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| Unesco WHS.Amar fort, Rajasthan,dreamstime.com |
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| Amer Fort, Rajasthan en.wikipedia.org |
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| Amer Ganesah Gate historicaltimeofindia.blogspot.com |
Above images: Amer Fort Rajasthan. top. Ganesh Gate entrance to the palace. Latticed marble windows for women to watch events. bottom. another view...........
Indian rulers through out history used to build huge, self contained and strong forts to safeguard their kingdoms and their treasures from the invading armies; around
such forts also developed townships in the olden days. This stereo type pattern can be noticed in man Indian cities such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Pune, Kolkata
and Mumbai. The Agra Fort and the Red Fort are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The
oldest surviving fort in India is the Qila Mubarak at Bathinda which is believed to have been built in 100 AD during the Kushan empire. The Kangra Fort in
Kangra, it is believed, was built by the Katoch dynasty whose members survive even to after the battle of Kurukshetra.
The Northern states such as Rajasthan and adjacent states, several centuries ago, were quite vulnerable to attacks from other rulers. The attacks from the Muslim rulers from North West and Delhi were quite formidable. Hence, these regions ruled by various local rulers had built strong and safe palaces within the forts with strong, tall walls and giant sturdy gates.
Medieval Delhi had begun to grow around Chandni Chowk, the township adjoining the Red Fort, whereas Kolkata city came about Fort William built by the British East India company in 1828 for their mercantile trading activities in East Indian region. Many small towns ranging from Jhansi to Chandragiri began to grow around forts. Satara was so named because of the seven forts that surround the Satara city. The famous Madras (now Chennai) city developed around Fort St. George built by the British in 1644 Madras, The construction of the fort gave a fillip to further settlements and trading activity, in what was originally an uninhabited land on the coastal area. Thus the modern city of Chennai city evolved around the fortress. The fort currently houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and other official buildings.
Among the forts of Rajasthan, Amer Fort is a remarkable one and it is not only an old fort, but also an artistically designed old fortified structure. The fort made of red sandstone and marble, is located in Amer, a town on a high hill, covering an area of 4 square kilometers (1.5 sq mi) about 11 km from Jaipur city. The famous fort is known for its opulence, artistic Hindu architecture style, with large ramparts and series of gates, cobbled paths and beautiful intricate, artistic works in marble. In 2013, this fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan by The World Heritage Committee in is 37th session held in Cambodia. This tourist place attracts more than 5000 people a day.
The Northern states such as Rajasthan and adjacent states, several centuries ago, were quite vulnerable to attacks from other rulers. The attacks from the Muslim rulers from North West and Delhi were quite formidable. Hence, these regions ruled by various local rulers had built strong and safe palaces within the forts with strong, tall walls and giant sturdy gates.
Medieval Delhi had begun to grow around Chandni Chowk, the township adjoining the Red Fort, whereas Kolkata city came about Fort William built by the British East India company in 1828 for their mercantile trading activities in East Indian region. Many small towns ranging from Jhansi to Chandragiri began to grow around forts. Satara was so named because of the seven forts that surround the Satara city. The famous Madras (now Chennai) city developed around Fort St. George built by the British in 1644 Madras, The construction of the fort gave a fillip to further settlements and trading activity, in what was originally an uninhabited land on the coastal area. Thus the modern city of Chennai city evolved around the fortress. The fort currently houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and other official buildings.
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| Amer Fort, Rajasthan. www.mapsofindia.com |
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| Amer Fort Rajasthan. pinterest.com |
The Palace has four main sections each with an independent entry gate and a courtyard. The "Hall of Public Audience", - Diwan-e-Aam, Hall of Private audience - the Diwan-e-Khas, the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas are some of the places in the fort worth mentioning.
The main entry is through what is called the Suraj Pole (Sun Gate) which takes one to Jaleb Chowk ( Arabic words) , the first main courtyard. This place was meant for conducting victory parades after successful battle trips which were also witnessed by the Royal family's women folk through the latticed windows. This gate, facing the sunrise hence (the name "Sun Gate"). happened to to be main entry gate so it was provided with guards. Royal cavalcades and dignitaries used to enter the palace through this gate. It was built during the reign of Sawai Jai Singh (1693–1743 AD).
