| As
one enters the palace area,
Diwan-I-Aam, a fort pillared
beautiful pavilion made of marble
and red sandstone can be seen. This
pavilion was built by Mirza Raja Jai
Singh and is notable for intricate
carvings on the pillars. To the
south of Diwan-I-Aam is an imposing
gateway. The Ganesh Pole, which has
a beautiful carved statue of Lord
Ganesha. On top of the gate is Suhag
Mandir, the windows of this chamber
has marble grills, from where the
ladies of the royal family used to
watch the proceedings at
diwan-I-Aam. The
Diwan-I-Khas or hall of the Private
Audience is decorated with beautiful
mirror work and has intricate
carvings on the walls and ceilings.
It also has miniature murals made of
the colored glasses depicting Radha
and Krishna, which resembles the
stained glass windows of European
cathedrals. The Sukh Niwas or the
Hall of Pleasure, is located
opposite to the Diwan-I-Khas. The
air-conditioning effect created by
the cool breeze blowing across the
channels of waters is the special
feature of this hall. Adjacent t the
Sukh Niwas is the Jai Mandir or the
Hall of Victory, which displays a
fine blend of Hindu-Muslim
architecture at its best. Its houses
the famous Sheesh Mahal or the Hall
of Mirrors, which is totally
encrusted with small mirrors. When a
candle is lit here with closed doors
and windows it seem as if stars are
twinkling in the sky. Above the
Sheesh Mahal is the Jas Mandir or
the Hall of Glory, has a beautiful
Jali work of the alabaster windows
from where scenic view of Maota Lake
and Kesar Kyari can be enjoyed.
Behind the palaces there are well
maintained gardens, where lies the
Zenana or women apartments.
Man Singh's dozen queens lived here
and each of them had a separate
suite. These suites are beautifully
decorated with murals of Radha and
Krishna. There are private chambers
of the queens with windows having
latticed screen through which the
ladies could watch the proceedings
of the royal court in private. From
the back of the courtyard, there is
a path leading to the old Amber
town. Standing nearby are the
chhatris dedicated to the rulers of
Amber. The Archaeological Museum is
also located nearby.
Opening time
:
Daily 9am to 4.30pm;
Admission
:
Rs50 (extra Rs100 to take a camera) |