The Amber Fort - Fort of Jaipur

Amber derives its name from Ambikashwar, a title of shiva or from Ambarisha. The oldest inscription found here dates back from 954 A.D. The place was once under the hold of the Mina tribe from whom it was wrested by the Kachhawaha Rajputs in the 11th century.

Location and Architecture

Amber fort is surrounded by chaotic masses of hills of various heights. The adjoining hilly terrain is full of forest and provides ample opportunity of defense. The ascent to the fort leads to the first gate thrown across this way.

After crossing the second gate the way is bifurcated, one leading upward on the right side with a slight ascent. The other goes direct to the small fortified castle called Jaigarh. At some distance from the bifurcation of the path , there stands a gate through which the ascending path leads to jaigarh.

Attractions and Places of Interest

On one bastion of this fort called ‘Deewa Burj’ a high tower stands which was previously used as search light house, indicating location of the Fort.

The Entrance to the great courtyard on the lower terrace of the palace is through an imposing archway. Both sides are covered with the bases of Palaces and barracks. The royal Palace on the left extremity of the enclosure is approached by a long flight of steps through a double gate-way, called Singh Pol, which opens in to Court of Diwan-i-Am. The kali temple is situated behind this pol. The silver plate studded doors of the temple built of white marble is an admirable piece of great beauty.

The Diwan-I-Am, Hall of Audience constructed by Mirza Raja Jaisingh is open from three sides. It has a double line of grey marble and sand stone pillers supporting a vaulted roof. The pillers with its exquisite carving of elephant and fresco paintings are said to have kindled jealousy of Jahangir and ultimately the painting was covered with plaster. The system of inter-columninations of this hall containing 48 columns is a fine admixture of indo-Muslim architecture.

The Ganesh pol built by Mirza RAja Jaisingh in 1639 A.D. is covered with paintings in tempera and covered with mosaics and temper. The royal apartment is decorated with paintings on colored glass pieces.

The Jai Mander, Sheesh Mahal and Jas Mandir have exquisite and delicate decorations in mosaics and marbles alabaster panels inlaid with decorative motifs and have in-lay work of glass. Sohag Mandir has marble screen while Sukh Mandir has doors inlaid with ivory and sandal-wood. The palaces of Raja Man are a fine specimens of ancient system of constructing the building, its walls glancing with bright and subdued colors.

Near the Fort, there lies a group of temples among which the Jagat Siromani temple is noted for its exquisite carving and architecture. A museum, garden and Maota Lake below the fort are other pieces of interest at Amber Fort.

One thing you would definitely notice about Amber Fort is the elephant ride up the fort which is considered the major tourist attraction. Also the elephant festival in the month of march is held at the fort and near by locations which is another great time to visit this fort.

This fort is famous all around the world and to be frank I have been there almost 15 times or more. The main reason behind that is, everytime someone comes from outside, I have to take him to fort and that is why I have a lot of idea about history. Thats it for now, we would continue with our series, so keep yourself updated.

The Fort of Jaipur - Nahargarh Fort

Jaipur is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills which are crowned with forts and fortification strengthening the defense of city.

The grand and imposing fort of Nahargarh stands perching a precipitous hill to the north west of the city. It was constructed by Sawai Jai Singh in1734 A.D to provide a line of defense against enemy attack.

Location and Architecture

The eminence of the hill on which Nahargarh is situated is by no means small. This fort crowns the highest surrounding peak which commands a panoramic view of the city. The density of the forest which is an unfailing accompaniment of mountainous region is conspicuous by absence here.

A Jeepable circuitous ascent leads to the fort. It takes half an hour to reach the first gate. The pierced battlements and towers, add to the solidity and defense accompanying by a 10 feet broad wall walk along the walls. Trees of various kinds provide a pleasant relief from the drabness of the rocks and sooth the eye with its all pervading greenness.

On entering ,the main portion of the forts starts on the right side one narrow way presumably built for carrying guns to the rampart leads to bastions of this side. Below the high embattled rampart lies the depth of the terrain engulfed with the density of the forest and presents a charming view.

Attractions and Places of Interest

Sudarshan temple , Silahkhana and barracks for soldiers and a tank have been constructed here. Slightly descending from here a stone pavement leads to the palaces of the fort. The peculiarity of the nine palaces named Suraj Prakash, Khushal Prakash, Jawahar Prakash , Lalit Prakash , Laxmi Prakash , Anand Prakash , Chand Prakash , Ratan Prakash , and Vasant Prakash  lies in their uniformity, and sublimity of construction.These palaces are connected with one another through a narrow passage on the upper side.

The hawa mandir , drawing room of Madhosingh , the place of armory are other places of interest. The fort was held mysterios and had numerous talks to its credit. the treasure of the rulers was kept here and even the highest official of the state was not allowed to go to the dort without being blind – folded.

There is a famous tank kept on the top of the Nahargarh which is said to be of the famous south Indian ruler Tipu Sultan. There is also a small art and historic gallery which exhibits the swords, clothes and other accessories of the kingdom reign. Jaipur’s Nahargarh Fort is counted as one of the major tourist attractions of the Pink City.

This is all we have for Nahargarh, though there is a secret I personally wish to share. I visited Nahargarh around 3 months back, and just around the bushes, I had a glimse of a leopard. Do you think, I am joking, you can ask the hundreds of villagers who stay besides and how they are terrified because of these beasts.

As usual, I again promise to return tommorrow with something that enlightens you about my state – the desert state of rajasthan.