The Amber Fort (Amer)

AMBER FORT – legacy of Jaipur

The first thing that speaks about Jaipur history is Amber fort. The principal tourist attraction, Amber fort, is situated 11 kilometres away from the centre of the pink city. Amber is a small town with four square kilometres area under Jaipur. It was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted in the plains to present day Jaipur. if there is any place demonstrating the beauty and junction of both Hindu and Mughal customs and architect; it has to be Amber fort. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1952 and completed by Sawai Jai Singh I the fort is built in red sandstone and white marble.  The four level layouts with each carrying courtyard is the most appealing and inviting enclosure of this symmetrical fort. The four courtyards are:

First courtyard

First courtyard is the main entrance to the palace grounds. Near to the fort’s Ganesh Gate, temple dedicated to Sila Devi is perceived at the entrance of the palace of Amber which is near to the fort’s Ganesh Gate. Sila Devi is goddess of Chaitanya beliefs which was presented to Maharaja Man Singh after defeating Maharaja of Jessore, Bengal.

Second courtyard

Second courtyard is up the main stairway of the first level courtyard consist of Diwan-i-Aam  (hall of public audience). Diwan-i-aam consists of 27 colonnades, each mounted with elephant capital which includes galleries above it.

Third courtyard

Ganesh Gate is the pole which was named after Hindu lord Ganesha is entitled as the entrance to the private palace of the Maharajas. It includes the three level structure which leads to the private quarters of the royal family which was built by Mirza Raja Jai Singh named as Diwan-i-Khaas (or the hall of private audience). Above the gate, was the Suhag Mandir, from where the females of the royal family used to watch the functions which used to held in Diwan-i-aam(or the hall of public audience)

The main attractions in the third courtyard include:

Garden: The garden is located between jai Temple on the east and Sukh Niwas on the west. The pattern of the garden resembles to that of Mughal gardens.

Tripolia Gate: Tripolia gate is the three gate access to the palace from the west. The three directions open to Jaleb Chowk, Man Singh Palace and Zenana Deorhi.

Lion Gate: ‘Lion Gate' was once a guarded gate which leads in to the private quarters in the palace premises.

Fourth courtyard

The fourth courtyard includes the Zenana region of the palace where queens with their mistress use to reside. It was a residence for queen’s mothers and king’s consorts as well along with their female attendants.

Presently, it is not at all surprising that Amber fort is furnished by more than 5000 visitors a day. To reach the entrance of the fort, one has to cross the hills either by walking, hiring a jeep or taking an elephant ride. Amber fort is a beautiful junction for visitors sharing a unique story history, never heard before. The Jaipur forts including Amber fort are the most organized and planned place in India. Surprising but fact, the history behind Amber fort is no lesser than a fairy tale of kings and queens popularly known as the legacy of Jaipur. One can enjoy a breathtaking view of surrounding areas from the fort complex. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Fort while you are in travelling in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.