Situated amidst the rugged Aravalli range of hills lies one of the major attraction ofJaipur area, the Amer Fort. Pronounced as Amer or Amber Fort it derives its name from the precious gemstones found in the region. Situated at a distance of mere 11km from Jaipur, Amber Fort is one of the finest examples of amalgamation of Rajput & Mughal Architecture. Built in red sandstone and white marble, this 16th century fort encompasses temples, gardens and palaces infact much of the what is left of the once Amer fort is the Amer Palace.
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.
Amer Fort
Rugged Terrain!!
Amer was the original capital of Rajput empire but The biggest constraint it faced in terms of its growth was the rugged terrain which prevented it from expanding , Subsequently a flatter terrain, Jaipur was selected as the capital of the Rajput empire.
Confluence of Rajput and Mughal Architecture…………………
Amer Fort Jaipur- Awsome View
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 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.
Building Tales!!
The fort complex can be divided into four sections with each having its main entrance. The Main entry to the fort complex is through the Suraj Pole (Sun Gate) which leads to Jaleb Chowk, the place for soldiers to assemble. This is one of the four courtyards of the Amer Palace, which was built during Sawai Jai Singh’s reign (1693–1743 AD).
Sila Devi Temple
The first courtyard contains the “Sila Devi temple” where Rajput Maharanis used to worship. The main entrance to the courtyard, “Ganesh Pol” is a beautiful three leveled structure adorned with frescos leading up to the private palace of the maharajas. Above the Ganesh Pol lies the “Suhag Mandir” from where the Rajput maharanis used to see the proceedings of Diwan –e –aam” through latticed windows.
Diwan-i-Aam(Hall of Public Audience)-Amber Fort
The second courtyard, houses the Diwan-i-Am or the Public Audience Hall. The Diwan-i-Am is an impressive structure built on a raised platform with 27 columns, each mounted with elephant shaped capital with galleries above it.
Sheesh Mahal
The third courtyard has two buildings, one opposite to the other, separated by “Char bagh”. The building to the left of the entrance gate is called the Jai Mandir, better known as “Sheesh Mahal”. The whole building complex is covered with coloured mirror mosaics of convex shape which glitter under flickering candle light giving the effect of glittering jewel box.
The other building seen in the court yard is opposite to the Jai Mandir and is known as the Sukh Niwas or Sukh Mahal (Hall of Pleasure). Standing right in front of the Jai Mandir it has doors made up of sandalwood. There are channels within the palace to permit the flow of water which in turn helped to keep the atmosphere inside the palace cool and pleasant. According to the grapevine scented wet grass was laid on the doors and windows leading upto the Mahal for a cool and pleasant environment.
Zenana palace
The fourth courtyard comprises mainly of Zenana Palace (where Rajput wives/concubines lived), the palace complex also houses the12 apartments the Maharaja built for each of his 12 wives. Apparently they were not allowed to talk to each other but they could do so at a separate apartment where one person would record their conversation and submit it to the Maharaja!
The Magic Flower Secret………………….
Magic Flowers carved in Marbles
A famous attraction in the Sheesh mahal palace is the “magic flower” fresco carved in marble which has two hovering butterflies and seven unique designs of fish tail. i. e. A lotus, a hooded cobra, an elephant trunk, a lion’s tail, a cob of corn and a scorpion, each design is viewed by a particular way of partial hiding of the panel with hands.
The Mughal Gardens!!
Mughal Garden at Amer Fort
The Fort complex also houses two gardens strongly influenced by Mughal art and architecture. i. e. 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.
Concluding………..
It’s definitely a trip worth making to experience the sheer grandeur and opulence of the bygone era, the rajput Mughal architecture amalgamation, the mystical sheesh mahal, the enchanting Mughal gardens and the fabulous view of the city from the top.
Timings and Charges Details
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Timings: Open 9.00 a.m – 4.30 p. m.
- Entry ticket: Rs.50 for foreign tourists.
- Special Attraction: Light sound show taking place in the evening.
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