Amber is
located about 10 km from Jaipur. Earlier Amber was the capital of
Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly
created Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. Structures belonging to
16th century onwards are present in the Amber fort in a very wonderful
position, but structures belonging to early centuries have disappeared
or damaged from the Fort. Amber fort exhibits unique Mughal
influences, it is a typical combination of Hindu and Mughal
architecture which was constructed in white marble and red sandstone.
Amber Fort is also famous for unique style of Hindu artifacts. Amber
Fort was founded by Raja Man Singh I. |
The
history of Amber Fort was related with various Rajput kingdoms, at
various times Amber also faced the armies of the sultans of Gujarat,
the Mughals, and the Marathas. No wonder its structural design, like
that of other Rajput palaces, consists of narrow passages and
staircases that can be protected by a single swordsman, ridged ramps
to allow the cavalry to move within the high walls and fortifications
that cannot be easily scaled and windows at only the highest levels.
Interiors of the fort are fully decorated and in a very good condition
since the Kings and particularly the womens in the ancient times spent
their maximum time within the fortified palaces. |
Inside the
Fort there are extensive complex of halls, pillared pavilions,
gateways, apartment courtyards gardens, temples, stairways, halls, and
palaces, all of which are separate from each other and there are
various gates inside from which these are separated. Some of the
prominent architectural wonders in the complex are: Diwan-E-Aam, Kali
temple, Sheesh Mahal, Shila Mata Temple, Sukh Niwas, Diwan-E-Khas,
Kesar Kyari, a beautiful garden, Jai Mandir with excellent mirror
work.
Ganesh Pol
Ganesh Pol is a very magnificent entrance, it is painted with images
of the god Ganesh and is the pride of the palace. The front walls of
the gate are painted, its gallery exhibits a collection of Hindu and
Mughal style of exhibits.
Diwan-E-Aam (Hall of the public audience)
It is also a part of the inside comples, it exhibits an amazing
display of pillars.
Jas Mandir and Sukh Nivas
Jas Mandir and Sukh Nivas exhibits a collection of unique Mughal and
Rajput architectural styles.
Charbagh garden
It is situated between Sukh Niwas and Jai Mandir in the third
courtyard of the palace. In addition to this garden, also there are
various other gardens and pavilions in the fort which also truly
depicts the ancient life of the Maharajas.
Zenana (Women apartments)
Zenana is a very beautiful apartment inside the fort which is
well-decorated with the scenes of Krishna Leela. These are basically
private chambers especially designed for the
Royal womens in ancient times, from these apartments women could watch
the proceedings of the royal court in privacy. |
One can
easily reach Amber Fort from the grand Singh Pol (Lion Gate) towards
the Jaleb Chowk. There are two ways to reach Amber Fort from here: One
goes to the Shila Mata Temple and the other goes to the main palace
complex. In the Amber Fort there are various options to go up on the
palace, one can go by elephant ride, by any vehicle or on foot. An
amazing view of the valley and the land surrounding hills can be seen
from the top of the fort. |