Amer Fort /Amber fort is an excellent example of how Jaipur’s history is not limited to deeds of bravery by its kings and troops, but also includes patronage of building and science, as evidenced by the creation of this magnificent fort and the entire city.
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Amber Fort Jaipur Entry Fee
- 25 per person for Indians
- 10 per person for Indian Students
- 550 per person for Foreign Tourists
- 100 per person for Foreign Students
- 200 per person for Light Show in English
- 100 per person for Light Show in English
- 1100 per couple for Elephant Ride
Amber Fort Jaipur Phone
Amber Fort Jaipur Timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Wedesday | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Friday | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm |
Light Show Timings – English – 7:30 pm, Hindi – 8:00 pm
Elephant Ride Timings – 7:30 am to 12:30 pm
Amber Fort Jaipur Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302001, India
Jaipur, Rajasthan capital, is the epicentre of many tales of valour, bravery, and Rajputana honour. A stroll through the streets of Jaipur reveals a side of the city that many people overlook as they focus on the modern residences and schools that serve as the city’s foundation.
The one who is fundamentally opposed to all others. The city of Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is named after him. The Amber Fort, one of Jaipur’s most beautiful buildings and a major tourist destination, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the category of “Hillforts of Rajasthan” in 2013.
Jaipur was India’s first planned city, according to history. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh used traditional Rajputana architectural styles for the city’s building. Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, the Bengali chief architect, was in charge of ensuring that the city’s plan was based on Shilpa Shastra principles, which were also followed during the construction of Amber Fort. Sandstone, which is abundant in the state, was used to construct the most notable structures.
The Amer Fort, located on a hill near Jaipur, is one of India’s most spectacular palaces. This towering building, also known as the Amber Fort, is an architectural marvel with maze-like halls and serpentine staircases. It is noteworthy in Indian history. Amer Fort, located 11 kilometers from Jaipur, is made of pink and yellow sandstone and is part of a larger complex. Amer Fort, built in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh I, one of Akbar’s most loyal generals, served as the Rajput rulers’ principal home.
The Amer Fort overlooks the Maotha Lake in the town of Amer, which used to be the capital of the old Jaipur princely state, with its huge ramparts, many doorways, and paved roads. The fort is large enough that exploring it thoroughly would take at least two to three hours, and you can also use the audio guides to walk you around this interesting structure while discussing its history. An elephant ride up the Amber Fort’s stairwell is also a famous tourist attraction. The fort receives approximately 5,000 tourists every day, and the Amer Fort was appropriately placed into the UNESCO World Heritage Site list as part of the “Hill Forts of Rajasthan” along with five other forts.
Images of Amer Fort Jaipur, Rajasthan
About Amber Fort
Amber Fort, commonly known as Amer Fort, is one of the most popular tourist spots in Rajasthan, not just in Jaipur. The forts of Amer and Jaigarh are considered one construction, and a subterranean conduit connects them. The passage is thought to have been utilised to flee during times of conflict or enemy invasions. It is situated on the Aravalli hills’ Cheel Ka Teela. Raja Man Singh I, one of Emperor Akbar’s Navratnas, erected the fort. Later, the successive rulers started on expansions.The fort built in red sandstone and marble, with its towering ramparts, multiple gates, cobbled walks, and excellent vista, is a spectacle to observe and walk through with its amazing architecture that combines Mughal and Hindu elements. From the fort, the Maota Lake is breathtaking.
The Amber Fort, also known as Amer Fort, lies around eleven kilometres north of Jaipur along the NH-8. The fort was built atop the Kalikho hills, which are part of the Aravalli mountains. The fort was strategically located between the Aravalli hills and the Maotha and Sagar lakes. Several spots along NH-8 provide a beautiful view of the fort, which is mirrored in the Maotha Lake at the same time.
The fort was built by the Kachhwaha rulers in the 16th century, but only after they had demolished the older fortifications built by the Meena tribe. The following are the fort’s main attractions: 1 ) Diwan-e-Am; 2) Diwan-e-Khas; 3)Ganesh Pol; 4)Jaleb Chowk; 5)Singh Pol; 6)Jai Mandir; 7)Yash Mandir; 8)Sukh Mandir; 9)Sheesh Mahal; 10)Yash Mandir; 11)Sukh Mandir; 12)Sheesh Mahal 13)Suhag Mandir 14)Sila Devi Temple 15)Bhool Bhulaiya and 16)Zanana Dyodhi.
