Built by Maharaja Man Singh in the 16th century, this imposing fort
sprawls on the rugged hillside. The construction of the fort started by Raja
Man Singh took two centuries to complete. It was continued by his descendant
Mirza Raja Jai Singh and later the finishing touch was given by Sawai Jai
Singh. Today, it stands as a testament reflecting the glory of the fierce
Kachwaha Dynasty that ruled over this region from 12th to the 18th century.
The Amer or Amber fort is built in red sandstone and white marble. The old
township of Amber, lying on the foothills of the palace, is reminiscent of
the charms of the age gone by. The splendid interiors of the fort are
replete with painted scenes of hunting and wars, and the walls are inlaid
with precious stones and mirrors.
The Fort: A Close Up
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Rising above the waters of the Maotha Lake, the fort stands as one
of the best preserved medieval bastions. With gardens, temples, pavilions
and courtyards, the inside presents an incredible view. The wide expanses of
the first courtyard of the fort is dominated by two buildings- the pillared
red sandstone Diwan-e-Aam (the Hall of Public Audience) and the superbly
painted double-storied Ganesh Pol gate. Beyond these lie an array of
pillared corridors, encircling a typical Mughal `charbagh' garden, flanked
on one side by Sukh Niwas and on the other by Jas Mandir, an intricate blend
of Rajput and Mughal architecture. It is characterized by delicate mirror
work, stucco, paint and carving. The Sheesh Mahal is undoubtedly the
cynosure of all eyes inside the fort. Patterned mosaics, colored glass and
mirror decorations are the crowning features of this palace of awesome
beauty. Cascading fountains and waterways, gardens and courtyards spread out
across the rest of the fort.
