Amer Fort, located amidst the Aravalli hills, about 11 kilometers away from the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is a wonderful example of the historical heritage of Rajasthan. Made of yellow and pink sandstone and marble, this fort is famous throughout the world for its grandeur, carved palaces, huge doors and beautiful Sheesh Mahal. Amer Fort is one of the most prominent attractions for tourists visiting Jaipur.
History of Amer Fort
Amer was known as the capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs for a long time. Construction of major parts of the present fort began in the late 16th century during the reign of Raja Man Singh I. Later Raja Jai Singh I and other rulers added many new buildings and structures to it. Raja Man Singh was among the major generals of the Mughal emperor Akbar. For this reason, a beautiful mixture of Rajput and Mughal styles is visible in the architecture of Amer.
Amer Fort is built around several large courtyards and palaces. As soon as you enter the fort, huge gates like Suraj Pol and Chand Pol are visible. Once inside, the different courtyards bring out the grandeur of the palace complex. Diwan-e-Aam was the place where the king used to meet the common people and courtiers. Whereas in Diwan-e-Khas, meetings were held with important officials and special guests.
The most famous structures of Amer Fort include Sheesh Mahal. Its walls and ceiling are beautifully decorated with small mirrors. These mirrors shine when the light falls on them and the entire room looks very attractive. The architecture of Sheesh Mahal is considered to be the best example of workmanship and craftsmanship of that time.
Ganesh Pol of the fort is also a special attraction for tourists. This is a very beautiful gateway leading to the royal complex. The colorful decorations and carvings on it reflect the fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.
Shila Devi Temple is also located in the premises of Amer Fort. This temple has special significance in the religious traditions of the Kachwaha royal family. Many historical and religious beliefs to the temple are still prevalent among the local people.
The biggest feature of Amer Fort is its architecture. Here the influence of Mughal architecture along with Rajput style is clearly visible. The massive walls, strong bastions, carved pillars, palaces, courtyards and decorative gates reflect the richness of the architecture of that period. The fort is built on a hill and the Aravalli hills surrounding it make it very beautiful naturally.
Amer Fort is not just a historical building but an important symbol of the Rajput history, culture and architectural tradition of Rajasthan. The forts and monuments of Amer, Jaipur were made part of the “Hill Forts of Rajasthan” group included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013. Today Amer Fort is a major tourist destination for tourists coming from India and abroad. Wandering between its huge walls, tourists can get a glimpse of Rajasthan's royal past, Rajput-Mughal architecture and centuries-old art.
