Correct Option
The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Lohagarh Fort (Iron Fort) located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. It is a prominent example of 18th-century military architecture constructed by the Jat rulers during the period of the decline of the Mughal Empire. It is distinct from the Lohagad Fort located in Maharashtra.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Lohagarh Fort referred to in the context of Bharatpur was not built by the Marathas in Poona. The fort in the Poona (Pune) region is known as Lohagad and is associated with the Maratha empire. The Lohagarh Fort in question is located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur is regarded as one of the strongest forts in Indian history. It was famously known as the "Iron Fort" because it remained impregnable for a long time. Its thick mud walls were designed to absorb cannonballs, allowing it to withstand repeated sieges by the British forces under Lord Lake in the early 19th century.
- Statement 3 is Correct. The fort was built by Maharaja Suraj Mal, the most famous Jat ruler, in the 18th century (construction began around 1733 CE). Suraj Mal is often described as the "Plato of the Jat people" and was instrumental in consolidating the Jat kingdom.
Key Takeaway
Lohagarh Fort (Bharatpur) was built by the Jat ruler Suraj Mal and is famous for its impregnable mud walls that withstood British artillery. It should not be confused with Lohagad Fort in Maharashtra, which is associated with the Marathas.