Amber Fort

Amber Fort (Jaipur)

Famous historic palace in Jaipur, Ambar palace is situated in Amber, the former capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs on  a hillside overlooking Maotha lake, 11 km from Jaipur on the Delhi - Jaipur road. Its construction was started by Raja Man Singh I, army commander of Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1592 and was completed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries. It is a classic fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, built in red sandstone and white marble.

The palace or the royal apartments lies inside the massive Amber fort complex with gateways, gardens, halls, stairways, pillared pavilions, temples and palaces. Some of the noteworthy architectural marvels in the complex are the 'Diwan-E-Khas', the 'Sheesh Mahal' and the 'Jai Mandir' with exquisite mirror work, the 'Diwan-E-Aam', the 'Sukh Niwas', the Shila Mata Temple and Kali temple and the well laid out garden the 'Kesar Kyari'.

The fort is entered through the 'Dil-e-Aaram' Garden, laid out in the traditional Mughal style. An imposing flight of stairs leads to the 'Diwan-E-Am' (hall of public audience) which has latticed galleries and double row of columns each having a capital in the shape of elephants on the top. To the right are steps that lead to the small Kali Temple. Maharaja Man Singh was a great devotee of Goddess Kali and prayed to the goddess for victory during battles. The temple has huge doors made of silver. The larger white marble Shila Mata temple, has the image of  Goddess Kali, brought by Raja Man Singh from Jessore in East Bengal.

The name Amer was known in the medieval period as Dhundar (meaning attributed to a sacrificial mount in the western frontiers) and ruled by the Kachwahas from the 11th century onwards – between 1037 and 1727 AD, till the capital was moved from Amer to Jaipur.[4] The history of Amer is indelibly linked to these rulers as they founded their empire at Amer.

Earlier to the Kachwahas, Amer was a small place built by the Meenas in the town they consecrated to Amba, the Mother Goddess, whom they knew as `Gatta Rani' or `Queen of the Pass'.The Amer Fort, as it stands now, was built over the remnants of this earlier structure during the reign of Raja Man Singh, Commander in Chief of Akbar’s army and a member of the Emperor's inner circle of nine courtiers, in 1592.

The structure was fully expanded by his descendant, Jai Singh I. Even later, Amer Fort underwent improvements and additions by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727

Many of the ancient structures of the medieval period of the Meenas have been either destroyed or replaced. However, the 16th century impressive edifice of the Amer Fort and the palace complex within it built by the Rajput Maharajas are very well preserved

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur is one of the popular landmarks of the city. The Hawa Mahal which is also popularly known as the palace of wind was the built by the famous poetic king Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of Jaipur. The Hawa Mahal which is one of the most important landmarks of Jaipur.the was built in the year 1799 A.

The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Wind is shaped like a pyramid .the Hawa Mahal is a five-storied building. These buildings have numerous small wonderful windows and screens, with amazing arched roofs. the pink beautifully honeycombed 953 sandstone windows of the palace is known as the 'jharokhas'.As one glances at this magnificent building, one realizes that the back side of the building is very simple without much ornamentation. But in the front side of the Hawa Mahal much importance is given on even intricate carvings.

It is believed that the Hawa Mahal was constructed during the period when women of the royal families were kept under strict purdah rules. So it is said that the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Wind was constructed to allow the ladies of the royal families to watch the processions and other various activities of the city through its windows and many screened windows. The royal ladies could have a glance at the people from its windows without showing themselves. These gave them a sense of liberty.

The Hawa Mahal is a remarkable example of the marvelous Rajputana architecture. The Rajputana architecture was influenced by Mughal architecture. The architecture style which we get to view in Hawa Mahal is the best use of Mughal architecture with other styles. From The Hawa Mahal the visitors can have amazing view of the pink city and also of the Jantar Manta which is another tourists attraction.

Hawa Mahal Access

Palace of winds, also called “specimen of the fanciful architecture” is located on the intersection of Badi Chaupad, south of the city. You have rickshaws, local buses, and autos for communication.

Hawa Mahal Architecture

Lal Chand Usta built Hawa Mahal in pink sand stones keeping in mind the pink color of the other monuments in the city. Doomed canopies and the pyramid line of structure resemble that of Rajputana while the floral patterns are that of Mughal. Many tourists find it having a striking similarity with the Fatehpur Sikri. The main attraction in making of the Hawa Mahal is cooling chambers.

You can enter the massive building through an imperial door also connecting the City Palace premises. There is also an archaeological museum lodged in here.

