Forts & Palaces in Jaipur
Amber Fort
Amber
(pronounced Amer) is situated about 11 kilometres from Jaipur and was the ancient
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 Singh I in 1952 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. Built mainly for the warring
enemies as a safe place, the heavily structured walls could defend the residents
within the ramparts of the fort.
Jaigarh Fort
The
Jaigarh fort is the most spectacular of the three-hilltop forts that overlook
Jaipur. In Mughal times, the Jaipur region was a major weapon-producing centre
for the Mughal and Rajput rulers, several of which are on display in the fort's
museum. It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved
almost intact, containing palaces, a granary, a well-planned cannon foundry,
several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban (Jaivan)
which is the largest cannon in the world.
Jaigarh Fort is also known as the fort of victory. The display includes a collection
of canons, many of which are exquisitely decorated and were used in the Mughal
campaigns led by the Rajput King, Raja Man Singh. Of the Jaipur's three forts,
Jaigarh is perhaps the most motivating. It does not have those delicate structures
or palaces like that of Amber but if you want a quick look at a hard-core fortress,
this is it.
Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh
Fort is located on the sheer rugged ridge of Aravali Hills and it forms an impressive
northern backdrop of Jaipur. It looks most classy when floodlit at night. The
fort overlooks the city and presents a glittering view of the city lights. It
was built in 1734 and extended in 1868. Nahargarh meaning abode of the tigers
was built by Jai Singh to bolster the defence of Amber. The legend also have
it that it was named Nahargarh after Nahar Singh a prince whose spirit would
destroy the construction and not allow its progress further. So after a tantrik
prayer to the spirit it agreed to leave on condition that the fort is named
after him.
The Madhavendra Bhawan, built by Sawai Ram Singh II has uniquely a cluster of
12 identical suits for queens and at the head is a suit for the king himself.
The rooms are linked by corridors and retain some delicate frescos as well as
toilets and kitchen hearths. It was used by members of the royal family for
excursion in summers and is now even a favoured picnic spot. Durg Cafeteria
just above the entrance sells meals and refreshments, while Padao Restaurant
on the west sells drinks around sunset.
City Palace
Located
in the heart of the walled city, The City Palace Complex gives you an idea about
the farsightedness of the founder of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind
a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture, art and
craft structure in the city. Sawai Jai Singh built its many buildings but some
of some of the structures were also built by later rulers and some of them are
even dated in the in the twentieth century too. The palace is a blend of Mughal
and Rajasthani architecture and the royal family still lives in a part of the
palace.
On entering the complex and before the palace proper lies the Mubarak Mahal,
the palace of welcome or reception. Sawai Madho Singh built the palace in the
nineteenth century. It was used as a reception centre for the visiting personage.
The building now forms the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and on display
here are a wide array of royal costumes, some very exquisite and precious Pashmina
(Kashmiri) Shawls, Benaras silk saris, Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery.
An unusual display is that of voluminous clothes worn by Maharaja Sawai Madho
Singh I (ruled 1750-68).
Jaipur Travel –› Forts
& Palaces in Jaipur –› Museums
in Jaipur –› How to Reach Jaipur
Golden Triangle, Rajasthan & North India Tours