History of Amber Fort
Before the Kachwahas, Amer City was a small town founded by a small tribe known as the ‘Meenas.’ The Amer fort is named after Ambikeshwar, another name for Lord Shiva; however, the locals say the name comes from Amba, another name for Goddess Durga. The city was once known as Dhundar and was ruled by the Kachhawahas from the 11th to the 16th centuries, when the capital was eventually relocated to Jaipur.
Raja Man Singh began construction on the fort in 1592 AD, and his successors continued to expand and renovate it for the next 150 years. The older palace, known as the ‘Kadimi Mahal,’ is considered the country’s oldest palace. Raja Man Singh also commissioned a tiny temple dedicated to his patron Goddess, ‘Sheela Mata.’ The Amer Fort stayed strong against all odds, despite the destruction of several old structures and the construction of new ones.
In 1558, Raja Bharmal and Raja Man Singh I started building on the Amer fort. After the constant efforts of three kings over the course of two centuries, the fort was ultimately finished in 1727 by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II. In contrast to the older establishment of Jaigarh Fort, Amer Fort was selected as the royal family’s new abode.
Due to the same tunnel that runs between the Amer and Jaigarh forts, they are frequently regarded as an one entity. In times of conflict, the royal family and their company would retire to the Jaigarh fort. The Kadimi Mahal, or “ancient palace,” was another name for the Jaigarh fort.
Amber was formerly known as Dhundar and served as the Meena clan’s capital. In the 1600s, the Kachhwaha kings took it from the Meenas and began construction on the Amer fort. So far, several learning for the name “Amber” have been proposed.
According to legend, it was named after Lord Shiva’s title, Ambikeshwar, whose symbolic representation, the linga, was installed in a lake at the Amber’s heart. The name was named in honor of Goddess Ambavati, according to Jain texts from the 16th and 17th centuries. According to another legend, the name Amba was taken from Amba, the universal mother.
Although there is no monument proving that the Kachwaha and Meena fought and the village fell under Kachwaha dominion, popular legend claims that Dhola Rae, the adopted nephew of Raja Alan Singh, the then ruler of Amber, murdered the Meena clan on Diwali.
The Kachwaha clan is thought to be descended from Lord Ram’s second son, Kush. Raja Nal, whose son, Raja Sora Singh, was killed in a conflict, was one of his descendants. A Brahmin discovered his widow collecting wild berries and predicted a great future after seeing the baby. She then fled to the kingdom of Khogong, which is today known as Amber, which was led by Raja Alan Singh.
He raised her as his sister and Dhola Rae, the youngster, as his nephew. Dhola Rae was sent to Delhi at the age of 14 to study about politics. When he returned, he brought his own army of Kachwahas with him to take the Amber throne. The Meenas were required to lay down their weapons as part of a ritual known as Pitra Tarpan, and taking advantage of this opportunity, they were attacked, and the settlement of Amber fell under the control of the Kachwaha rulers.
Architecture of Amer Fort
The architecture of Amer Fort is influenced by traditional Hindu and Rajputana styles. It is made of marble and red sandstone, giving it a rustic and mysterious appearance. Intricate paintings depict historical hunting traditions, as well as portraits of important Rajput monarchs. Amer Fort is divided into four portions, each with its own courtyard and entrance. The ‘Suraj Pol’ or Sun Gate, which leads to the main courtyard, is the fort’s main entrance.
This east-facing gate was given its name because of its position in relation to the rising sun. The imposing stairways lead to the royal complex and the spectacular ‘Jaleb Chowk’ courtyard, while the steps to the right lead to Siladevi Temple.Back in the day, the army used Jaleb Chowk to display their war spoils, and women were only allowed to view the proceedings through the windows.
