Amber fort is one of the largest forts of Rajasthan and everything which is included in the palace is very huge and magnificent. This fort has four vast courtyards constructed for various purposes by the rulers of Amer. Being an ancient fort, which is constructed in the 16th century, every single aspect looks vintage and beautiful. There are many gates, entrances, exits, rooms, courtyards, gardens, halls and much more to add the gigantic flavor for the fort.
Diwan-i-aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Jai Mandir, Jas Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Char Bagh, Ganesh pol, Sila Devi temple, Man Singh Palace are some of the major aspects to witness in Amber fort. All these are special for their purposes, but the one aspect which attracts all the tourists who visit this fort is, Sheesh Mahal or the Palace of mirrors.
The art and architecture of this huge construction are a pure amalgamation of the cultures of both Rajputs and Mughals. These two reigns of rulers have a special bond when they used to rule the Pan India. Through many marital and welfare connections, cultures have also influenced each other. And currently, we can see them in the forms of art and architecture. One of such amazing pieces in the construction of this Sheesh Mahal.
Sheesh means a mirror. This whole courtyard looks stunning with the mirror work on walls, ceilings, and pillars of the construction. With the blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, this is specially constructed by King Man Singh for his private audience, guests and his royal connections. This place used to look beautiful in the nights under candle lights and fuel lights in those days because of the mirror work.
A person can find these mirrors in between the intricate works and carvings on the whole structure of this Mahal. That looks splendid even in the sun. In day times, you can see the reflections of the Palace. All the designs are carved in such a way that it makes a person confusing, but if you focus you will get that design. These mirrors got polished with paints and glitter to add the shiny effect, which results in the mesmerizing effect of this Palace and courtyard.
You have to enter the Sheesh Mahal, through the beautiful Ganesh Gate, the gate which is full of mosaics and paintings everywhere which is connected to the Jalebi Chowk. This gate looks appealing with its colorful paintings, rounded stairs which make a person escalate to enter the gate and find the Sila Devi (incarnation of the Goddess Durga) on the left and if you enter from the right, you will find a huge courtyard bridged by a royal garden.
This Mughal inspired garden is called Chahar Bagh, which means four gardens. All of them exist in one place, using the whole space between the two palaces in the whole courtyard. On one side, you can find Jai Mandir or Jas Mandir (the two floors connecting the Sheesh Mahal) and on the other side, you can find Sukh-Niwas, a hall of pleasure, constructed for the king to relax peacefully in a marble stoned structure, which can be entered by sandalwood doors. This garden consists of a star-shaped pool in the middle of the four sides and has a fountain now after the renovation.
There are four gates and four courtyards, but the Ganesh gate through which one can visit the Sheesh Mahal are considered as the beautiful gate and beautiful courtyard Mahal of the whole palace. Many entertainment aspects used to be happening here that too with very few candles. Because of its one of a kind structure, due to convex mirrors attached to the ceilings, walls, and pillars of the Mahal in between the carvings, the light used to spread the whole courtyard. This construction is miraculous and also added a feather to the cap of Raja Man Singh, who took a special interest in the construction of both the Ganesh Pol and Sheesh Mahal.
After him, there happened too many renovations and redesigning, to restore this old beauty to rule the hearts of people who love architecture. Being a lover of art and architecture, I was stunned looking at these beautiful carvings on Ganesh Gate and the walls of the Sheesh Mahal.
I have observed deeply and spent most of my time roaming around the corridors and passages of this Mahal, deeply looking into the glass-work and it felt cool though I have visited in the mid-afternoon scorching heat. Because the construction also has this technical structure which includes inner pipes in the walls, through which the water flows as a channel to keep the palaces cool. It was an old technique of air-conditioned places. Isn't it amazing?
Well, like this, there are too many other aspects of this palace, which a person must know, but if you ever visit the Amber fort, spend your quality time knowing about the Sheesh Mahal and sit for a while on the floor to appreciate the art and architecture of ancient Rajputs. This Sheesh Mahal is must-see one in this whole palace. Well, I'm going to get some more information about other courtyards with beautiful pictures in my next blog. Stay tuned...