Hidden Facts About Amber Fort – Explore Secrets

The beautiful Amber Fort took over a hundred years to complete. It’s 11 kilometers northeast of Jaipur. This place shows the deep history of Rajasthan. It’s known for its amazing work and beautiful views. Many people love this historic place.

Raja Man Singh started building the Amber Fort in the late 1500s. Rulers like Raja Jai Singh I and Sawai Jai Singh II also helped. They made the fort a sign of wealth and strength. The fort shows off the best of Jaipur’s past with a mix of Hindu and Mughal designs.

A secret of Amber Fort is the Hall of Mirrors, or Sheesh Mahal. With thousands of mirrors and colored glass, one candle lights up the whole hall. There’s also a hidden tunnel that is 2 km long. It goes all the way to Jaigarh Fort. This tunnel showed the fort’s important spot in Rajasthan.

Amber Fort holds many untold stories. From the amazing Sheesh Mahal to the Maota Lake and secret tunnels, there’s a lot to discover. Every part of the fort has seen the luxury of royal times. It’s a treasure of architecture and culture.

Key Takeaways

  • Amber Fort’s construction spanned over 100 years, beginning under Raja Man Singh.
  • The Sheesh Mahal within the fort can be illuminated by a single candle due to its mirror design.
  • The fort is located just 11 kilometers northeast of Jaipur, making it accessible to tourists.
  • A 2 km tunnel connects Amber Fort to Jaigarh Fort, highlighting its strategic role in history.
  • Amber Fort is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, with the best visiting time being weekday mornings to avoid crowds.

The Origins of Amber Fort

Amber Fort is in Amer, Rajasthan, at 26°59′09″N 75°51′03″E. It’s a key piece of Rajasthan’s royal past. Built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, it shows the area’s cultural and architectural wealth. Today, it’s an iconic Indian landmark.

Raja Man Singh and Initial Construction

Raja Man Singh, Emperor Akbar’s general, started the fort. He mixed Rajput and Mughal styles into its design. The fort’s beauty and strength come from its location above Maota Lake. This made it a marvel in Rajasthan.

Evolving Through Centuries

The fort’s story didn’t end with Raja Man Singh. His descendants, including Raja Jai Singh I and Sawai Jai Singh II, added to it. They built new parts like the Sheesh Mahal. Over 100 years, these changes made the fort even more special.

It has six sections, each with its own gate. Gates like Suraj Pol and Ganesh Pol are famous. These efforts cemented Amber Fort’s role in history and its appeal.

AttributeDescription
Coordinates26°59′09″N 75°51′03″E
Initial Construction1592 by Raja Man Singh I
DurationOver 100 years
StyleRajput and Mughal architecture
Main SectionsSix sections with distinct gates
UNESCO DesignationWorld Heritage Site (2013)
Area4 square kilometers
Location11 km from Jaipur, near NH-11C

Architectural Marvel: The Sheesh Mahal

The Amber Fort is a sign of wealth and history. The Sheesh Mahal or Palace of Mirrors is very special. It was finished in 1727, the same year Jaipur was started by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The Sheesh Mahal shines because it has more than 2 lakh mirrors. These mirrors make the place look brilliant and elegant.

Hall of Mirrors and Illumination

The Hall of Mirrors in the Sheesh Mahal is amazing. It has thousands of small mosaic mirrors. They reflect light and make the hall look magical. Just one candle can light up the whole hall. This shows the great skill of the builders.

The Magic of ‘Magic Flower’ Fresco

The Sheesh Mahal also has a ‘Magic Flower’ fresco. It’s on a pillar. The carving changes when you look at it from different sides. You can see two butterflies, a fish tail, a lotus, a hidden cobra, a lion’s tail, a scorpion, an elephant’s trunk, and a cob of corn. This artwork makes the Sheesh Mahal more mysterious and wonderful.

FeatureDetails
Year of Completion1727
Number of Mirrors UsedOver 2 lakh
Entrance FeeIndians: 10 rupees; Foreigners: 50 rupees
Timings9:30 am to 4:30 pm every day

The Hidden Tunnel to Jaigarh Fort

The network linking Amber Fort to Jaigarh Fort is a fascinating Amber Fort secret. This hidden tunnel is full of mystery and history. It was an escape route for royals during attacks.

Historical Significance

The tunnel was built with Amber Fort. It helped the Kachwaha Dynasty escape during emergencies. It connected them to Jaigarh Fort securely and secretly, thanks to Mirza Raja Jai Singh’s defense strategies in 1726. This tunnel shows the ingenuity of past architects, offering a safe way out.

Modern Exploration

Now, visitors can see part of the hidden tunnel. It stretches about 2 kilometers, but only some of it is open for tours. This section lets people feel the Amber Fort secrets. Tours often talk about its use during invasions, bringing history to life.

