Correct Option
The correct option is (a) 1 only.
Explanation
The Jats consolidated their power during the late 17th and 18th centuries, taking advantage of the declining Mughal authority. Originally a peasant community inhabiting the region around Delhi and Agra, they evolved into a significant political and military force, eventually establishing an independent kingdom.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Jats were prosperous agriculturists. Their prosperity was derived from the fertile lands they cultivated in the doab region. Towns within their domains, such as Panipat and Ballabhgarh, became important trading centers. Under Suraj Mal, the kingdom of Bharatpur emerged as a strong state with a stable economy based on agriculture.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Jats successfully controlled vast territories beyond their villages. By the mid-18th century, under leaders like Churaman, Badan Singh, and Maharaja Suraj Mal, they established the Kingdom of Bharatpur. Their control extended over a large area including Bharatpur, Dholpur, Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, and parts of Haryana. They even occupied the city of Agra for a period.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: While the Jats were prolific builders, the famous Lohagarh Fort (Iron Fort) was built in Bharatpur, not Jaipur. It was constructed by Maharaja Suraj Mal and is renowned for remaining impregnable against numerous British attacks in the early 19th century.
Key Takeaway: The Jats, led by Maharaja Suraj Mal, transformed from an agrarian community into a sovereign power with its capital at Bharatpur, not Jaipur.