At a short distance of 11 kms . from Jaip
ur,
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"
