Jaipur Amer Fort

The capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is the concentre of innumerable stories of valour, courage and Rajputana honour. A stroll in the streets of Jaipur, brings to you, a different part of the city that one might not realise as they consider the modern houses and schools that overtly represent the city’s base. The one that is vehemently different from all others. Jaipur was built in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and has derived its name from the founder. One of the finest monuments & key attraction of Jaipur is the Amber Fort which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2013 in the category of ‘Hillforts of Rajasthan’.

Amber Fort is the perfect example to suggest how Jaipur’s history is not restricted simply to the acts of valour by its kings and soldiers, but also extends to the patronage of architecture and science, as reflected in the construction of this marvellous fort and also the entire city. Famously known as the Pink City, Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides which made it an ideal location for the capital of the Rajputana empire. Jaipur, as part of the ancient kingdom, was ruled by the Kachhwaha clan of Rajput. They had been in an alliance with the Mughals over their common rivalry with the Sisodia clan of Rajput.

Jaipur was, historically, India’s first planned city. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh patronised the construction of the city as per traditional Rajputana architectural style. Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, the chief architect from Bengal was responsible for ensuring that the layout of the city was based on the principles of Shilpa Shastra, the same principles were also followed during the construction of Amber Fort. The primarily important buildings were built of sandstone, which is found in abundance in the state.

History of Amber Fort
The construction of the Amer fort first began with Raja Bharmal and Raja Man Singh I in 1558. The fort was completed over a period of two centuries after the consistent efforts of three kings, finally ending in 1727 by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II. Amer fort was designated as the new residence for the royal family as opposed to the older establishment of Jaigarh Fort. However, both the Amer and Jaigarh forts are often considered to be a single establishment due to the common passageway that runs between them. The Jaigarh fort was a retreat for the royal family as well as their attendants in times of war. The Jaigarh fort was also known as the Kadimi Mahal or the “old palace”.

Amber was earlier known as Dhundar and had been the capital of the Meena clan. The Kachhwaha rulers seized it from the Meenas and began the construction of the Amer fort in the 1600s. There are multiple etymologies provided so far for the name “Amber”. Multiple stories include it being named after Ambikeshwar, the title of Lord Shiva, whose symbolic representation, the linga, was placed in a lake in the center of the Amber. The Jain inscriptions of the 16th and 17th centuries talk about the derivation of the name from the name of Goddess Ambavati. Another tale claims that the name was derived from Amba, the universal mother.

Although there exists no inscription validating the fact that a war was fought by the Kachwaha and the Meena's during which the settlement came under the Kachhwaha rule, however, according to a popular folklore, Dhola Rae, the adopted nephew of Raja Alan Singh, the then ruler of Amber, slaughtered the Meena clan on the day of Diwali. The Kachhwaha clan is believed to be the descendants of Kush, the second son of Lord Ram. One of his descendants was Raja Nal, whose son, Raja Sora Singh was killed in a war. His widow was found plucking wild berries by a Brahmin who, after looking at the baby, predicted a bright future. She then sought refuge in the kingdom of Khogong, presently known as Amber, which was led by Raja Alan Singh.

He adopted her as his sister and the child, Dhola Rae as his nephew. At the age of 14, Dhola Rae was sent to Delhi to learn about politics. Upon his return, he brought his own army of Kachhwahas to claim the throne of Amber. According to a ritual called Pitra Tarpan, the Meenas had to set their weapons aside and taking advantage of this opportunity, they were attacked and the settlement of Amber came under the Kachhwaha rulers.

Architectural Beauty of the Amber fort

Hall of Public Audience
Diwan-e-Aam or Hall of public audience is a large hall that stands from the support of two rows of pillars. Each pillar is ornamented. The hall is open on three sides. The king used to sit in the hall and listen to the queries of common men. This hall is famous for its mosaic glass works. Kings also used to meet important ministers and guests in this hall.

Sukh Mandir
SukhNiwaas or SukhMandir is a hall made with sandalwood and ivory. It is located right opposite to the Hall of public audience. There is a small channel that runs through it that carries cold water. This is an ancient method of keeping the place cool. Though the term ‘Mandir’ is used in the name, this is not a temple. It is a hall where kings and queens relax. The name can be translated as residence of pleasure.

Sheesh Mahal
Sheesh Mahal or the Mirror Palace is the most beautiful part of this fort. This palace has been shown in many local movies. The walls and the ceilings in this palace are carved with beautiful flowers and other paintings made with glass. A queen of the fort used to love sleeping under the stars. It is said that ancient custom of the land did not allow women to sleep in open air. King called upon the finest architects in the region to solve the problem. Thus, the mirror palace was built. It is said that if two candles are lit in the palace, it would look like thousands of stars glittering in the ceiling.

Kesar Kyaari
Mughal Gardens have a beauty that cannot be tallied by simple gardens that you see around the country. This part is located on Maota Lake. This garden is located in front of the fort. The garden is formed in a star shape. It is said that saffron flowers were planted in the garden. Now, climatic conditions do not allow saffron plant to thrive in Jaipur. You can find beautiful flowering plants in the garden now.

Light Show
The light show takes place every evening. The show focuses on the history of Jaipur and the fort. It shows ancient anecdotes of the place, sovereigns and others. The show runs for 50 minutes and is run in both Hindi and English. Explore the architectural beauty of Amer Fort with this special itinerary of 4 Days Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour. This itinerary is specially designed to explore the historical city with beautiful Taj.