Originally Posted by
amitdhankher
hey guys/gals,
how can u forget about MahaRaja Surajmal?
Maharaja Suraj Mal was the ruler of Bharatpur in Rajasthan in India. He is known as “Plato” of Jat caste in India. He was described as the greatest warrior and the ablest statesman that the Jats have produced.
In the early 17th century, the peasant folk of Bharatpur were being terrorized and ill treated by the Mughals. 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 Mughal emperor recognized him and the title of ‘Raja’ (king) was conferred upon him in 1724.He was responsible for conceiving and constructing the royal palace on the southern side of the garden, now called Purana Mahal or old palace.
Raja Badan Singh’s heir, Raja Surajmal, was the most famous of the Bharatpur rulers, ruling at a time of constant upheaval around him. Raja Surajmal used all his power and wealth to a good cause, and built numerous forts and palaces across his kingdom, one of them being the Lohagarh (iron) Fort, which was one of the strongest ever built in Indian history. The inaccessible Lohagarh fort could withstand repeated attacks of British forces led by Lord Lake in 1805 when they laid siege for over six weeks. Having lost over 3000 soldiers, the British forces had to retreat and strike a compromise with the
Raja Surajmal.
Maharaja Suraj Mal attacked Delhi on May 9,1753. He defeated Nawab of Delhi Ghazi-ud-din (second) on May10,1753 and captured Delhi. He was the only jat Raja, who captured Delhi from Mughals in Indian History.The Nawab of Delhi,in revenge of the defeat, instigated Marathas to attack Suraj Mal. The Marathas laid siege over the Kumher fort on January1,1954. Suraj Mal fought with bravery and gave strong resistance. Marathas could not conquer the Kumher fort. Marathas were defeated in the third battle of Panipat and a total of hundred thousand Maratha survivors while returning to south reached Suraj Mal’s territory sans arms, sans clothes and sans food. Maharaja Suraj Mal and Maharani Kishori received them with tender warmth and hospitality, giving free rations to every Maratha solder or camp follower. The wounded were taken care of till they were fit to travel. Thus , Maharaja Suraj Mal spent no less than three million rupees on their sick and wounded guests. This is an example of his strong nationallity and love for people.
Maharaja Suraj Mal is considered to be the bravest, able administrator and the most popular ruler of contemporary north India.
Maharaja 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.
Maharaja Suraj Mal died on 25th December 1763 in war with Najib-ud-dola. At the time of his death Maharaja Suraj Mal’s Empire included Agra, Dhaulpur, Mainpuri, Hathras, Aligarh, Eta, Meerut, Rohtak, Faruqnagar, Mewat, Rewari, Gurgaon and Mathura in addition to the powerful Bharatpur state. He was succeeded to the throne by his son, Jawahar Singh.
------------------------
The Jats are a prominent people caste/jati settled in and occupying a prominent position in Punjab, Western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan in India. Jats are landowners and farmers. Large number of Jats are in the Indian Army including all the regiments Rajputana Ragiment, Sikh regiment, Grenadiers and other.JAT Regiment is named after these brave warriors and sons of soil. They are the largest group in northwest India, belonging to various clans and more than 500 gotras.
Jats are a brave, hardworking and fiercely independent minded people. It has been said that no Jat wants to be ruled..............................I haven't got enough space to describe about "JAT".
Amit