Glorious AMER Fort

Amber or AMER fort, is one of the famous fort of Jaipur, which is located on Aravalli range of Hills known as Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) along with an another glorious fort Jaigarh fort. AMER fort was built by Raja Man Singh I. This fort is built in Hindu Style as having series of gates, large rampats, etc. 

This fort also has the 'Shila Devi' Temple and the 'Ganesh Pol' or ‘Ganesh Gate’ which is a gate that leads to the private palaces of the kings. The Amer Fort has many courtyard and halls of great interest and attractions. This fort is also famous for Elephant rides.

History

Amer was earlier known as ‘Dhundar’ and was ruled by the Kachhwahas from the 11th to the 16th century, and then they moved their capital to Jaipur. Raja Man Singh built this fort in 1592 AD and Raja Jai Sigh I expanded and renovated it later.

Architecture of fort
The structure has four different parts, each with a separate entrance. 

The main entry to the fort is through the 'Suraj Pol' or Sun Gate which opens up into the main courtyard ‘Jaleb Chowk’. This gate was provided with guards as it was the main entry into the palace. It is faced in eastern direction towards the rising Sun. The 'Sila Devi' Temple, a goddess of the Chaitanya cult which was given to Raja Man Singh when he had defeated the Raja of Jessore, Bengal in 1604. is right at the entrance to the main palace grounds.

The second courtyard is famous for its 'Diwan-i-Aam' (Public Audience Hall), here king held audience to hear and receive petitions from the public.

The Third courtyard entrance is through ‘Ganesh Pol’ or Ganesh gate. In this courtyard private quarters of the Maharaja, his family and attendants were built. There are 'Sheesh Mahal' and the 'Sukh Mahal' also in this courtyard. A very famous attraction here is the Magic Flower, which is carved out of marble.

The fourth courtyard is where the ‘Zenana’ (Royal family women and their mistresses) lived. This courtyard has many living rooms where the queens resided. Jas Mandir, a hall of private audience with floral glass inlays and alabaster relief work is also located in this courtyard.