Maharaj Suraj Mal: Rise of Jat Power

Maharaja Suraj Mal (1707–1763) was ruler of bharatpur in Rajasthan in India. He has been described by a contemporary historian as"the Plato of the Jat people" and by a modern writer as the "Jat Ulysses", because of his political sagacity, steady intellect and clear vision. He was the greatest warrior and ablest statesman.

In the early 17th century, the farmers of India were being terrorized and ill treated by the Mugals. At this point of time Churaman, a powerful Jat village headman rose against this tyranny but was defeated harshly by the Mughals. This did not remain for long, since the Jats once again came together under the leadership of Badan singh, and controlled a vast expanse of territory. The Mugal emperor recognized him and the title of ‘Raja’ was conferred upon him in 1724.

Deeg was the first capital of the Bharatpur state with Badan Singh being proclaimed its ruler in 1722. He was responsible for conceiving and constructing the royal palace on the southern side of the garden, now called Purana Mahal or old palace. In 1730, crown prince Suraj Mal is reported to have erected the strong fortress with towering walls and a deepwater moat with high ramparts about 20 feet (6.1 m) wide in the southern portion of the town. In the same year he built the fortress at Kumher.