
At
a short distance of 11 kms . from Jaipur, the Amer Fort complex
stands amidst wooded hills overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur highway,
with its forbidding ramparts reflected in the still waters
of the Maota Lake below. One of the finest examples of Rajput
architecture, it was the ancient capital of the Kachhawah
rulers. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh and
additions were made later by Sawai Jai Singh.
Within the palace are the Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall
of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall
of Private Audience" and the Sukh Niws where a cool
breeze blows across channels of water for the purpose of
air-conditioning. Here are the private chambers of the queens
with windows having latticed screens so that the ladies
could watch the proceedings of the royal court inprivacy.
There is also the Jai Mandir or the "Temple of Vicotry",
with its famed Sheesh Mahal, the scintillating "Hall
of Mirrors"