Enigmatic Maota Lake

Maota Lake, near the grand Amber Fort, lights up the fort’s beauty. It offers stunning views and is full of deep stories and magic.

Lingam and the Folklore

A mysterious legend about Lingam mythology is linked to Maota Lake. It’s said a hidden Lingam stone is under the lake. If this Lingam gets fully seen, Amber Fort would end. This tale adds mystery and charm to Maota Lake.

Kesar Kyari Bagh (Saffron Garden)

In Maota Lake’s heart, you’ll find Kesar Kyari Bagh. This was the queens’ lovely garden. It’s named the Saffron Garden for its beauty and fragrance. From above, its saffron beds form beautiful geometric shapes.

The splendid Amber Fort was built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. It sees 5,000 visitors each day. Since 2013, it’s been a UNESCO World Heritage site. With Maota Lake and Kesar Kyari Bagh, it offers an unforgettable journey through history. Mysteries like the Lingam keep people coming. Amber Fort is indeed a treasure that lasts.

Lesser-Known Historical Insights

Amber Fort, also called Amer Fort, is more than just beautiful. It’s in Jaipur’s hills. Raja Man Singh I started it in the 16th century. The fort mixes Rajput and Mughal designs.

An interesting fact about Amber Fort is its defense system. This includes the ‘cannonball run’ to stop enemies. ‘Sukh Niwas’ has a cooling system showing old engineering skills.

Amber Fort had areas where artists made beautiful mini paintings and stonework. It uses red sandstone and marble. This mix creates a stunning look of Hindu and Islamic styles.

The fort is near other historical places like Jaigarh Fort and Jal Mahal. It grew over 200 years. Now, there’s a sound and light show that tells its story. Jaipur became the capital in 1727, moving from Amber Fort.

The fort has four courtyards, each with a purpose. There are throne rooms and private areas. There’s also an ‘Elephant Path’ for a royal feel.

Saving Amber Fort is hard. There’s not enough money or skilled people. When you visit, your fees help fix it up.

  1. Amer Fort operates from 9 am to 5 pm daily.
  2. INR 500 per person for foreign visitors and INR 100 per person for Indian tourists.
  3. The light show fee is INR 200 per person for English and INR 100 for Hindi.
  4. The cost of an elephant ride is INR 1200 for two people.
  5. The best time to visit is between October and March.

Visiting Amber Fort shows you its beauty and supports its care. With insider info, you understand its culture, history, and design. This tells the Rajputana story.

Suraj Pol – Gateway of The Public Courtyard

The majestic Amber Fort in Rajasthan is famous. It has many grand entrances. Suraj Pol is the main gateway into the public courtyard. It shows the fort’s rich past and beautiful architecture. Suraj Pol saw many important events and welcomed everyone.

Suraj Pol Amber Fort gateway

The Army March

Suraj Pol was more than just a gate. It was where the royal army marched. Their steps showed strength and loyalty. The air would fill with music, showing the fort’s importance.

This place still holds its historic charm. Now, it draws in over 5,000 visitors daily.

Elephant Entrances

Elephants played a big part at Suraj Pol. They carried royals through this gate. Today, the fort’s elephant rides remember this.

The gate’s big design suited the elephants. It mixes Rajputana and Hindu styles, showing the fort’s beauty and Rajasthan’s history.

The Divine Connection: Naming of Amber

The Amber Fort in Jaipur is more than just beautiful. It’s a sign of sacred ties. This fort covers 4 square kilometers. It blends history from its start in 967 AD by Raja Alan Singh to 1592 by Raja Man Singh I. The stories about how it got its name are really fascinating.

Amba Mata: The Goddess of Fertility

The Amber Fort divine connection is linked to Amba Mata, the earth and fertility goddess. The Rajput rulers worshiped her, believing in her blessings. They thought the town got its name from her. This shows how spiritually important the fort is.

Alternative Theories

There are other Amber fort naming theories too. Some say the name comes from Ambikeshwar, a name for Lord Shiva. Others think it’s named after Ambarisha, a legendary ruler. These ideas give us a wider view of the fort’s name origins.

Hidden facts about Amber Fort

Amber Fort is an amazing fortress in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It has an interesting history of being built over more than 100 years. Raja Man Singh I started it in 1592. After him, other rulers like Raja Jai Singh I and Sawai Man Singh II added to it. The fort shows Hindu and Mughal styles. This mix shows the great skills and plans of its builders.

Amber Fort construction history

The 100-Year Construction Journey

Building Amber Fort was a big project of dedication and vision. It started with Raja Man Singh I and went on for over 100 years. Thanks to this, the fort became not just big but also strong. Amber Fort used to be the capital before Jaipur. It shows the rich culture and size of that time.

The Fort’s Resilient Structure

The strong design of Amber Fort is very impressive. Even though it’s centuries old, it still stands strong. The materials and design used made the fort almost unbeatable by weather or wars. The Sheesh Mahal’s mirrors and strong walls are some features that show its lasting design.

