Amber Fort 2768750 224741648 2008-07-10T05:52:23Z KenWalker 1004223 add coordinates (are they correct?) [[Image:R38567157430_Amber_Fort_overlooking_Maotha_lake.JPG|thumb|right|Amber Fort as viewed from its front across Maotha lake]] [[Image:Amber Fort, Jaipur, c1858.jpg|right|thumb|Amber Fort, [[Jaipur]], c. 1858]] [[Image:Amber-fort.jpg|thumb|Amber Fort]] '''Amber Fort''' ([[Hindi]]: अमेर किला, also known as '''Amer Fort''') is located in [[Amber, India|Amber]], 11 km from [[Jaipur]], [[Rajasthan]] [[States and territories of India|state]], [[India]]. It was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted to present day Jaipur. Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim ([[Mughal]]) elements, and its ornate and breathtaking artistic mastery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaipurhub.com/tourist_attractions/amber_fort.html|title=Amber Fort - Jaipur|accessdate=2008-05-20}}</ref> The fort borders the Maota Lake, and is a major tourist attraction in [[Rajasthan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/destinations/jaipur/jaipursightseeing-amber.htm|title=Amber}}</ref> == Origins == Amber was originally built by the [[Meenas]] in the town they consecrated to Amba, the Mother Goddess, whom they knew as `Gatta Rani' or `Queen of the Pass' [ Tod.II.282 ]. Built over the remnants of an earlier structure, the palace complex which stands today was commenced under the reign of [[Raja Man Singh]], Commander in Chief of [[Akbar]]’s army and a member of the Emperor's inner circle of [[Nine courtiers of king Akbar|nine courtiers]], in [[1592]]. The initial structure of the fort was entirely completed by his descendant, Jai Singh I.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaipurhub.com/tourist_attractions/amber_fort.html|title=Amber Fort - Jaipur}}</ref> Amber was modified by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the [[Kachwahas]] shifted their capital to [[Jaipur]] during the time of Sawai [[Jai Singh II]]. == Structure == [[Image:Amber Fort interior.jpg|thumb|right|An interior view of a room in the palace covered in thousands of tiny mirrors.]] The structure which is known today as "Amber Fort" was initially a palace complex within the original fort of Amber that is today known as [[Jaigarh Fort]]. Connected to Amber via fortified passages, Jaigarh Fort is located on a hill above the Amber complex, and is constructed of red sandstone and white marble. It overlooks Maotha Lake, and was reputed to be the treasure vault of the Kacchwaha rulers. Like the entire fort complex, Amber Fort is also constructed of white and red sandstone. The Fort is unique in that its outside, an imposing and rugged defensive structure, is markedly different from its inside, an ornate, lavish interior influenced by both Hindu and Muslim ([[Mughal]]) styles of ornamentation. The walls of the interior of the fort are covered with murals, frescoes, and paintings depicting various scenes from daily life. Other walls are covered with intricate carvings, mosaic, and minute mirror work.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaipurhub.com/tourist_attractions/amber_fort.html|title=Amber Fort|accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> Amber Fort is divided into four sections. Each is accessible via large staircases from a central location, or from a broad pathway leading to each of the sections. The pathways are currently used to transport tourists via an elephant ride. The main entrance of Amber Fort, Surajpol, leads to the Jaleb chowk, the main courtyard of the Fort where the staircase to the palace is located. In ancient times, Jaleb Chowk was the area where returning armies were paraded back home. [[Image:marblecrve.jpg|thumb]] Just prior to the palace entrance is a narrow staircase leading to the [[Kali]] Temple, also known as the Shila Devi Temple, made popular for its enormous silver lions. The origins and purpose of these large lions is still unknown. The Kali Temple is known for its silver doors with raised reliefs. According to legends, Maharaja Man Singh I had worshiped [[Kali]] for a victory over the rulers of Bengal. The legend says that [[Kali]] appeared in the Maharaja's dream and ordered him to recover her statue from the Jessore seabed (now in Bangladesh) and place it in an appropriate temple. The accuracy of the legend has not been verified. However, it is said that the Maharaja recovered the statute from the bed of the sea and created the temple. A tourist curiosity is an image of [[Ganesha]] at the temple entrance, carved entirely from a single piece of [[coral]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/destinations/jaipur/jaipursightseeing-amber1_1.htm|title=Jaipur Sightseeing|accessdate=2008-01-15}}</ref> == Tourism and tourist attractions== Today, tourists can ride up to the fort from the base of the hill on [[elephant]]s. On the ride, one can see the skyline of Jaipur, Maotha lake, and the original city walls. The fort can be toured with a guide or on one's own. One of the most striking parts of the fort is the Hall of Mirrors. Tour guides tell visitors that when the palace was occupied by royalty, the hall could be lit at night by a single candle because of all the tiny, intricate mirrors.<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:fort amber 1.jpg|thumb]] --> ==References== {{reflist}} ==Further Reading== *{{cite book|author=Crump, Vivien; Toh, Irene|title= Rajasthan|location=New York|publisher=Everyman Guides|origdate=1996|format = hardback| id = ISBN 1-85715-887-3| pages = 400}} *{{cite book|author=Michell, George, Martinelli, Antonio| title=The Palaces of Rajasthan| origdate = 2005| publisher=Frances Lincoln| location=London| id = ISBN 978-0711225053| pages = 271 pages}} *{{cite book| last = Tillotson | first = G.H.R| title = The Rajput Palaces - The Development of an Architectural Style| origdate = 1987| format = Hardback| edition = First| publisher = Yale University Press| location = New Haven and London| language = English| id = ISBN 03000 37384| pages = 224 pages}} ==External links== {{commons|Category:Amber Fort|Amber Fort}} *[http://ianandwendy.com/slideshow/OtherTrips/India/Jaipur/Amber%20Fort Pictures of the Amber Fort] from a backpackers trip in 2006. * [http://www.tourismtravelindia.com/rajasthanportal/touristattractions/amberfort.html Website for Amber Fort in Rajasthan] * {{wikitravel}} {{Forts in India}} [[Category:Princely Jaipur]] [[Category:Forts in Rajasthan]] [[Category:Royal residences in India]] [[Category:Palaces in Rajasthan]] [[es:Fuerte Amber]] [[ja:アンベール城]] {{coord|26.98585761258532|N|75.85066080093384|E|display=title|type:landmark_region:IN|display=title}}