Amber Palace, Jaipur

Amber Palace is an architectural marvel that earned its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2013 for its embodiment of Rajput military hill architecture. Known interchangeably as Amber Fort, Amer Palace, and Amer Fort, the origin of its name is shrouded in differing opinions, with some attributing it to the Ambikeshwar Temple and others to Amba, the world's protector.

Commissioned by Raja Man Singh in 1592, the palace served as the royal residence until Jai Singh II relocated the capital to Jaipur, necessitating the construction of the City Palace. Intriguingly, the Amber Palace is linked underground to Jaigarh Fort, providing a covert escape route for the royal family during wartime. Accessible through the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate), this structure showcases Rajput architecture with subtle influences of Mughal design.

Constructed predominantly from red sandstone and marble, the opulent palace spans four levels, each boasting a courtyard. Notable features include the Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas, where artificial cooling is achieved through cascading water.

Adding to its allure, the palace houses a temple dedicated to Shila Devi near Ganesh Gate, a homage bestowed upon Raja Man Singh after his victory over the Raja of Jessore in 1604. With its rich history and architectural grandeur, the Amer Palace stands as a testament to the regal heritage of the Rajput Maharajas. Perched atop the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) within the Aravalli range, it shares a symbiotic relationship with Jaigarh Fort, linked by a clandestine passage.

Divided into six distinct sections, each with its own entrance gate and courtyard, the palace's primary ingress, Suraj Pol, welcomes visitors into the first main courtyard. Historically, this space hosted victorious army parades, observed by the royal women through latticed windows. Guarded and facing east towards the rising sun, Suraj Pol served as the principal entryway for royal processions and dignitaries, embodying the palace's rich legacy and strategic significance.