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Amber Palace aka Amber Fort was constructed in 1592 AD by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army. Later it was expanded and renovated by Raja Jai Sigh I. Situated at a distance of 11 km from the city, it carries the pride of Jaipur.
Set amidst the hills and overlooking the Maota Lake, Amer Palace is the finest example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Within the vicinity of the Amber fort there are 4 courtyards. There are various other buildings within these courtyards i.e., Palace of Man Singh I, Garden, Tripolia gate, Lion gate, Diwan-I-Aam, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Mahal, etc. Jaipur trip is incomplete without visiting the light show at this grand fort.
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.
Architecture of Amer Fort
Amer Fort flaunts a colourful architectural design. The fort is a marvellous example of Rajputana architecture. It was built with red and white sandstones. It is a perfect amalgamation of Hindu style architecture and Mughal finesse.
The carvings on the walls and ceilings are one of the key attractions in the palace. The palace is divided into four sections; each is called a courtyard. Rajput sculptures beautifully designed the entry gates of the courtyards in the palace, giving a unique architectural element to each of them.
The palace features many buildings and awe-inspiring structures Sukh Mandir, the famous Ganesh Pol, Sheesh Mahal and others. When you visit the Diwan-i-Khas(The house of minister) and the Diwan-i-Aam(The house of Public), you'll enter the world of glorious Rajput kings and Mughal emperors.
Many vibrant and illustrative paintings of famous Rajput rulers and ancient hunting styles adorn the walls of the palace. The study of these paintings gives us a deep understanding of the prevailing Rajput culture of ancient times.
The palace overlooks the Maota Lake, and a beautiful lush green garden adds to its charm. The construction of Mughal gardens influenced the garden in Amer palace. There is not one but many wonderful structures and objects of artistic pleasure in the magnificent palace of Amer.
Jaipur Tourism the capital of Rajasthan state, is often addressed as Pink City and is a part of the Popular Golden Triangle Tour of India. Vivacity and grandeur are two words that are very close to defining Jaipur. Forts and palaces built by erstwhile rulers of the area are a testimony of their power and their architectural intellect. Nooks and streets sparkle with traditional and vivid handloom, costume, jewelry and other Knicks and knacks. Owing to its splendor, Jaipur has emerged as a hotspot for wedding destination in India and some of India’s best luxury and heritage hotels.