  • Amber Fort includes various palaces, temples, and gardens, enhancing its architectural diversity.
  • The fort is connected to Jaigarh Fort through a 2 km underground passage, showcasing its strategic importance.
  • Four main gates, namely Suraj Pol and Ganesh Pol, secure the entrance, adding to its defensive capabilities.
AspectDetails
Construction Timeline1592 – 1700s
Key RulersRaja Man Singh I, Raja Jai Singh I, Sawai Man Singh II
Architectural StyleBlend of Hindu and Mughal
Main AttractionsSheesh Mahal, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol
UNESCO StatusWorld Heritage Site (2013)

The Role of Amber Fort in Bollywood

The majestic Amber Fort in Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has enchanted visitors worldwide and Bollywood filmmakers. Its grand architecture and beautiful scenery make it perfect for movies. The fort was first built in 967 CE by Alan Singh. Later, Raja Man Singh expanded it in 1592. It offers a beautiful mix of history and movie magic.

Iconic Films and Scenes

Many hit movies were filmed at Amber Fort. One famous scene is from ‘Mughal-E-Azam’ in the Sheesh Mahal. This ‘Hall of Mirrors’ made the film’s dance scenes magical. ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ also used the fort’s beauty. It made the romance between Akbar and Jodhaa look royal. These movies made Amber Fort famous in Bollywood. They showed its historical beauty through amazing scenes.

Aesthetic Appeal for Filmmakers

Amber Fort is beautiful and historic. It sits on a hill by Maota Lake. Its high walls and design attract filmmakers. An underground tunnel connects it to Jaigarh Fort. This adds mystery and drama, perfect for historic films. The fort has many spots like Suraj Pol, Jaleb Chowk, and Ganesh Pol. These make film stories look even better.

Filmmakers love Amber Fort for its beauty and history. Bollywood films show its grandness. This makes the fort a symbol of India’s culture.

FAQ

What are some hidden facts about Amber Fort?

Amber Fort is in Rajasthan. It was started by Raja Man Singh in the 1600s. Rulers like Raja Jai Singh I and Sawai Jai Singh II finished it over 100 years. Inside, there’s the Sheesh Mahal, a hidden tunnel to Jaigarh Fort, and Maota Lake. This lake has the famous Kesar Kyari Bagh.

Who initiated the construction of Amber Fort?

Raja Man Singh started the Amber Fort in the 1600s. He began what would become a huge example of Rajput design.

How did Amber Fort evolve through centuries?

Over 100 years, Raja Man Singh’s family, including Raja Jai Singh I and Sawai Jai Singh II, added to the fort. Now, it’s the grand fortress we see.

What is Sheesh Mahal known for?

Sheesh Mahal is famous for its mirror tiles and colorful glasses. These cover its walls and ceiling. Just one candle can light up the whole hall.

What is the ‘Magic Flower’ fresco in Sheesh Mahal?

The ‘Magic Flower’ in Sheesh Mahal is a carving. It shows different pictures when seen from different spots. You can see two butterflies, a lotus, a hidden cobra, and more.

What is the significance of the hidden tunnel in Amber Fort?

Amber Fort has a hidden tunnel to Jaigarh Fort. It was for royal escapes during attacks. Today, people can visit part of this 2 km long tunnel.

What is the folklore associated with Maota Lake?

A story says if a stone in Maota Lake shows up, Amber will vanish. The lake also has the Kesar Kyari Bagh, a saffron garden that smells nice.

What is Kesar Kyari Bagh?

Kesar Kyari Bagh is in Maota Lake. It’s a saffron garden made for queens. You can see it from Amber Fort.

What are some lesser-known historical insights about Amber Fort?

Amber Fort has lots of interesting history. This includes stories, traditions, and smart building ideas from the Rajputana rulers.

Why is Suraj Pol significant in Amber Fort?

Suraj Pol is the main gate to Amber Fort. The royal army used it for parades for their king. It was made big enough for elephants, used in royal walks.

What is the divine connection to the naming of Amber Fort?

“Amber” might come from Amba Mata, a goddess. She was important to the Rajput rulers. Some think it’s from Ambikeshwar or a ruler named Ambarisha.

Who contributed to the construction of Amber Fort over a century?

Raja Man Singh I started the Amber Fort in 1592. Then, rulers like Raja Jai Singh I added to it. After a century, it was a masterpiece.

What makes Amber Fort a resilient structure?

Amber Fort is still strong today. This is because of great design and materials.

How has Amber Fort been featured in Bollywood films?

Amber Fort is in movies like ‘Mughal-E-Azam.’ Its beauty keeps pulling in movie makers. It’s a star in Indian cinema.

Why is Amber Fort a favorite for filmmakers?

The fort’s old beauty and love stories attract movie shootings. It offers a real look at India’s rich history and luxury.

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