New Delhi: India has many majestic forts but few can outshine the Amber Fort in terms of grandeur and architecture. Also known as Amer Fort, it is located in Rajasthan’s Amer which is a town located 11 kilometres from Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital. The fort is located on a high hill and is one of the main attractions in Jaipur. The fort is famous for its artistic style elements with large ramparts and a series of cobbled paths and gates. The fort overlooks the Maota Lake, the Amer Palace’s main source of water.
History of Amber Fort: From Meena Rule to Kachwaha Dynasty
Amber was a Meena state and the Susawat clan ruled it. Kakil Deo defeated the Susawats and made Amber Dhundhar’s capital after Khoh. Back then, the region of Jaipur was called Amber or Dhundhar and Meena chiefs of five different tribes controlled it. They were, in turn, controlled by the Bargurjar Rajput Raja of Deoti. Later, Dulha Rai, a Kachhwaha prince defeated the Meenas and the Bargurjars of Deoli and Dhundhar came under the Kachwaha rule.
Raja Man Singh originally constructed the Amber Fort and it was expanded in the early 1600s by Jai Singh I. Later rulers made further additions over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II, made Jaipur their new capital in 1727.
Architectural Marvels of Amber Fort: Rajput and Mughal Influences
The Palace has six sections and each section has its own entry gate and courtyard. The Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) is the point of the main entry which leads to the first main courtyard. It was here that armies after returning from battle would hold victory parades. The fort has four courtyards in total.
While Amber Fort is a great example of Rajput architecture, Mughal architecture has also influenced its construction. It was built with red sandstone and marble and it has four levels with a courtyard on each level.
The fort has the Diwan-e-Aam, the Diwan-e-Khas, the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), or Jai Mandir. Also, it has the Sukh Niwas where winds blow over a water cascade to artificially create a cool climate. At the palace entrance near the Ganesh Gate of the fort, there is a temple dedicated to Shila Devi, a Goddess of the Chaitanya cult. In 1604, after Raja Man Singh defeated the Raja of Jessor, Bengal, it was given to him. In 2013, at the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee, Amer Fort and five other forts of Rajasthan were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
Also known as Amer Fort, it is located in Rajasthan’s Amer which is a town located 11 kilometres from Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
