|
and Raja Jai
Singh I and II. The Amber fort also displays unmistakable Mughal influences. Amber Fort is a classic fusion of Mughal
and Hindu architecture, built in red sandstone and white
marble.
History and Architecture of the Amber
Fort
The history of Amber Fort was concerned with various Rajput
kingdoms, and had at various times faced the armies of the
sultans of Gujarat, the Marathas, and the Mughals. No wonder
its architecture, like that of other Rajput palaces, consists
of narrow passages and staircases that can be defended by a
single swordsman, ridged ramps to allow the cavalry to move
within the fortifications, high walls that cannot be easily
scaled, and windows at only the highest levels. While the
exterior is forbidding, the interiors are lavished with
decoration since the kings and especially the women, spent
almost all their time within the fortified palaces.
Amber Fort is approached through the grand Singh Pol (Lion
Gate) towards the Jaleb Chowk. From here, there are two
flights of steps, one leads to the Shila Mata Temple, and the
other to the main palace complex. You can reach the palace on
foot or by elephant ride or by any vehicle. From the top of
the fort, a spectacular view of the gorge and the land
surrounding hills can be seen. There are sprawling complex of
courtyards, halls, palaces and apartments separated by several
gates.
The palace complex has various courtyards, gateways, gardens,
halls, stairways, pillared pavilions, temples, palaces and
apartments separated by several gates. Some of the famous
architectural marvels in the complex are the Diwan-E-Khas, the
Sheesh Mahal, the Jai Mandir with exquisite mirror work, the
Diwan-E-Aam, the Sukh Niwas, the Shila Mata Temple, Kali
temple and the Kesar Kyari, a well laid out garden. The Ganesh
Pol, an imposing gateway painted with images of the god Ganesh
is the pride of the palace. The painted façade of the gate
with its arcades shows a rich harmony of Hindu and Mughal
styles. Also a part of the complex is the Diwan-E-Aam or hall
of the public audience with its spectacular display of
pillars. The typical merging of Rajput and Mughal
architectural styles is captured in the Sukh Nivas and Jas
Mandir apartments, and the Charbagh garden with its perfectly
proportioned landscaping. Several other gardens and pavilions
within the fort offer enough scope for investigating medieval
lifestyles at leisure. Inside the fort are the Zenana or the
women apartments and frescoes with Krishna Leela scenes. These
are private chambers from where the royal women could watch
the proceedings of the royal court in privacy. |
|
Jai Mandir, Diwan-E-Khas and Sheesh
Mahal
The Jai Mandir or the Hall of Victory has a glittering ceiling
with mirror pieces on stucco and elegant inlaid panels. The
Diwan-E-Khas or the hall of private audience is similar in
ornamentation to Jai Mandir. The Sheesh Mahal, hall of Mirrors
is known for the craftsmanship in mirrors. Thousands of mirror
pieces adorn the walls and the ceiling and any streak of light
if pass through sparkle and illuminates the entire room. In
this palace, a single lamp is replicated in thousands of
glittering mirrors.
Sukh Niwas
In front of the Jai Mandir is the Sukh Niwas or the hall of
pleasure with a door made of sandalwood, inlaid with ivory and
a channel running through, which formerly carried cool water
acting as an air cooler. |
