Amer
fort is located on a forested hill promontory that juts into Maota Lake. Amer
fort is well known for its artistic style, Which has influences of both Hindu
and Muslim architecture. The Amer Fort was built in red sandstone and marble
and the Maotha Lake which is the main source of water for the Amer Palace, makes
the entire Fort more charming.
Each
with a courtyard, the fort is laid out on four levels. It consists of the
Diwan-e-Aam( "Hall of Public Audience"), the Diwan-e-Khaas ("Hall
of Private Audience"), the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), and the Sukh
Niwas(Hall of Pleasure) where a cool
climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within
the palace. Hence, the Amer Fort is also popularly known as the Amer Palace. The
palace was lived in by the Rajput Maharajas and their families.
History
Amer
or Amber, derives its name from the Ambikeshwar Temple. Ambikashwara is a local
name for the Lord Shiva. However, but some say that the fort derives its name
from Amba, the Mother Goddess Durga.
Amer
was known as Dhundar in earlier period. Earlier to the Kachwaha Rajputs, Amer
was a small place built by Meenas in the town they consecrated to Amba, the
Mother Goddess. Later ruled by the Kachwahas from the 11th century onwards. The
first Rajput structure was started by Raja Kakil Dev when Amber became his
capital in 1036 on the site of present day Jaigarh Fort of Rajasthan. Much of
Amber's current buildings were started or expanded during the reign of Raja Man
Singh I in the 16th century.
The
fort is originally believed to have been built around 1592 CE by Raja Man Singh
the Kachwaha King of Amber. Amer Fort that we see as on today, was built over
the remnants of this earlier structure during the reign of Raja Man Singh,. The
fort was later expanded by his descendant, Jai Singh I. There were continuous
improvements and additions to the fort 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.
Each
with its own entry gate and courtyard, the fort is laid out on four levels. Main entry to
the fort is through the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) which leads to Jaleb Chowk, the
first main courtyard. It faced east towards the rising sun, hence the name
Suraj Pol (Sun Gate).
Jaleb Chowk
Jaleb
Chowk is a place for soldiers to assemble. This is one of the four courtyards
of Amer Palace, which was built during Sawai Jai Singh's reign (1693–1743 AD).
The Maharaja's personal bodyguards held parades here under the command of the
army commander. The Maharaja used to inspect the guards contingent. Adjacent to
the courtyard were the horse stables, with the upper level rooms occupied by
the guards.
Sila Devi temple
From
Jaleb Chowk, an imposing stairway leads up to the main palace. Here, at the
entrance to the right of the stairway steps is the Sila Devi temple with an embossed
double leaf silver door entry.
Raja
Man Singh is the legend attributed to the installation of this deity in 1604 after
the battle against the Raja of Jessore in Bengal.
Diwan-e-Aam
Heading
back to the main stairway will take you up to the second courtyard and the
Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), which has a double row of columns, each
mounted by a capital in the shape of an elephant, and latticed galleries above
it. Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of public Audience) Where the king meets with
people of his state and listen there problems and give them justice. We can say
it’s like as our modern courts.
Diwan-e-Khaas
Diwan
e-Khaas(Hall of Private Audience) has delicate mosaic work in glass. In
this king meets other kings and his generals and army commander. They used to
plan and make strategies of wars. Just like our present day parliaments.
The
third courtyard is entered through the Ganesh Pol or Ganesh Gate, which is
embellished with mosaics and sculptures. The courtyard has two buildings(Sheesh
Mahal - Sukh Niwas), separated by a garden laid in the fashion of the Mughal
Gardens opposite to the other. The garden was built by Mirza Raja Jai Singh
(1623–68). It include,
Lion gate
Lion
Gate was once a guarded gate which leads in to the private quarters in the
palace premises. Built during the reign of Sawai Jai Singh (1699–1743 AD).
Tripolia
Gate
Tripolia
gate is the three gate access to the palace from the west. The three directions
open to Jaleb Chowk, Man Singh Palace and Zenana Deorhi.
Sheesh Mahal
The
building to the left of the entrance gate(Third courtyard) is called the Sheesh Mahal also known
as Jai Mandir (mirror palace).Sheesh mahal was built by king Man Singh in 16th
century and completed in 1727.
The
Walls and ceiling of this hall is carved with beautiful paintings and flowers made
with pure glass. The purpose to build the Sheesh Mahal was, in ancient days the
queen was not allowed to sleep in open air but she loved to see the stars
shining. So the king ordered his architects to make something which could solve
the purpose. The most stunning thing about this hall is that if someone burns a
candle, then the reflection converts that small light into thousand of stars.Sukh Niwas
The
other building seen in the third courtyard opposite to the Jai Mandir is known
as the Sukh Niwas or Sukh Mahal (Hall of Pleasure). Doors of Sukh Niwas made of
sandal wood and ivory. There is a channel running through the hall, which
carried cool water that worked as an air cooler, with the aid of breeze. In
this artistic hall cool climate was artificially created. It is said that the
kings used to spend time in this Sukh Niwaas with their queens and sometimes
with their mistresses that is why it is known as the residence of pleasure.The Zenana
The
fourth courtyard is where the Zenana region of the palace where queens with
their mistress use to reside. It was a residence for queen’s mothers and king’s
consorts as well along with their female attendants. This courtyard has many
living rooms(chambers) where the queens resided and who were visited by the
king at his choice without the others knowing, as the chambers are independent
but open onto a common corridor.
0 Comments