Amer – The Pride of Rajputana : Part 2

As I am writing this post for Ghumakkar, I mesmerize my trip to Rajasthan on the rainy season & still now feel the monsoon breeze is blowing in a sizzling style on the path of Amer and the dark clouds have gathered to warn us not to go the top view of the fort. I can still hear the roll of a distant thunder and can virtually smell the rain from my room. I always love adventure & when I found a rainy day in Rajasthan I was so happy that I could see the rain in a desert area.

Started raining

Started raining

The Most Precious Gem of Jaipur : Amer Fort & Palace

Complete view of Amer fort

Complete view of Amer fort

Entering Amer Fort

Entering Amer Fort

When we talk about the Jaipur then it is not possible that we could ignore the Fort. The fort is an ideal example of Rajput passion for grandeur and their patriotism. Amer fort. It is most beautiful fort and the pride of Rajputana. Amer fort is also spelled, known and pronounced as Amber Fort. It is located in Amer, 11 km from Jaipur. One of the major tourist attractions, Situated amidst the rugged Aravalli range of hills. The fort is remarkable for its majestic grandeur, surroundings, battles and beautiful palaces and halls. Fort is known for its Indian Artistic Style, blending Hindu and Rajputs elements. We astonished by intricate carving on the walls and ceilings. This fort is provide the feeling of Jodhabai or Hadka Bai the one & only Rajput wife of Akbar.

Entrance gate of Amer Fort - the view

Entrance gate of Amer Fort – the view

A few hours at the Amber Fort will leave you with some treasured memories.  For me, it was the revised chapter of History, about the king, their roundness & the fort covering my thoughts, and the thought of the fort with changing life as the centuries passed.  I also thought over and over again of the hundreds of architects, artists who devoted their talents to the Fort and I thought how proud they must have been when they witnessed their finished creation.

‘Diwaan-e-Aam’ and ‘Diwaan-e-Khaas’
Diwan-e-Aam’ or the ‘Hall of Public Audience’ is a beautiful hall stands on two rows of ornamented pillars and opens on three sides. It is said that king used to listen about needs and complaints of General public. ‘Diwan e-Khaas’ or the ‘Hall of Private Audience’ has delicate mosaic work in glass. In this hall, king used to meet special guests from other states, ministers, and his friends.

Diwan-e-aam @ Amer fort

Diwan-e-aam @ Amer fort

‘Sukh Niwaas’ (Sukh Mandir)
Sukh Niwaas, which is opposite to ‘Diwaan-e-Khaas’ having doors made of sandal wood and ivory. There is a channel running through the hall, which carried cool water that worked as an air cooler, with the aid of breeze. In this artistic hall cool climate was artificially created. It is said that the kings used to spend time in this Sukh Niwaas with their queens and sometimes with their mistresses that is why it is known as the residence of pleasure.

Mughal & Hindu creativity at Amer Palace

Mughal & Hindu creativity at Amer Palace

Creation - Mirror mural

Creation – Mirror mural

‘Sheesh Mahal’
The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) is the most famous and beautiful part of Amber Fort. You must remember the song of the famous bollywood Classic Film ‘Mughal-E-Azam’ i.e. “pyaar kiya toh darna kya, was shot in Sheesh Mahal. The Walls and ceiling of this hall is carved with beautiful paintings and flowers and that too made with pure glass.

8.sheesh-mahal at Amer Palace

Sheesh Mahal, Amer Palace

Stairway - at Amer fort

Stairway – at Amer fort

Secret Tunnel From Amer to Jai Garh Fort.

Secret Tunnel From Amer to Jai Garh Fort

‘Mughal Garden’ or ‘Kesar Kyaari’

Kesar Kyaari is the another beautiful part of Amber fort, right before Amber Fort, in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This garden has star-shaped flower beds.

Mughal garden at Amer palace

Mughal garden at Amer palace

The Pride of Rajputana Victory: Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh fort

Jaigarh fort

Jaigarh fort

Jaigarh fort

In the imposing city of Jaipur, Jaigarh touches the acme when it comes to spectacular and mesmerizing forts. It is situated about 15 kilometers  from Jaipur. The Jaigarh fort is connected to the Amber Fort by well guarded passages and is often considered as one Complex by many.

Aaram Mandir, Jaigarh fort

Aaram Mandir, Jaigarh fort

Kings' dining complex - Jaigarh fort

Kings’ dining complex – Jaigarh fort

Queens' dining complex - Jaigarh fort

Queens’ dining complex – Jaigarh fort

Jaigarh Fort had a major role to play in the defense or battle mechanism of Jaipur. Highlight is the visit to the world’s largest cannon on wheels named JaiBhan Cannon.

World's largest Cannon - Jaiban, Jaigarh Fort

World’s largest Cannon – Jaiban, Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort’s rain water harvesting system is a great work of engineering. 3 massive water tanks collect water from strategically located canals in the hills.

Incredible “Indo-European” Structural Design – Nahargarh Fort:

View from Nahargarh Fort

View from Nahargarh Fort

The incredible Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur was mainly used as recoil for royal family women. Referred as the Madhavendra Bhawan, the zenana was particularly constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singhji. If truth be told, the ladies quarters (known as Zenana deorhi) at the Nahargarh Fort were established to make an impression among the regal women.

Diwan-E-Aam, Nahargarh Fort

Diwan-E-Aam, Nahargarh Fort

Main courtyard of Madhavendra Palace, Nahargarh Fort - which connects nine halls

Main courtyard of Madhavendra Palace, Nahargarh Fort – which connects nine halls

Nahargarh fort

Nahargarh fort

Subhat Niwas, Jaigarh Fort

Subhat Niwas, Jaigarh Fort

Zenana palace, Nahargarh Fort

Zenana palace, Nahargarh Fort

The trendy song Masti Ki paathshala from the blockbuster movie Rang De Basanti was picturised in this fort. Some scenes of 2013 hit movie Shuddh Desi Romance were also shot here.

The 'Rang De Basanti' spot at Nahargarh Fort

The ‘Rang De Basanti’ spot at Nahargarh Fort

My Amer journey finished within two days but the time of return my mind captured only few words :-

“I wanna run, I want to hide
I want to tear down the walls that hold me inside
I want to reach out and touch the flame
Where the streets have no name”

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