Amber Fort

Amber Fort Jaipur

About Amber Fort

At a distance of around 11 kms from the city of Jaipur, on the Aravalli hills is located the famous Amber Fort. The construction of the fort was initiated by Raja Man Singh I, however, additions and modification were made later by Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Raja Jai Singh as well. The Rajput rulers operated from this very fort till the time the capital was shifted to Jaipur.

The fort is an ideal example of Rajput passion for grandeur and their patriotism. For visiting tourists, the Amber fort holds forth numerous attractions in form of palaces, temples and gardens. Infact, reaching Amber Fort itself is a wonderful experience. Sitting on the back of an elephant, tourists feel themselves like a king or queen of the Rajput clan. It is because of this reason that though walking up the fort is also an option, yet tourists prefer to take a ride on the back of an elephant.

Inside the Amber Fort

The architecture of the Amber Fort is a wonderful example of the Rajput and Mughal style. The fort is built in red sandstone and white marble. The entrance to the fort is through the Suraj Pol which opens into the Jaleb Chowk, the main courtyard.

Amongst the most prominent structures inside the fort is the Diwan-i-Aam or the Hall of Public Audience. The hall is adorned with latticed galleries and double row of columns. The top of the columns are each shaped like an elephant. There is also the Ganesh Pol with beautiful painted image of Lord Ganesh and jaliwork.

The Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience was a special place where the king met and discussed important issues with respected dignataries from his court and outside. The grace of the hall is enhanced by the mirrorwork that adorn the ceiling.

The mirror work is extraordinary in the Sheesh Mahal which according to its name glows with thousands of pieces of mirror. The moment a ray of sun or moon falls on these mirrors, the entire palace begins to radiate.

There is another structure, Jai Mandir, which appears brilliant with its exquisite mirror work. The Sukh Niwas stands right infront of the Jai Mandir and has doors made up of sandalwoods. Within the palace are the channels that permit the flow of water. These channels were earlier meant to allow passage of cold water which in turn helped to keep the atmosphere inside the palace cool and pleasant.

There are two temples in the fort complex too. The first one of these, a small Kali temple is the place where Maharaja Man Singh prayed before he left for any war. The temple has huge silver doors which still have the shinning charm intact to a great extent. The second temple, Shila Mata Temple is dedicated to the clan goddess of the Kachhawas rulers. According to beliefs, the deity that is placed in the temple was brought specially by Raja Man Singh from Jessore in East Bengal (now Bangladesh).

There are two worth seeing garden in the fort complex as well. The Dil-i-Aaram Garden is located very close to the entrance while the Kesar Kyari garden is located in the Lake Maota. The Dil-i- Aaram Garden also houses the Archaeological Museum of Amer. The Museum was inaugurated in the year 1949. The museum is divided into three section - archaeological, sculpture and epigraphy. There is also an art gallery in the fort complex.