Jaipur Forts & Palaces
Amber
Fort
Amber (pronounced Amer) is situated about 11 kilometres from Jaipur and was
the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital
was shifted in the plains to present day Jaipur. The Amber Fort set in picturesque
and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed
by Raja Man Singh I in 1952 and completed by Sawai Jai Singh I the fort is made
in red sand stone and white marble.
The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion
of art and architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort- palace with
a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting
scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. In the foreground
is the Maota Lake providing a breathtaking look. Built mainly for the warring
enemies as a safe place, the heavily structured walls could defend the residents
within the ramparts of the fort.
All the means of survival & luxuries for the royal families and the people
who were concerned with the functioning of this small kingdom of the Kachhawas
were well provided. The Rajputs who had apparently won a small structure passed
on by Meena tribes, later on renovated it into the grand Amber Fort. Holding
a history so old as 7 centuries, this place vibrates with its legendry past,
in the archaeological history. Although many of the early structures have been
literally ruined but at the same time, those dating from the 16th century on
are remarkably preserved by sincere efforts.
The fort has 4 sections; each with the premises and one has to climb up through
the imposing stairway or else the broad aisle, where one can ride on the elephant
back for royal feel. The main gate Surajpol that leads to the Jaleb chowk, which
is the main courtyard from where one can walk up the stairway, that leads to
the palace. Jaleb Chowk was also the area where returning armies were welcome
and they would display their war earnings to the population at large.
Before you enter the palace just towards the right is a sleep aisle and a narrow
staircase reaching up to Kali Temple also called Shila Devi Temple famous for
its mysterious history and the huge silver lions. It is a gorgeous temple featuring
silver doors with raised relief. According to a legend, Maharaja Man Singh I
had worshiped the Goddess for a victory over the rulers of Bengal.
The Goddess appeared in the Maharaja's dream and ordered him to recover her
statue lying under sea near Jessore (now in Bangladesh) and install it in a
befitting Temple. True enough, after subjugating the enemies the Maharaja recovered
the statute from the bed of the sea. The temple is called after Shila Devi,
"shila" meaning stone slab. Like all temples this too has an image
of Ganesha on the doorway, but carved from a single piece of coral.
Getting back from the temple the main stairways lead to the second courtyard
of the fort. Here situated is the imposing Diwan-I-Aam, the hall of public audiences
where the Maharaja received the populace and their petitions. This is a pavilion
of double row of columns each capped by an elephant shape. There is a lattice
gallery also.
Behind the exquisite and fabulous Ganesh Pol, "pol" meaning gate
are located in the residential apartments of the Maharaja. The Jai Mandir,
the Hall of Victory is famous for its inlaid panel and dazzling mirror ceiling.
Much of it had deteriorated with neglect and is under restoration.
On the other side is Sukh Niwas, the residence of pleasure or pleasurable
residence. The palace has an ivory inlaid sandalwood door. A channeled laid
for flow of water is an inventive system of cooling. The water flowing from
the channel wasn't wasted as it was allowed to flow in the garden. From there
you can also take pleasure in viewing of the fort rampart and its reflection
in the Moata Lake.
The Zenana or the palace of the women are in the forth courtyard. The rooms
are though connected through a common corridor are cleverly designed to give
each room privacy so that the Maharaja can have nocturnal visits to his various
Maharanis without notice of the other.
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Jaipur Forts & Palaces: Amber
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