If the pink city Jaipur is like a crown of the beautiful Rajasthan, Amber fort is one of the most dazzling
gems on the crown. Also known as Amer Fort, it is situated in Amer, 11 km away
from Jaipur and is one of the most popular attractions for the tourists here.
Located on a small hill, this historical fort was built by Raja Man Singh 1.
The fort looks spectacular with its colossal size and the wide spread water
body of Maoata Lake in its front. Large ramparts, cobbled paths, and long
series of gates look not only massive, a unique blend of aesthetics is admixed
in its structure as if beauty and muscle goes here hand in hand.
History of the Amber Fort
History says that the Amber fort Jaipur was built by Raja Man Singh after his recognition in Akbar’s
Navaratna group as one if the Navaratnas and the foundation work of the fort
started from around 1592s.
Although the founder of the fort was Raja Man Singh
but later on the construction of the fort was completed by Raja Joy Singh.
Before its conversion in a full-fledged royal fort it was a big building used
by Kachhwaha dynasty members from 11th to the 16th century.
Man Singh was known
as one of the famous Kacchwaha (Rajput) King of Amber, and this fort was a
royal emblem of his power and control over Rajasthan.
The state of Amber was
later renamed as Jaipur but till date the fort has retained the name of Amber.
Made of red and white sandstone, there are main four separate parts in the
palace interlinked with each other.
As said the entire Amber fort Jaipur
is divided into four parts and each of them had a separate entrance
However, the prime entry path was through the Sun gate which was locally known
as Suraj Pole. It had its opening at the main courtyard.
The gate was
positioned on the east and that is why it was named on the name of Sun God. The
second courtyard was named as Jaleb chawk.
Another main part of the fort is
'Diwan-i-Aam' (Public Audience Hall), and Diwaan-e-Khaas and the 4th
part is comprised of 'Sheesh Mahal' and the 'Sukh Mahal'. The magic flower
fresco is one of the most coveted wall attractions of the Amber Fort.
Diwan-e-Aam
Diwaan-e-Aam and Diwaan-e-Khaas
Inspired by Islamic idea of décor and ornamentation, the buildings of Diwaan-e-Aam
and Diwaan-e-Khaas were made for king’s administrative activities.
Diwaan-e-Aam
was built for discussing public issues in front of the public and Diwaan-e-Khaas
was the special place where King used to meet his special friends, solicitors,
advisors, etc. for sorting his confusion and having discussions over different
issues.
Diwaan-e-Aam is a spectacular hall having two rows of pillars with
three entrances. The arch, walls, and pillars of Diwaan-e-Aam hall are
mesmerizing for its stunning crafts and mesmerizing effect.
Here the king used
to hear the grievances of “aam-janta” so it was named by its job.
Alternatively, Diwaan-e-Khaas was the place where the king used to consult with
his special “khas” advisors, so it was named.
Sukh Niwaas (Sukh Mandir)
Sukh Niwas is located opposite to Diwaan-e-Khaas building in Amber Fort premise. Awesome looking, the doors of this building is made of ivory artwork in sandalwood craft. The most surprising arrangement of the building is its air conditioning system, which was implemented by maintaining a water channel throughout the building.
This
channel was the gateway for entering cool breeze and cold water for controlling the inside air temperature of the building in blazing summer time.
Mythology says that the king used to spend happy time with his queens and mistresses here: perhaps the ambience of royal décor and happiness “sukh” around, the building was named as Sukh Niwaas.
Sheesh Mahal
The other construction that attracts huge applause in Amber Fort premise is Sheesh Mahal. As implied by the name, the entire construction is embossed with multiple best quality
glasses, best quality mirrors, and numerous glittering paints and frescos.
Royal records say that the queen of Man Singh loved to sleep under the stars but she was not permitted to sleep in open air.
The king made the Sheesh Mahal in order
to give her the star-lit sky impression inside the room as the awesome arrangement of the glass designs can create millions of stars round the ceiling, walls, and pillars on placing only two burning candles at the center of the room.
Apart from these exclusive structures, Jai mandir, Ganesh pole, and temple of Seela Maa deserve special mention. Seela maa was the royal deity of Kachhawaha Rajput dynasty.
The idol of the goddess is built on black stone and is believed to be imported from East Bengal by order of the Rajput King. The place has been marked as “must see” tourist spot in the map of Rajasthan tourism for enjoying the
nostalgia of Royal Jaipur.