Amber Fort
| Amber Fort | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Amer Fort, Amber Palace |
| Location | Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Type | Fort Palace |
| Built By | Raja Man Singh I |
| Built In | 1592 |
| Style | Rajput, Mughal Architecture |
| UNESCO Status | World Heritage Site (2013) |
| Managed By | Archaeological Survey of India |
Amber Fort, also known as Amer Fort or Amber Palace, is a magnificent fort palace situated on the Aravalli Hills overlooking Maota Lake, approximately 11 kilometres from Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I, the fort is a stunning example of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles blended together. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 as part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
History
The Amber Fort was built by Raja Man Singh I, the commander-in-chief of Mughal Emperor Akbar's army, in 1592. Construction and expansion of the fort continued under subsequent rulers including Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh II over a period of more than a century.
The fort served as the capital of the Kachhwaha Rajput clan before Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II founded Jaipur in 1727 and shifted the capital to the new city. The Amber Fort continued to hold great political and cultural significance for the Jaipur royal family throughout its history.
Architecture
Amber Fort is a remarkable example of the fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural traditions. The fort complex is built from pale yellow and pink sandstone and white marble, reflecting the rich craftsmanship of its era.
The fort is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard:
Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience)
The first courtyard contains the Diwan-i-Aam, where the Maharaja would address the general public and receive petitions. The hall features double-rowed colonnades and a grand elevated throne area.
Ganesh Pol
The Ganesh Pol is a magnificently decorated gateway leading to the private royal apartments. It is adorned with intricate frescoes, mosaic work and latticed windows, and is considered one of the most beautiful gateways in Rajasthan.
Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace)
The Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors, is the most celebrated feature of Amber Fort. Its walls and ceilings are entirely covered with thousands of small mirrors and coloured glass pieces, creating a dazzling effect when illuminated by candlelight or torchlight.
Sukh Mahal (Hall of Pleasure)
The Sukh Mahal features a unique cooling system where water flowed down a marble channel through the hall, providing natural air conditioning during the hot summer months.
Attractions Within the Fort
- Jai Mandir – A hall of mirrors with intricate glass and tile work
- Zenana (Women's Quarters) – The private apartments of the royal women, featuring screened galleries
- Baradari – An open pavilion in the second courtyard used for royal gatherings
- Maota Lake – A scenic lake at the base of the fort, visible from the ramparts
- Elephant Rides – A traditional way to ascend to the fort, offered to tourists
Light and Sound Show
Amber Fort hosts a popular evening light and sound show that narrates the history of the fort and the Kachhwaha dynasty. The show is conducted in both Hindi and English and attracts a large number of tourists each year.
UNESCO World Heritage Status
In 2013, Amber Fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, along with five other forts — Chittorgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort and Jaisalmer Fort. The inscription recognizes the outstanding universal value of these forts as examples of Rajput military architecture.
Visiting Information
- Location — Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
- Timings — Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Best Time to Visit — October to March
- Nearest Airport — Jaipur International Airport (approximately 25 km)
- Nearest Railway Station — Jaipur Junction (approximately 11 km)