and the Lodi Minar are also exiting monuments that speak volumes of its past glory. The Deeg palace located in Bharatpur district is related to the Jat rule in the 18th century. The mansions are referred to as the Bhawans like the Gopal Bhawan, Kishan Bhawan, Nand Bhawan, etc represent the architecture of Deeg, which to a great extent is influenced by the Mughal architecture. The colossal image of Yaksha at Noh, the Lal Mahal at Rupvaa, and the Ancient mound at Malah in Bharatpur district are among the other monuments which are distinguished for their artistic splendour and historic glory. The monuments of Bharatpur district speak volumes about the courage, valour as well as the architectural aesthetics of the rulers. |
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