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The sprawling Amber Fort is a typical
example of what the lives of our gallant
Rajputs were like – militant, adventurous,
temperamental and also self-indulgent. It is
among the best hilltop forts in India.
Within the stern exteriors that seem to grow
out of the rugged hills are mighty gates,
temples, huge ornate halls, palaces,
pavilions, gardens and even a ramp to take
you to the hilltop palace! and guess who
climbs the ramp? Elephants. Yes,
beautifully- caparisoned elephants go up and
down carrying visitors to and fro. These
well cladded elephants make a joyride to
Amber fort and in turn makes your travel to
Amber fort a fascinating experience. This
some thing which you cannot afford to miss
in any Rajasthan itinerary.
Just 11 kms from Jaipur, Amber fort is a
splendid fort constructed in a scenic
locale. Being a perfect blend of Hindu and
Muslim architecture, Jaipur attracts
travellers from around the globe. Built in
16 the century by Raja Man Singh, the fort
stands as a proud reminder of the exotic
building skills of the artisans of the
yesteryears. This fort from yore days
unfurls the legacies of the time when the
august rulers imagined the unmatched
craftmanship.
¤ Fort Attractions
Old Amber Palace :
The Old Palace lies at the base of the
Jaigarh Fort. This area was the original
Amber before Man Singh I came along and went
on a building spree. The early 13th century
palace here is not very interesting as
compared to the grand Amber Fort-palace, yet
you could do with a visit. This Old Palace
can be reached from the Amber Palace too –
there's a stone path leading from the Chand
Pol to these ruins at the base of the hill.
The road is currently being restored. Here
lie the remains of ancient Amber which
include temples and crumbling palaces and
patches of walls. The cobbled streets and
broken down havelis (mansions) give it the
aura of a medieval town. But these mute
remnants of a bygone golden era seem to
speak volumes.
Diwan-i-Am or Hall
of Public Audience :This
is a delicate palace which you would come
across on your travel to Amber fort. This
forty pillared pavillion is perfect example
of intricate craftmanship and was
constructed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh. The
pavilion worked as a place where Maharajahs
used to recieve its general public and used
to hear their pertaining problems. The
southern area of this palace was kept clear
so that the royal ladies could watch the
proceedings of Diwan-I-Am from the Zenana
house ( Women's quarters).
Shila Mata Temple :
Entry into Shila Mata Temple is through
Singh Pol. The temple is devoted to Shila
Mata ( Goddess Kali), the goddess of victory
and houses a black marble idol of the
goddess which was brought here from Jessore
by Raja Man Sigh in 1604. You would find
nine images of Goddess Durga (strength) and
ten forms of Goddess Saraswati ( knowledge)
which are carved on the silver gates of the
temple. The mandap of this temple is made up
of white marble contrasting the colours of
the idols.
Ganesh Pol & Suhaag
Mandir : Ganesh
Pol forms another attractions in Amber fort
and is an imposing gateway which lies south
of Diwan-i-am. The gateway has been painted
beautifully and endorse typical Rajasthani
motifs. From Ganesh Pol, you can move to
beautiful garden or Charbagh, which is based
on the Mughal patten of gardens.
Diwan-i-Khas (Hall
of Private Audience), Sukh Niwas, Jai Mandir
& Jas Mandir :
Diwan-i-Khas show cases a rich amalgam of
Rajput and Mughal architecture. The
architecture is showcased in the fascinating
Diwan-i-khas, Sukh Niwas, Jai Mandir and Jas
Mandir. Decorated with beautiful mirror
work, Diwan -I - Khas has wonderful carvings
on the walls and the ceilings. The major
attractions of these halls are miniature
murals made of coloured glasses which
depicts Radha and Krishna. |
