Bharatpur

Bharatpur is well-known for it world heritage listed bird sanctuary Keoladeo Ghanna National Park. This is one of the few places in the world where you can hope to sight hundred of different species of birds in just a few days. Over 400 species different birds have been identified in the park and you see them all over the place. Many tourists travelling to this destination have rate it as the highlight of their visit. It is just 55 kilometres from Agra and 176 kilometres from Jaipur.

The history of Bharatpur goes back to the epic age of Mahabharta when the Matsya kingdom flourished in the 5th century BC. Some archaeological remains of this period can be seen in the Bharatpur Museum. The city is supposed to be named after Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama. Bharatpur was the stronghold of the Jats in the 17th and 18th century.

They maintained considerable autonomy though they were allied to the Mughals; this was largely due to their prowess in the battle and their marriage alliances with the Rajputs. Their fort in Bharatpur even withstood attacks from the British in 1805 and 1825 but later they signed a treaty of friendship with the East India Company. It merged with the union of India at independence.

The walled city of Bharatpur has typical medieval period and characterizes the security concern of that period. The walled city is irregular in shape and elongated in the northeast to southwest direction. The street pattern in the walled city is curvilinear typical of medieval townships. Religious building like the Ganga Mandir, Laxman Mandir and Jama Masjid are located on the town central spine between Mathura Gate and Kumher Gate. The hotels are mainly located in a cluster near the Park in the south of the town. The Keoladeo Ghanna National Park is about 5 kilometres from the town and approachable by cycle rickshaw. Only cycle rickshaws are permitted inside the park for maintaining ecological harmony.

Bharatpur is 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 legends say that 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 rulers, Laxman's name is engraved onthe state arms and the seals. The city and the fort have been believed to be founded by Rustam, a Jat of Sogariya clan. Maharaja Surajmal 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, leader 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.

Today Bharatpur is better known for the Keoladeo Natinal Park, a unique bird place, delight of ornithologists.


Places to See in Bharatpur
» Keoladeo Ghana National Park
This magnificent bird haven in actual came into being paradoxically as a duck shooting preserve for Maharaja Suraj Mull of Bharatpur. He transformed the shallow depression formed by the confluence of River Gambhir and River Banganga into a reservoir by damming the rainwater in monsoons. Flooding of water created shallow wetland ecosystem causing it to be a perfect habitat for an astounding variety of birds. The park that was a hunting preserve for the Maharaja and the British continued to be so till 1964, after which the hunting was banned.

» Lohagarh Fort
The massive iron fort structure built in the early 18th century. With its impregnable defences its 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, Kothi Khas.

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

Fairs & Festivals of Bharatpur
» Brij Festival
Brij festival (Feb - March) Bharatpur lies close to the Brij - the birth place of Lord Krishna and childhood. Ras Leela depicting the life of Krishna is performed by the professionals selected by the Rai community during the festival.

» Jaswant Exhibition
Jaswant Exhibition (Sept-Oct). A big carnival is held during Dussehra. Bdussehra symbolises the victory of good over evil. Lord Ram defeated the demon king Ravana on these day.

» Gangaur Festival
Gangaur FESTIVAL (Mar - Apr) Festival of maidens and married women, dedicated to Gauri, the incarnation of Goddess Parvati. A gracious procession is taken out, married women pray for the prosperity and long life of their husbands, while young girls seek blessings for a good life partner.
» Teej
Teej (July - Aug) Festival of swings marking the advent of monsoons. Swings are hung from the trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls sing songs of love and the rain.