File:Cenotaph of Maharaj Suraj Mal 2006-12-17.jpg

English: Cenotaph of Maharaj Suraj Mal at Kusum Sarovar, in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India.

AN ODE TO THE JAT KING: Situated on one the busiest pilgrimage in north India, “Govardhan Parikrama” route, the cenotaph of Maharaj Suraj Mal (1707-1763) of Bhartupr, is a magnificent dedication to a much revered Jat ruler. Known as the Plato of the Jat people, for his acute understanding of statecraft and deft administration. Located at 17th century pond “Kusum Sarovar”, it is the largest of cenotaphs of the Bharatpur Royal Family. Built by his son Jawahar Singh, after the Mharaja succumbed to an ambush by the Mughal army. It is a thing of beauty, famous for its intricate ceilings and wall paintings. The sarovar complex itself, which was once his Queen’s garden, is a place of peace and tranquillity. It is testament to the greatness of the Jat Ruler who grew his small dominion into a formidable Kingdom strong enough to take on Mughals as well as British conquest. Once even having plundered the sliver gates of the famous Taj Mahal. Also credited of building the Lohagarh Fort. The only Indian fort never to have been ruled by either the Mughals or the British. This shot however tries to portray a different reality. Erstwhile princely states, are now the part of republic, and there are no kings. Past may be revered, it is still but a memory of what was once great. The harsh uncompromising shadows, the lone man. That is all that remains of the glory that was. The deserted complex reflected in the still waters itself is like a photograph, unchanging, stuck at the conjecture for eternity.

The post processing is restricted to Lightroom. Little cropping and mostly adjustments to exposure, contrast, clarity, saturation etc. to create some punch.