Suhag Mandir:
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| Amer fort. Ganesh Gate. en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: Embossed double leaf silver door entry in to the Sila Devi temple near the Ganesh Gate.......
A
majestic stairway from Jaleb Chowk leads into the main palace grounds.
Here, at the entrance to the right of the stairway steps is the Sila
Devi (incarnation of goddess Kali or Durga) temple where the Rajput Maharajas used to worship, right from
Maharaja Mansingh in the 16th century until the present day. The animal
ritual of animal-buffalo sacrifice that had been in practice was prohibited after 1980s. Raja Mansingh got the goddess' idol when he defeated the ruler of of Jessore (now in Bangala Desh) in 1604.
Ganesh Pol, or the Ganesh Gate, named after Lord Ganesha), is the main entrance into the private palaces of the Maharajas. It is a three-level structure with many frescoes that was also built on the orders of the Mirza Raja Jai Singh (1621–1627). The Suhag Mandir lies above the gate from where women folks of the royal family used to watch functions held in the Diwan-i-Am through latticed windows
Ganesh Pol, or the Ganesh Gate, named after Lord Ganesha), is the main entrance into the private palaces of the Maharajas. It is a three-level structure with many frescoes that was also built on the orders of the Mirza Raja Jai Singh (1621–1627). The Suhag Mandir lies above the gate from where women folks of the royal family used to watch functions held in the Diwan-i-Am through latticed windows
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| Amer Fort, Rajasthan .Latticed marble windows- Ganesh gate. en.wikipedia.org |
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| 27 offices within Amer Fort. |
The third courtyard has the private quarters of the Maharaja, his family and attendants . This courtyard is entered through the Ganesh Pol or Ganesh Gate, which is embellished with stunning mosaics and amazing sculptures. The courtyard has two buildings facing each , separated by a beautiful garden laid on the model of the Mogul gardens. The building on the left side of the entrance gate is called the Jai Mandir, which is artistically embellished with glass inlaid panels and multi-mirrored ceilings. The convex shaped mirrors with colored foil enhance the glittering candle lights when they are lit. Also known as Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace, it was built by king Man Singh in 16th century and completed in 1727. In Sheesh Mahal, some places show deterioration and the government is serious about restoration work to be carried out in places that need immediate attention.
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| view of Amer fort from the highway and Maota Lake. en.wikipedia,org |
One can get a panoramic view of the Maota Lake whose waters supply the cool, soothing wind across the palace. The Sukh Niwas or Sukh Mahal or Hall of Pleasure is yet another place that can not miss our attention . The entrance to the hall has beautifully carved sandalwood door with marble inlay work with perforations. To keep the building in cool condition a piped water supply system is in place. The cool water flows through an open channel that runs through this building, keeping the environs cool and comfortable, as if in an air-conditioned building. The water from this channel flows ultimately into the garden.
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| Amer Fort, Sheesh Mahal Rajasthan , Mirrored ceiling en.wikipedia.org |
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| Amer Fort, Rajasthan,Sheesh Mahal- Mirror palace.en.wikipedia.org |
Tit Bits:
01. Amer Fort is built in such a way that cool temperature prevails over it artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. There is a a subterranean passage which is supposedly an escape route in times of emergency for the ruler and his family members, connecting Amer palace, with Jaigarh Fort which is located immediately above on the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) of the Aravalli range of hills.These two are part of the fort complex.
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| Amer Fort, Rajasthan. UG escape tunnel connecting Jaigarh Fort. en.wikipedia.org |
02. Amber, or Amer, it is believed, derives its name from the Ambikeshwar Temple, built atop the Cheel ka Teela hill. According to other version the the name refers to Amba, the Mother Goddess, the protector of the world.
03. On the day of India's independence, the flag of independent India was first unfurled from the ramparts of the Red Fort by Jawahar Lal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India on the morning of 15 August, 1947. Like wise on the Independence day the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu will unfurl the national flag at Ft. St George in Chennai built by the British East India company in 1844. This tradition has been in vogue since India won the freedom from the British in 1947.
Ref:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amer_Fort
Michell, George, Martinelli, Antonio (2005). The Palaces of Rajasthan. London: Frances Lincoln. p. 271 pages. ISBN 978-0-7112-2505-3.
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