Page 370 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

368  WESTERN INDIA

2 Amber Fort

The fort palace of Amber was the Kachhawaha
citadel until 1727, when their capital moved to Jaipur.
Successive rulers continued to come here on important
occasions to seek the blessings of the family deity, Shila
Devi. The citadel was established in 1592 by Man Singh I
on the remains of an old 11th-century fort, but the various
buildings added by Jai Singh I (r.1621–67) are what
constitute its magnificent centrepiece.

Detail of decorative work at the
Amber Fort

. Sheesh Mahal
The flame of a single candle,
reflected in the tiny mirrors
embedded in this chamber,
transforms it into a starlit sky.

1

Jas Mandir
This Hall of Private Audience has
latticed windows, a floral ceiling
of elegant alabaster relief work
and glass inlay. A marble screen
here overlooks the Maota Lake
and allows in cool air.

Amber Fort
Protected by
Jaigarh Fort, the KEY
massive ramparts
of Amber Fort 1 Jai Mandir
follow the
contours of a 2 Aram Bagh, the pleasure garden.
natural ridge. 3 Sukh Niwas
4 Diwan-i-Aam
5 Sattais Katcheri

For hotels and restaurants in this region see p699 and pp712–13

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