Bharatpur was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733 AD when it was carved out of a region named Mewar. Some say that the foundation of Bharatpur wad laid by a Jat chief Rustam and it was Suraj Mahal who captured the fort of Bharatpur from Rustam's son and later built on the city in due course of time.
From 17th century onwards, Bharatpur was dominated by Jats. Maharaja Suraj Mahal, himself being a Jat played an important role in unifying all the Jats of the region. It was under his aegis that a number of places and forts sprung up in Bharatpur including the magnificent Deeg Palace.