The fort was first established in 967 AD by Raja Man Singh I of the Meena dynasty, but nearly all of the Meena-made structures were dismantled before new construction began in the 16th century. The fort was built out of red sandstone and white marble, and it combines Hindu and Mughal characteristics.
The wall engravings, which include Mughal flower themes as well as representations of Lord Krishna’s life and a depiction from the Ramayana, appear to be another example of this fusion. There are four levels to the fort, each with its own courtyard. The fort’s basic layout is as follows:
The second floor of the Amer Fort is the Diwan-e-Aam (Public Audience Hall). It’s a big space with three sides open. It is supported by two pillars with mounted elephants and features extensive mosaic glasswork. The royal quarters are located in the third courtyard of the Amer Fort. The Ganesh Pol is the only way to get to this level. The ‘Sheesh Mahal,’ which is located near the entrance gate, is the most stunning attraction in the entire complex. Beautiful flower sculptures and glass paintings adorn the walls and ceilings. The Sheesh Mahal creates lovely illusions, and you may here people remarking that if two candles were lit inside the hall, the ceilings would appear to be a thousand brilliant stars.
The ‘Sukh Mahal,’ made of sandalwood and ivory, is located directly across from the Sheesh Mahal. It has a number of channels with cold water running through them. The ‘Magic Flower,’ a mural carved out of marble and an exquisite carving of Lord Ganesha out of a single piece of coral, is another highlight of the Amer Fort. The oldest component of the structure, including the principal palace occupied by Man Singh I, is located south of this courtyard. The main palace’s exit goes straight to the city of Amer. The Amer Fort’s final level was designed specifically for Royal women. It has a courtyard with numerous rooms surrounding it. There is also a hall called the Jas Mandir that was once utilised for a private audience.
First Courtyard
Because of its location, the sun gate, also known as the Suraj Pol, was given that name. The doorway faces east, so it gets to see the sunrise every morning. The Jaleb Chowk is reached by entering from the Suraj Pol. After the war, rulers and soldiers marched through here with their procession.
Under the command of Fauj Baksh, the army commander, the soldiers celebrated their triumphs in this courtyard. Jharokhas, or women’s windows, provided a glimpse of the festivities.
The Sila Devi shrine is located to the right of the Jaleb Chowk. The temple features beautiful marble sculptures and a silver-covered double door entrance. The monarch of Jessore, Bengal, handed the statue inside the shrine to Raja Man Singh following their defeat in 1604.
On the eighth day of Navratri, animals were sacrificed in front of the temple as a ceremonial, but this practise was subsequently outlawed. Only the royal women were allowed to pray at the Suhag Mandir, which was located above the entryway.
Second Courtyard
The Diwan-e-Am and the Diwan-e-Khas, i.e. the House of the Commons and the House of the Officials, were located in the second courtyard, which was reached via a stairway from the first courtyard. On an elevated platform, there were 27 evenly divided columns, each with an elephant-shaped design at the top.
The rulers listened to and addressed the problems of the common people in the Diwan-e-Am, whereas the Diwan-e-Khas was reserved for official state policy matters only, and concerns about taxes, revenue, security, and other issues were discussed here with a small group of ministers from the concerned subjects. The Jai Mandir, perched atop Diwan-e-Khas, was adorned with floral glass tiles, a nod to the Mughal influence.
Third Courtyard
The royal family’s and their attendants’ residences are seen when one enters from the Ganesh Pol. Mosaic and etched sculptures decorate the walls. Raja Man Singh II built the famed Sheesh Mahal in this courtyard in 1727. Here, victories and celebrations were commemorated.
Sheesh Mahal’s walls were coated with concave mirrors, allowing only a few candles to illuminate the entire palace. The Sukh Mahal, which had a sandalwood door, stood opposite Sheesh Mahal. Because of the channels installed along the walls, the building was mostly air-conditioned.
The Maotha Lake provided water to these pipes on a regular basis. An engraving of the Magic Flower can be found above the gate. However, it could only be seen when the panel had been partially hidden.
The palace of Raja Man Singh I, which is the oldest edifice in the court, is also located in the third courtyard. It took nearly 25 years to complete and was finished in 1599. This palace had a direct egress that led to the village of Amer.
