The Kachchawahas ruled drom Amber, 11-km from Jaipur, for seven centuries.
With a history so old, it is not unexpected that there is a lot of the past
that can be traced in its archaeological history. While many of the very
early structures have either disappeared or been ruined, those dating from
the 16th century on are in a remarkable state of preservation.
Construction
& Architecture Of Amber Fort
Amber as it exists now is the handiwork of three of the kingdom's rulers
that include Man Singh, army commander of Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1592, and
Jai Singh I and II. IT is a classic fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture,
built in red sandstone and white marble.
Amber had reason to be concerned since its history had seen skirmishes with
other Rajput kingdoms, and had at various times faced the armies of the
sultans of Gujarat, the Marathas, and the Mughals. No wonder its
architecture, like that of other Rajput palaces, consists of narrow passages
and staircases that can be defended by a single swordsman, ridged ramps to
allow the cavalry to move within the fortifications, high walls that cannot
be easily scaled, and windows at only the highest levels. While the exterior
is forbidding, the interiors are lavished with decoration since the Royals,
and especially the women, spent almost all their time within the fortified
palaces.
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INSIDE ATTRACTIONS OF
THE AMBER FORT
The palace or the royal apartments lies inside the massive Amber fort
complex with gateways, gardens, halls, stairways, pillared pavilions,
temples and palaces. Some of the noteworthy architectural marvels in the
complex are the 'Diwan-E-Khas', the 'Sheesh Mahal' and the 'Jai Mandir'
with exquisite mirror work, the 'Diwan-E-Aam', the 'Sukh Niwas', the
Shila Mata Temple and Kali temple and the well laid out garden the
'Kesar Kyari'.
- Ganesh Pol
The emperors apartments lies on a higher terrace beyond a two
tiered decorative gateway, Ganesh Pol, covered with elegant frescoes
and pavilions having fascinating Jali or Lattice work screens.
- Jai Mandir, Diwan- E- Khas & Sheesh Mahal
The 'Jai Mandir' or "the Hall of Victory" has a
glittering ceiling with mirror pieces on stucco and elegant inlaid
panels. The 'Diwan- E- Khas', hall of private audience is similar in
ornamentation to Jai Mandir and the 'Sheesh Mahal', hall of Mirrors
known for its craftsmanship in mirrors, is the most spectacular of
the lot. Thousands of mirror pieces adorn the walls and the ceiling
that, any streak of light makes them sparkle and illuminates the
entire room.
- Dil-E-Aaram & Diwan-E-Am
The fort is entered through the 'Dil-e-Aaram' Garden, laid out in
the traditional Mughal style. An imposing flight of stairs leads to
the 'Diwan-E-Am' or "Hall of Public Audience", which has
latticed galleries and double row of columns each having a capital
in the shape of Elephants on the top.
- Kali Temple
To the right are steps that lead to the small Kali Temple. Maharaja
Man Singh was a great devotee of Goddess Kali and prayed to the
Goddess for victory during battles. The temple has huge doors made
of silver. The larger white marble Shila Mata temple, has the image
of Goddess Kali, brought by Raja Man Singh from Jessore in East
Bengal, now Bangladesh.
- The Zenana
The 'Zenana' or the Women's Apartments and frescoes depicting
Krishna Leela scenes surround a spectacular courtyard. There are
private chambers from where the royal women could watch the
proceedings of the royal court in privacy.
- Sukh Niwas
In front of the Jai Mandir is the 'Sukh Niwas' or "the hall of
pleasure" with a door made of sandalwood, inlaid with ivory
with a channel running through, which formerly carried cool water
acting as an air cooler.
The well-proportioned garden, Kesar Kyari
in the center of Maotha lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end
provide a spectacular view of the palaces.
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