Chatri of Bheem Singh Rana

The historical monument of Bhimtal located on the Gwalior fort has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It was constructed by Maharaja Bhim Singh in 1754, and his successor, Maharaja Chhatra Singh Rana, built a grand Chhatri nearby in his memory. Jat Samaj Kalyan Parishad Gwalior honors Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana every year by organizing a fair on Ram Navami.

Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana was the most powerful ruler of the princely state of Gohad in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, India. According to historians, the Bamraulia gotra Jats from the village of Bamrauli (near Agra) founded the city of Gohad near Gwalior in 1505. Singhadev was the founder of Gohad state, which later became an important Jat state. The Jat rulers of Gohad were awarded the title of Rana.

Bhim Singh Rana increased his powers and planned to expand his territories. In 1736, he marched to Malwa, but later he targeted the Gwalior Fort. The Marathas were also hoping to win the Gwalior Fort, but the weak and easy-going Mughal satrap Alikhan surrendered the fort to Bhim Singh Rana. Meanwhile, there was a severe fight between the Marathas and Jats to win the Gwalior Fort, but the Jats won, and the fort came under their control.

Bhim Singh Rana occupied the Gwalior fort from 1740-1756. However, in 1756, the Marathas attacked the fort with a huge army, led by Great Warrior Mahadji Scindia, Yammaji Rahalkar, and Motiram Bani. There was a severe war between the Jat and Maratha armies, and at one point, Bhim Singh Rana was not riding a horse. Maratha Atrao attacked Rana with a sword, causing him to be wounded and carried out of the war site by his soldiers. He died three days later on Chaitra Sudi Navami (Ram Navami) in 1756. His queen, Roshani, committed jauhar, and the fort came under the occupation of Marathas.

Today, Bhimtal and the Chhatri serve as a reminder of the valour and legacy of Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana, who was a powerful Jat ruler in the 18th century. The fair organized by Jat Samaj Kalyan Parishad Gwalior on Ram Navami every year is a testament to the respect and admiration that people have for him. The Gwalior Fort, which served as the site of many battles, including the one that led to the death of Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana, remains a significant historical landmark in India.