Fourth Courtyard
The Zanana Dyodhi can be seen when you enter the fort through the Tripolia gate, which is located in the western part of the fort. This sector is set apart from the rest of the fort by purpose. The queens, their mothers, and their attendants lived in Zanana Dyodhi. This construction was built in an unusual fashion.
The king could not be seen entering the Zanana Dyodhi, and if he stayed with one of his queens, no one else would know. Because of its structure, this was possible. Zanana Dyodhi’s corridor was lengthy, with smaller halls going to the queens’ various chambers.
The fort possessed a unique blend of Hindu components from the Shilpa Shastra and Mughal influence, as previously described. This was evidenced by the fact that, while the Ganesh Pol featured rich and detailed paintings, the Sheesh Mahal was an adaption of Mughal architectural features such as jharokhas and jalis all inlaid with mirrors, the garden of Man Singh’s palace resembling the Chahar Bagh, and so on. These were also used as a symbol of a political union on occasion.
Landscape Intelligence of Amber Fort
The placement of forts, palaces, temples, gardens, and other structures in relation to lakes, ponds, rivers, and step-wells exemplifies the Rajput monarchs’ architectural genius, power, knowledge, grandeur, and defence technology. The defensive character for which the “Garh” was erected is reflected in the structure of the Amer Fort.
The fort was constructed using Shilpa Shastra principles. Among the six fort structures described, Amer fort follows the criteria of the Giri Durg or hill fort, which is regarded the most powerful of them all. Further classification goes to Prather Giri Durg, which is essentially a fortress on the plain of the hill crest. This can be asserted due to the fort’s attention to the following specifications:
Ditch -A broad trench has been built around the lake to defend it from direct enemy attack. The Maotha lake and the Sagar lake in Amer Fort served a dual role, not only providing water for the fort’s residents, but also preventing the enemy from penetrating the fort beyond a certain point.
Fortified walls – In general, a wide space was built within the fortified perimeter of the Garh that functioned as a retreat for the fort’s people during times of conflict. The Jaigarh fort served as a retreat since it was connected to the Amer fort via a secret route.
The topography around the fort was useful not only for defensive and offensive purposes during wartime, but also as a retreat for members of the royal family. They were able to find a place to relax while they took in the picturesque views of the landscape from designated areas such as jharokhas, jalis, chhatri, and terraces.
Hydrology at Amer Fort
The architect of the Amer fort ensured that the occupants of the Garh encountered no such problem at a time when the collection and storage of water was a major source of concern due to the lack of many of the technology that we have today.
Maotha was a man-made lake intended to serve as a water reservoir. Through specifically built channels, water was gathered in the lake from the neighbouring hills. Water was lifted from the lake and sent to the fort in three stages:
- Through clay pipes, water was transported from the lake to a large tank at the fort’s base. The tanks allowed for desilting and oxygenation of the water.
- Pulleys were used to lift the water to the upper tanks, where it was then pumped into smaller tanks.
- The water was hoisted with the help of a Persian wheel and a set of pottery buckets.
Through clay pipes, water was transported from the lake to a large tank at the fort’s base. The tanks allowed for desilting and oxygenation of the water. Pulleys were used to lift the water to the upper tanks, where it was then pumped into smaller tanks.The water was hoisted with the help of a Persian wheel and a set of pottery buckets.
The water was pumped into a massive tank, which was then hoisted using a pulley. The water was then permitted to flow through a network of canals with a gradual but undulating slope that allowed the sand to settle while yet allowing the water to flow quickly.
The Current Position
The Kachhwaha kings eventually abandoned Amber when Raja Sawai Jai Singh II proposed relocating the capital from Amber to Jaipur in 1727. The capital was moved because Jaipur was regarded to be strategically better positioned, allowing the kings to keep an eye on their kingdom’s borders while also making an attack on them more difficult.
Amber, on the other hand, was not fully abandoned. The existence of a commerce route connecting Gujarat kept the city alive, and in some respects, it also served to keep the Amber Fort alive, which avoided the fate of many other abandoned forts over time.
