Amber (Amer) is situated about 11 kilometers from
Jaipur. It was once the citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber,
before the capital was shifted in the plains to present day Jaipur. The
Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of
Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man and completed by
Sawai Jai Singh I, the fort is made in red sand stone and white marble.
The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful
fusion of art and architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-
palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts
expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror
settings. In the foreground is the Maota Lake, providing a breathtaking
look.
All the means of survival and luxuries for the royal families and the
people who were concerned with the functioning of this small kingdom of
the Kachhawas were well provided. The Rajputs who had apparently won a
small structure passed on by Meena tribes, later on renovated it into
the grand Amber Fort. Holding a history as old as 7 centuries, this
place vibrates with its legendry past, in the archaeological history.
Although many of the early structures have been literally ruined but at
the same time, those dating from the 16th century on are remarkably
preserved by sincere efforts
The fort has 4 sections, each with the premises, and one has to climb
up through the imposing stairway or else the broad aisle, where one can
ride on the elephant back for royal feel. The Surajpol (main gate),
leads to the Jaleb chowk, (the main courtyard from where one can walk up
the stairway), which leads to the palace. Jaleb Chowk was also the area
where returning armies were welcome and they would display their war
earnings to the population at large.






