Overview
Amber (also spelt Amer) is a town located in the Jaipur district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Situated about 11 kilometres north of Jaipur city, Amber served as the historic capital of the Kachhwaha Rajput rulers before the seat of power was shifted to the planned city of Jaipur in the eighteenth century. The town is best known for the Amber Fort, a hilltop fortified palace complex that is among the most visited heritage sites in Rajasthan.
Key facts
| Name | Amber (Amer) |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| State | Rajasthan |
| District | Jaipur |
| Region | Dhundhar |
| Historical role | Former capital of the Kachhwaha Rajput state |
| Notable landmark | Amber Fort (Amer Fort) |
| Nearest city | Jaipur |
Geography
Amber lies in the Aravalli range, on a ridge overlooking the Maota Lake. The terrain is rocky and hilly, and the town's defensive geography historically made it a strategic stronghold. It falls within the larger Dhundhar region of eastern Rajasthan and is connected by road to Jaipur, of which it now forms part of the wider municipal and tourism corridor.
History
Amber was originally associated with the Meenas before being taken over by the Kachhwaha Rajputs, who made it their capital. Under successive rulers it became one of the principal Rajput courts of northern India, with close political ties to the Mughal Empire. Rulers of Amber such as Raja Bharmal, Raja Bhagwant Das and Raja Man Singh I served as senior nobles and military commanders in the Mughal administration, particularly during the reigns of Akbar and Jahangir.
The Amber Fort, in its present form, was largely developed by Raja Man Singh I from the late sixteenth century onwards and was extended by later rulers including Mirza Raja Jai Singh I and Sawai Jai Singh II. In 1727, Sawai Jai Singh II founded the new city of Jaipur on the plains to the south, and the political capital was transferred there, after which Amber gradually declined as an administrative centre while retaining its ceremonial and religious importance.
Amber Fort
The Amber Fort is a sprawling complex built largely in red sandstone and white marble. Its principal sections include the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas, the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), the Sukh Niwas, and the Ganesh Pol gateway. The fort is connected to the older Jaigarh Fort above it through fortified passages. In 2013, the Amber Fort was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the serial property Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
Religious and cultural sites
- Shila Devi Temple within the Amber Fort, the tutelary shrine of the Kachhwaha rulers.
- Jagat Shiromani Temple, a Vaishnava temple associated with the queen Kanakavati.
- Panna Meena ka Kund, a stepwell noted for its symmetrical staircases.
- Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, dedicated to Rajasthan's textile traditions.
Administration
Amber is administered as part of the Jaipur district. The Amer constituency is represented in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. The town's heritage structures are protected and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Rajasthan state archaeology and tourism departments.
Tourism and economy
Tourism is the dominant economic activity, with the Amber Fort drawing large numbers of domestic and international visitors. Local economic activities include handicrafts, block printing, stone carving, and hospitality. The town is integrated into the Jaipur tourism circuit along with Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Jal Mahal.