The Amer Fort

The Amer Fort

Amber Fort is located Amer is placed at a distance of 11 km from Jaipur city. Amber was the capital of the Kachhawaha till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. Amber is generally pronounced as Amer. It is situated about 10 km away from Jaipur on Jaipur-New Delhi road. It was governed by Kachawaha rulers and also was the capital of old Dhundar state of Jaipur. The town was originally named Ambikeshwara and was later abridged to Amber or Amer.

Amer Palace is an outstanding example of Rajput architecture. Construction of it was begun about 1600, and it remained the royal residence until the capital was transferred to Jaipur in 1728. The palace’s Mughal-influenced architecture includes the maharaja’s apartments, a hypostyle hall, and several temples, all grouped around an imposing courtyard. Jaigarh Fort—also part of the World Heritage designation—stands on a hill summit overlooking the town.

The palace contains several spectacular buildings, such as the Diwan-i-Khas, and the elaborately painted Ganesh Pole built by the renowned warlord Mirza Raja Jai Singh I (Man Singh I’s grandson).

HISTORY

Earlier to the Kachwahas, Amer was a small place built by Meenas in the town they consecrated to Amba, the Mother Goddess, whom they knew as ‘Gatta Rani’ or ‘Queen of the Pass’. The fort is originally believed to have been built by Raja Man Singh during 967 CE.Amer Fort, as it stands now, was built over the remnants of this earlier structure during the reign of Raja Man Singh, the Kachwaha King of Amber. The structure was fully expanded by his descendant, Jai Singh I. Even later, Amer Fort underwent improvements and additions by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727.

The current Amer Palace, was created in the late 16th century, as a larger palace to the already existing home of the rulers. The older palace, known as Kadimi Mahal (Persian for ancient) is known to be the oldest surviving palace in India. This ancient palace sits in the valley behind the Amer Palace.

Amer was known in the medieval period as Dhundar (meaning attributed to a sacrificial mount in the western frontiers) and ruled by the Kachwahas from the 11th century onwards – between 1037 and 1727 AD, till the capital was moved from Amer to Jaipur.The history of Amer is indelibly linked to these rulers as they founded their empire at Amer.

The Architectural Marvel

An architectural marvel, the Amber Fort is a delight to just behold and when you pass through its many courtyards or look around from above the fort, you are transported into a rich and elegant era where living was about preserving and following culture and traditions. The Amber Fort even today looks as majestic, elegant and splendid as ever and is listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2013.

AMBER FORT is a jewel of Jaipur, with its majesty, beautiful architecture and rich history. Built by the legendary Raja Man Singh sometime in the 17th century, the fort and palace has held strong despite the march of invading dynasties through the centuries. The entire structure took over 100 years to be built, with succeeding emperors Raja Jai Singh I and Jaipur’s founder, Sawai Jai Singh II, taking over the construction efforts. 

11 km’s away from Jaipur Located on a hill named Cheel Ka Teela and
Situated on the bank of Moata Lake, Amber fort is popular for its Hindu style elements including the carved walls and gates. Amber takes its name from Amba Mata, the fertility and earth goddess of the Minas

The  fort is made up till four levels all with their own courtyards. They include: Diwan-i-aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Sukh Niwas and Sheesh Mahal.

The fort comprises an extensive palace complex built with red and white sandstone. It is known for its blend of Rajput and Hindu style of architecture and mixture of Hindu and Muslim style of ornamentation. There are a series of gates in the fort and each one has a unique structure and architectural element. Each section of the fort starts with a gate or pol namely the Suraj pol, Chand pol, Ganesh pol and Zenana.

 You enter the Fort through the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate), which leads to the Jaleb Chowk (Main Courtyard), and opposite to the Suraj pol lies the gate of moon called the Chand pol

Ganesh Pol

One of the main attraction in the fort is the fresco called “Magic Flower” which has seven unique designs of fish tail, a lotus, a hooded cobra, an elephant trunk, a lion’s tail, a cob of corn and a scorpion.

The fort of AMER also offers you a lot more activities and fun to do and create your day a memorable one…

One can take an Elephant ride around the fort

Elephant Ride to the Fort

The fort also offers a Light and sound show at the kesarkyaari in night. It shows ancient anecdotes of the place, sovereigns and others. Watching the illuminated fort from the bottom of the hill in evening gives a breathtaking view

Along with this one can enjoy Classical dance program puppet shows and listen traditional songs while having dinner.

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