#EPISODE: 3-1
AMBER FORT
The Amber Fort is one of the main attraction in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Also, located in Aravalli hills that is 11 km from Jaipur. Amber was the capital city until Maharaja Jai Singh ॥ shifted it to Jaipur.
The King Raja Man Singh built and ruled this fort in the late 16th century. It is made of beautiful red sandstone and white marble. And the fort is based on Rajput and Mughal architecture.
The palace has 4 main sections with its own gate and courtyard. They are:
- Jaleb Chowk
- Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas
- Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Mahal
- Zenana
1st SECTION:
The first gate is the “SURAJ POL” (sun gate). This gate is the entrance gate of the Fort. The “Sun” indicates that they belong to “Sun Dynasty”. As soon as we enter the fort, we can see the “SILA DEVI TEMPLE”, a temple for Goddess Kaali, which has the beautiful silver doors with the statues of the goddess. It is believed that the king built this temple when he won the battle after receiving the Goddess Kaali’s blessings in his dreams.
Suraj Pol leads to the first courtyard, “JALEB CHOWK”. It is the main courtyard, where they welcomed the King’s army, after their arrival from the borders.
Amber Fort is one the well-planned forts in India, among many. The long and strong compound walls shielded the borders.
2nd SECTION:
The next section is called “Diwan-i-Aam” that refers to the “Hall of Public Audience”. Here is where the king conducts darbars. In other words, the King meets his state people, listens to their problem and solves them.
The next comes the “Diwan-i-Khas” or the “Hall of Private Audience”. It is the hall where the king meets his army general and other officials to take some important decision and strategies about war, etc.
3rd SECTION:
The next section consists of a gate called “Ganesh Pol”. As the Rajput Kings are Hindus, this gate indicates the God Ganesh.
“JAI MANDIR” is also called as “Hall of Victory”, where the Royal Queens welcome the King with Scented water and flowers after they won the battle. In addition, this section also consists of “SUKH MAHAL” also called “Hall of Pleasure”, where the Royal King takes rest. This is the place where the climate is artificially cool down by flowing the water through open pipes that lead to the garden.
This section consists of an interesting place called “SHEESH MAHAL” is also called the “MIRROR PALACE”, where the walls and the ceilings are beautifully built and embossed with mirrors, even more, stunning during nights with the oil lamps.
4TH SECTION:
The fourth section consists of “ZENANA”, a residence of Royal Women. Also called “QUEEN QUARTERS”, where no men are allowed except the King. The King had many wives and a secret path to each of their room. The King visit any of his particular queen using the secret pathway, and other queens will stay unaware of it.
MAOTA LAKE:
The main water source to this fort is Maota Lake. In addition, the saffron garden is located in the middle of the lake and it looks a Persian carpet floating in the water.
If you missed my earlier post on the exploration of Jaipur click – episode 3!
In case, if you are looking for episode 1 & episode 2 !!
Stay tuned for the upcoming episodes!!
You can also allow Push message that asks your Permission when You read the blog for the first time.
It also notify you via push message when new posts is up!
For those who like to stay updated of my next new posts, please leave your email Id and click the “SUBSCRIBE” button in the “Sign up for newsletters” column which you can see at the end of any posts. (subscribe me once! You will stay updated)
You will get notifications, when my new posts is up!
Thank you!
Very informative!!!….Btr than our history books
Haha! Thanks!!