Amber Fort
The
Amber Fort in Rajasthan built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh,
is one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Perched high on a
barren ridge, it commands extensive views over a deep narrow valley and
the wider plains beyond.
The building was finally completed in the early18th century when the threat
of Mughal domination was receding. Amber was once, the capital of the Mina
tribes, believed to be the original inhabitants of this region.
Located up on the hills that surround Jaipur, the fort, sprawled along the
Maotha Lake, boasts of a massive complex gateways, courts, stairways and
pillared pavilions, and palaces that recall the glory and wealth, of Amber's
association with the Mughals. This complex was built by Raja Man Singh,
Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries.
The front courtyard of the complex, is adorned with the magnificent, pillared
hall of the Diwan - i - Am, and the two - tiered painted gateway Ganesh
Pol. The palace of mirrors, Sheesh Mahal, is of special interest. It has
walls inlaid with exquisite mirrors. The Jas Mandir, perched on the upper
floor, is a superb amalgam of Mughal and Rajput style of architecture, as
is evident from the exquisitely carved Jali screens, and fine mirror and
stucco work.
The fort is entered through the 'Dil-e-Aaram' Garden, laid
out in the traditional Mughal style. An imposing flight of stairs leads
to the 'Diwan-E-Am' (hall of public audience) which has latticed galleries
and double row of columns each having a capital in the shape of elephants
on the top. To the right are steps that lead to the small Kali Temple. Maharaja
Man Singh was a great devotee of Goddess Kali and prayed to the goddess
for victory during battles. The temple has huge doors made of silver. The
larger white marble Shila Mata temple, has the image of Goddess Kali, brought
by Raja Man Singh from Jessore in East Bengal (now Bangladesh).
