Amber Fort Jaipur

Amber, was the capital of the Kachhawaha’s for over six centuries before the birth of Jaipur. It is believed that the town was originally named ‘Ambikishwara’ the name of Lord Shiva. This name later got abridged to ‘Ambiner’ and further on to ‘Amber’. Some trace the origin of the name to ‘Amba Mata’, the goddess of earth and fertility whose temple is located in the fort.

The mighty for stands atop a range of craggy hills about 11 km. from Jaipur city, on the Jaipur-Delhi highway. The serene Maota Lake at the base of the hill adds to the beauty of the fort. Amidst the lake is Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari (saffron bed), a small garden with formal geometric design. Another garden around the lake is Dala Rak ka Bagh, which was built by Mirza Raja Jai Sing. This garden also has a museum, which exhibits cultural objects to the fort. The massive gateway leads toi an open courtyard known Jaleb (front portion) Chowk. To the south of Jaleb Chowk are the royal palaces set on a high plinth, which can be reached through Singh Pol or Lion Gate, adjacent to the Singh Pol is the famous Shila Mata Temple.

Originally the palaces of Amber were built by Raja Bihar Mal or Bharmal in 1558 and his successor Raja Man Singh. Several other structures were added to the fort by their descendents, but all the these lie in ruins today. While those dating from the 16 the century, when Jai Singh I built this magnificent fort palaces are quite well preserved. He embellished the palace with an elegant court life, garden around, music dance, light laughter of ladies and made it a wonderful place to live. Amber fort as it exists now is the handiwork of three Kachhawahas rulers Man Singh, Jai Singh I and Jai Singh II.