Jaipur, anyway, is a city of palaces and forts and therefore there is always
a probability that a palace might be overlooked because of profusion of
palaces.
Not with Amber Palace, as the palace in Jaipur is a real classic because it
is an excellent example of fusion of the Mughal and Hindu architecture. It
took about two centuries to complete the construction of this structure,
built in red sandstone and white marble.
Location
It is situated in Amber which is about 11 km from Jaipur on the Jaipur
Delhi highway.
About the Palace
Amber was once the capital for the Kachhwaha Rajputs and now is primarily
known for its share of monuments. That was the time when the Kachhwahas rose
in the hierarchy of power under the Mughals. That's exactly the reason why
it has been built in the style of the Mughals complete with the grandeur and
opulence of the Mughal rulers of India.
Its construction was started by Raja Man
Singh I, the army commander of the Mughal emperor Akbar. However, the
construction was completed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh.
Intricate Interiors
The
royal apartments are situated inside the huge Amber Fort complex complete
with gateways, staircases, halls, gardens, pavilions, temples and palaces
etc. There are double row of columns with elephant head brackets in the
Diwan-e-Aam. If architecture is what you are interested in then you must see
Diwan-e-Khas, the Sheesh Mahal and Jai Mandir with meticulously subtle
mirror work, Diwan-e-Aam, Sukh Niwas among other attractions.
You can enter the place through the traditional and completely Mughal
Dil-e-Aaram garden. An enormous flight of stairs leads you to the
Diwan-e-Aam (hall of public audience) which has intricately latticed
galleries. Then there are steps that take you to the right to a temple of
Kali. Maharaja Man Singh was a great devotee of Kali who used to worship the
Goddess before every battle. The temple has enormous doors made of silver.
The idol of Goddess Kali instated in the temple made of white marble was
brought by Raja Man Singh from Jessore in East Bengal (Bangladesh).
Ganesh Pol and Suhag Mandir
The Ganesh Pol is a towering gateway situated to the south of the
Diwan-e-Aam (hall of public audience). The gateway is painted with vivid
vegetable colours and also has a carved statue of the Lord Ganesha. There is
a Suhaag Mandir on top of the gateway. This temple was used by the queen of
that time to watch the proceedings of Diwan-e-Aam from the marbles adorned
with latticework. The steps that start at the Ganesh Pol lead you to
Charbagh,a Mughal styled garden.
Other attractions in Jaipur
» Hawa Mahal
» City Palace
» Jantar Mantar
» Jaigarh Fort
» Nahargarh Fort