Jaipur was one of the few kingdoms that was never directly ruled by the British. Although the royal family remains in Jaipur, the Amber fort has been fully opened to the public for all tourism purposes. The Amber Fort makes a significant contribution to Amber’s tourism economy. It accounts for a third of all tourist revenue. Approximately forty crore rupees has been spent on its rehabilitation so far, according to estimates.
Despite the fact that movies had previously been made in the fort, the Rajasthan High Court denounced the filming of movies and went on to limit such acts after significant damage was caused to the monument during the filming of a Bollywood film. Amber Fort is now one of Rajasthan’s most popular tourist destinations, and it was included to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2013.
Amber Fort’s history, as well as its architectural designs, engravings, technological features, and cultural representations, reveal more about the royal Rajputs than we are currently aware of. Yes, it mentions the Rajputs’ valour, courage, passion, and pride, but it isn’t limited to that.
It also discusses their architectural skill and understanding, as well as their political affiliations with the Mughals and the consequences of these alliances. Their architecture reflected the defence measures they employed. The history also reflects the interactions between the many Rajput clans and dynasties.
Traveler Tips
- The Amber Fort, one of Jaipur’s most popular sites, is always crowded. And if you want to avoid the crowds, go during the week.
- It is a large complex, and the only way to appreciate and feel its beauty is to stroll around it. As a result, put on comfy shoes and apparel.
- Bring water bottles, sunglasses, and hats or caps with you.
- Within the premises, there are restrooms and a café.
Tourism at Amer Fort
Amber Fort is today one of Jaipur’s most popular tourist attractions. You can choose between a day and a night tour. While the splendour of the day trip can be enjoyed through elephant rides that begin at the bottom of the hill and lead all the way up to the fort, the night tour has its own brilliance.
As the sun passes, the yellow bulbs, aided by the moonlight, come to Amber fort’s rescue. Even though the cost of a night tour is higher than that of a day tour, the allure of a night tour is unmatched. What appears to be an abandoned palace during the day is restored to its former glory at night.
The excursions can be accompanied by a guide who will show you throughout the palace and explain the history of the fort, including precise information about the carvings and engravings on the walls. You can drive up to the bottom of the hill and either walk up to the fort or ride an elephant up to the fort for a regal experience.
Sound & Light Show at Amber Fort
Attending the light and sound show is another fun activity to do during the night tours. You move away from the fort and take a seat at a spot that is just far enough away from it to offer you a complete view of it.
The light and sound performance begins with local folklore, legends, and myths and gradually progresses to the fort’s history. It reads the kings’ chronicles as well as the sagas of the battles fought. Assimilate the Rajputana’s magnificence and the princely lifestyles they led.
Interesting Facts and Trivia About Amber Fort
- UNESCO has designated Amber Fort as a World Heritage Site.
- The fort and town are named after Goddess Ambe, the Meena dynasty’s chief divinity.
- It is a location that every Indian and art enthusiast should visit because it is rich with artistic marvels, such as paintings, carvings, and architecture.
- The Amber Fort Palace is divided into four storeys, each with its own courtyard.
- The primary complexes within the fort are Diwan-i-Aam, a public hall, Diwan-i-Khas, a private audience hall, the magnificent Sheesh Mahal or Mirror Palace, Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas, a structure that had natural air cooling due to the wind blowing across a water area built within. It’s unmistakably a sign of the era’s ingenuity and intelligence!
- It was mostly utilised for royal family residences, as contrast to Jaigarh Fort, which was primarily used for defence and armoury reasons.
- The’magic flower’ carving on a marble panel on a pillar in the Sheesh Mahal is a renowned tourist attraction. A lotus, lion’s tail, scorpion, hooded cobra, fish tail, cob or corn, and elephant trunk are among the seven magnificent motifs carved on it. To see each design, you’ll need to partially cover the panel with your hands. Really, it’s a work of art!
- The Sheesh Mahal, which is covered in mirror mosaics and colourful panes, is one of the primary attractions in Amer Fort. Even if only a single candle is lit, its reflections in the Sheesh Mahal’s hundreds of mirrors give it the appearance of a thousand stars. It’s a visual treat!
Location Map for Amber Fort Jaipur
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