Constructed
by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Raja Sawai Jai Singh I the
fort is a fantastic blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture at its best.
Made in red sandstone and white marble the fort provides the spectator a
magnificent sight. The fort of Amber was the citadel of the Kacchwaha
clan the house with which the great Mughal Emperor Akbar forged a
marriage alliance. The fort built by the brother-in-law of Akbar, Man
Singh I gives one a look of toughness from the exterior while from
inside the fort which was also the living place of the royalty is
adorned by beautiful paintings and intricate carvings with precious
stones and mirror settings on the walls. The main gateway of the fort is
Surajpol from where one can make an entry to the main courtyard of the
fort called Jaleb Chowk. The fort complex has four sections. At the entrance of the fort one finds the Mughal style Dil-e-Araam garden, to the right of which is the Shila Mata Temple the Kali Goddess temple. It's a beautiful temple with a huge silver door with raised relief and large silver lions. In the second courtyard of the fort is situated the Diwaan-i-Aam (the hall of public audience) consisting of elephant headed two rowed columns. Further behind the Ganesh Pol (Ganesh Gate) are the residential quarters of the Maharaja. The fort also has the beautiful Jai Mandir or the Hall of Victory which boasts of inlaid panels and a huge mirror ceiling. Next to these is the Sukh Niwas or the Pleasurable Residence for the Maharaja which was cooled by a host of water channels. This residence complex has a beautiful ivory inlaid sandalwood door. The last and the fourth section of the fort are the zenana (women) quarters which served as a residence for the women of the royal house.