Baldeo Singh

Baldeo Singh (Hindi: महाराजा बलदेव सिंह) was a Jat and the ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Bharatpur (1823–1825) and the successor of Maharaja Randhir Singh after his death in 1823. He was born in Jat family. Maharaja Randhir Singh had no son and, as per rule, his brother Maharaja Baldeo Singh ascended the throne after his death in 1823.

Family disputes

Maharani Laxmi, the Rani of Maharaja Randhir Singh, was not happy with Baldeo Singh, so she went to Brindavan and took with her the keys of the fort. She died there soon after and this settled the dispute. Meanwhile, the sons of Baldeo Singh's younger brother, Durjansal and Madho Singh, rebelled against Baldeo Singh. Due to these family disputes Baldeo Singh sought the support of Sir David Ochterlony, the resident of the British East India Company at Delhi and made his son Balwant Singh his successor in Sir David's presence. Baldeo Singh died on 26 February 1825. Sir David's endorsement of the succession was repudiated by Lord Amherest, Governor-General of British India and Sir David was replaced.

British won Bharatpur

Soon a family dispute developed between Durjansal and Madho Singh. Madho Singh went to Deeg and started organizing an army. Charles Metcalf, the new resident at Delhi, intervened in the dispute and sent troops of the East India Company to attack the fortress at Bharatpur. The British forces under the leadership of Lord Combermere reached Bharatpur on 10 December 1825. War started on 23 December 1825. The British forces captured the fort of Bharatpur, which had previously been considered impregnable. After their victory at Bharatpur, the British ruled over the entire Rajputana.

Death and Succession

Maharaja Baldeo Singh died on 26 February 1825. The successor of Baldeo Singh was his son Maharaja Balwant Singh.