Amber Fort - Jaipur
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 1592
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.
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