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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 1592 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.
All the means of survival & luxuries for the royal families and the
people who were concerned with the functioning of this small kingdom
of the Kachhawas were well provided. The Rajputs who had apparently
won a small structure passed on by Meena tribes, later on renovated
it into the grand Amber Fort. Holding a history so old as 7
centuries, this place vibrates with its legendry past, in the
archaeological history. Although many of the early structures have
been literally ruined but at the same time, those dating from the
16th century on are remarkably preserved by sincere efforts.
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