Amber Fort - Jaipur
Jaipur is the capital of the State of Rajasthan. The city got its name from the famous astronomer price, Maharaja Jai Singh. It was he who founded the city. Amber Fort is in Jaipur. The fort was built by Rajputs. It speaks volumes on their talents and powers. Amber Fort is considered one of the best hilltop forts in India.
Within the fort there are huge gates, temples, halls, palaces, pavilions, gardens etc. Today, the fort is just 11 kms from the city. The Amber fort, like many other forts in India, is a combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. It has become a favourite attraction for tourists from all over the world. The fort was built in the 16th Century by Raja Man Singh. The fort is the best example of the building skills of the Rajputs.
The old Amber Palace is in this fort. This was built in the 13th century. Hall of Public Audience is another palace related to the Amber Fort. It is a pavilion constructed on forty pillars. It was constructed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh. The Maharajahs used to interact with the general public in this pavilion. It was here they listened to the problems of the people.
Shila Mata Temple is another integral part of the fort. The temple is devoted to Shila Mata (Goddess Kali). Kali is the goddess of victory. Here in this temple, there ia black marble idol of goddess. This idol was brought from Jessore by Raja Man Singh. There are some beautiful carvings on the silver gates of the temple. The carvings include nine images of Goddess Durga and ten form of Goddess Saraswati. The black idol of the goddess is placed in a ‘mandap’ made of white marble. The contract of colours makes the appearance more beautiful.
Ganesh pal is the huge gateway into the Amber fort. Next to the gateway, are some beautiful gardens or Charbagh. It is based on the Mughal style of gardens. Then there are some important structures like Diwan - i - khas, Sukh Niwas, Jai Mandir and Jas Mandir. They are a combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture.
Diwan - I - Khan is the Hall of Private Audience. It is decorated with beautiful mirror work. The wonderful carvings on the wall and the ceilings make the building a rare treat for eyes. The places near the fort are also of the rich historical importance. There are many temples around the fort. Among them, the most important one is Jagatsiromani Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna. There are some fine carvings and paintings in this temple. The black stone idol of Krishna in this temple is very famous. It is believed. that it was the idol used by the saint - poetess Meera Bai for worship.
