• The Amber palace complex is a magnificent example of Rajput architecture, located in a
valley surrounded by hills of Aravallis.
• Much of the present day complex was built by Raja Man Singh in 1600 AD with additions
by Raja Jai Singh I and Sawai Jai Singh II till the first quarter of 18th century.
• The site for the palace complex was strategically chosen for security purposes. At the
base of the complex, lies Maotha Lake, fed by surrounding catchment area, providing
beautiful view from the palace complex.
• This lake acted as a natural defense for palace, as well provided water to the palace and
also served as a recreation place for the princes.
• Maotha Lake is also adorned with royal gardens, Dilaram bagh and Ram bagh on its
edges, a stepped garden, Kesar Kyari (Mohan Bari) in the middle and Pariyon ka Bagh to
the south.
• Like many traditional medieval towns of India, Amber grew in an organic pattern, with
winding streets, courtyard houses, temples and stepped wells.
• There was a sense of radial organization in the town, with palace serving as the focal
point and town roads radiating from it. Due to the shift in capital to Jaipur, parts of
Amber town were deserted and many historic buildings are in ruins today.
Architecture influence & History
• The construction of Amber Fort was started in 1592.
• It was modified on regular intervals by several rulers and the trend continued up
until late 1600.
• The fort was mostly constructed using red sandstone and white marble.
• Though basically a fort, it also served as the main residence of the Rajput
Maharajas.
• Hence, in its subsequent modifications, the fort was deliberately made to look
more like a lavish palace.
• There is also another palace, which was constructed before the construction of
Amber fort.
• The older palace rests on a valley behind the fort. This palace is one of the oldest
in India.
• contribution to the architecture of Amber, Man Singh adopted Bengali
architectural features in his constructions in Amber fort.
• Mirza Raja Jai Singh I (1622 -1677), grandson of Man Singh I, continued the
political alliance with Mughals and made great contributions to the financial and
cultural wealth of Kachhawa kingdom.
• construction revived in his era and additions to the palace of Amber, Diwan-e-
am, Ganeshpol, Sukhmandir, Suhagmandir, Sheesh Mahal, Hamam and gardens
were done during his times.
• the architecture and the landscape developed during Mirza Jai Singh's times
were strongly influenced by the Islamic art and architecture of the Mughals.
• Jai Singh adopted the Char Bagh plan in the design of palace gardens, as a symbol
of his political alliance with the Mughal rulers.
• The mural and painting tradition also flourished in hisera with Islamic influences
evident in the intricately paintedmurals of ‘ Bhojan Shala' of Amber.
• These forts are the evidences of Rajput art and love of fortification and represent
their chivalry and valor.
• Rajputs were Hindu rulers who had excellent knowledge of ancient building
methods, which was reflected in their architecture and landscape design.
• Rajputs rulers observed the early Hindu principles of fort building, described in
the medieval treatises Shilpa Shastras, to create a defensive architecture utilizing
natural features of the site.
• Most of the forts we see today in Rajasthan were built after the 11th century.
These forts were not only used for defense purposes but also “displayed the pride
and honor, wealth and prosperity, grandeur and gaiety of the Maharajas.”
Architecture
• The architectural style of the fort is a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.
• GANESH POL: One of the best examples of this style within the fort is the Ganesh Pol.
Mirza Raja Jai Singh, who ruled the place from 1621 to 1627, was instrumental in building the
Ganesh Pol. The gate is embellished with mosaics, which makes it look colorful and grand.
• JAI MANDIR & SHEESH MAHAL: Among the main attractions of the fort are Jai Mandir and
Sheesh Mahal. While the Sheesh Mahal has walls inlaid with exquisite mirrors,
the Jai Mandir, hanging on the upper floor, is a superb blend of Mughal and Rajput style of
architecture.This is evident from the elegantly carved Jali screens and stucco work.
Jal Mandir has a huge opening which is covered with sandalwood doors. A special feature of
this structure is the flow of water through the building, making the entire hall air-conditioned.
Sheesh Mahal too, has a special feature. Back then, the entire edifice would glow even at the
light of a few candles, such was the architectural brilliance of this specially designed structure.
The mirrors used in this palace are convex in nature. It was built during the reign of King Man
Singh in the late 1600s.
• MAGIC FLOWER: Other major architectural attractions of the fort include the
magic flower, palace of Man Singh and the garden. While the magic flower
depicts two hovering butterflies, the palace is known for its pavilion.
• CHAR BAGH: The garden resembles the Char Bagh or the famous Mughal
Garden. Also, there is a pool which is star-shaped at the center of the garden.
• COURTYARD: Another interesting architectural design of the fort is the fourth
courtyard. Since the kings had to visit their queens and mistresses in secret, the
courtyard demanded a special design. It was built in such a way that no one could
guess which room the king would enter as the courtyard, with multiple rooms,
had a common corridor.
• The walls of Amber fort are adorned with paintings of hunting and war along with
precious stones and mirrors set into the plaster.
• The Maota Lake at the forefront of the fort gives spectacular and beautiful
reflections of the magnificent Amber Fort-Palace.
