Suraj Mal
Explanation
The Jat kingdom of Bharatpur emerged as a significant regional power during the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century. While the Jat peasantry had been rebellious since the time of Aurangzeb, the formal consolidation of a sovereign state occurred later under capable leadership.
Detailed Analysis:
- Suraj Mal (Correct): Raja Suraj Mal (ruled 1756–1763) is widely regarded as the greatest ruler of Bharatpur. Under his leadership, the Jat power reached its zenith. He successfully united the Jat tribes and expanded his kingdom to include territories such as Agra, Mathura, Meerut, and Aligarh. He is often referred to as the "Plato of the Jat tribe" and the "Jat Odysseus" due to his political sagacity, steady intellect, and clear vision. He also built the impregnable Lohagarh Fort at Bharatpur.
- Churaman: He was an early Jat leader who organized the Jats into a political force and founded the dynasty at Bharatpur in the early 18th century. However, the kingdom did not reach its peak territorial extent under him.
- Jawahir Shah: He was the son and successor of Suraj Mal. While he continued the struggle against the Mughals and other powers, the peak of consolidation and expansion is attributed to his father.
- Gokula: He was a zamindar of Tilpat who led the first major Jat rebellion against the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1669. His role was that of an early rebel leader rather than the ruler of a consolidated kingdom.
Key Takeaway:
Raja Suraj Mal transformed the Jat rebellion into a powerful, consolidated state, extending its authority over a vast region around Delhi and Agra, marking the golden age of the Bharatpur kingdom.