Hawa Mahal travelling

The royal elegance is still persistent and the monument reminds you that after the restoration work, Hawa Mahal is on the way of getting a facelift. Tourists come here throughout the day and the fun lies in climbing up to view Jaipur through the multiple small windows. Yet, early morning is the best time to go Hawa Mahal. The place is easily accessible by local city buses and rickshaws. The sun gives brings out the original color of the monument facing the eastern side of the royal city gates. The fantastic image that you have conjured up in your mind immediately gets a hint of the true charm of the place.

The windows are locally called “jharokas”. You have the tourists peeping in from them to see the beautiful city of Jaipur. These jharokas are integral in allowing the free circulation of air. The same form of style in architecture is seen in the monuments built by the Mughals. The look of the Hawa Mahal, Jaipur resembles a honeycomb with the windows. Looking at “Palace of winds”, you have the feeling of a screen with holes that resembles the moon when lit at night. You begin to appreciate the marvelous structuring and designs that still reflect the glory of the Rajputana. This Mahal adjacent to the City Palace was for the royal women and girls of the palace. Sitting here, they could enjoy the air and have a city view.

Tajmahal

Tajmahal

Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.

Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later. The queen’s real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives, and that new name was commonly used by the public. Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628.

Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. The construction documents show that its master architect was Ustad ‘Isa, the renowned Islamic architect of his time. The documents contain names of those employed and the inventory of construction materials and their origin. Expert craftsmen from Delhi, Qannauj, Lahore, and Multan were employed. In addition, many renowned Muslim craftsmen from Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara worked on many specialized tasks.

The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of architectural elements.

The mausoleum is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at the farthest end of this complex, with the river Jamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center. Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet another four sections. Like the Taj, the garden elements serve like Arabesque, standing on their own and also constituting the whole.



History of Tajmahal

Sign  Of Love -Taj Mahal

In an antique land, witness the living legacy of eternal love. For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, color and song. It is one of the most flawless architectural creations of the world. The architectural wonder is described as having been designed by giants and finished by jewelers, a lustrous pearl and a tender elegy in marble. The white marble mausoleum with stunning architecture speaks of the bygone splendor. Glorifying history of Taj Mahal is quite interesting and surprising.

Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal Love Story

Shah Jahan, the eldest son of Emperor Jahangir possessed very attractive looks. He was young handsome prince with sharp features. The year 1607 was a momentous year for him. As he was on his way to Meena Bazaar, he saw a mirror shop where Arjumand Banu (Mumtaz Mahal) sat to sell silk and glass beads. He bought the piece of mirror from the shop and along with that he also carried image of this pristine beauty in his mind, who was very beautiful and generous. After five years when he was twenty and the beautiful lady was 19, they got married. Their love story is the most important factor behind the Taj Mahal history.

Mumtaz Mahal passes away

n 1631, Shahjahan went on an expedition to the south and, as always, Mumtaz Mahal accompanied him. But she died in childbirth at Burhanpur. She had borne Shahjahan fourteen children, of whom four sons and three daughters survived. When Mumtaz Mahal died, she was just 39 years old. Shahjahan was inconsolable and contemporary chronicles tell of the royal court mourning for two years. there was no music, no feasting, and no celebration of any kind.

Taj Mahal Construction Reasons

The queen before her death extracted four promises from her husband (a) to build a memorial of their undying love, b) he should remarry after her death,) take every care of her children and d) he should visit the memorial every year on her death anniversary. The history of Taj Mahal dates back to 17th century AD. In 1630, Shah Jahan and his wife were sheltered in a campaign at Burhanpur. At the same time Mumtaz went into a labour pain. She gave a birth to her 14th child, a baby girl. But soon after her delivery, she became very weak and her condition became worse. She took last breathe in arms of her husband. This is the sad chapter behind the Taj Mahal history.



The History begins!!!

The undying love and wild passion of Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, led him to erect a memorial in pristine marble. Emperor was a passionate builder who visualized the Taj Mahal. He picked up the best elements from designs offered by several architects, who came from different parts of the country. The construction of white mausoleum began in the year 1632 and took 22 years for its completion. It was completed in 1653 by a labour force of 20, 000 people. A board of finest architects, inlay craftsmen, stone-carvers, calligraphers and mansions were appointed to build this ultimate memorial. Ustad Ias Khan, the Persian master builder played an important role in designing the mausoleum. Abd Ul-Karim Ma'mur and Makramat Khan, the skilled architects were also employed to design the monument. Renowned artists from other parts of the world like Baghdad, Bokhara, Syria, Baluchistan, Samarkand and South India were also engaged to assemble this stupendous edifice.

Emperor as The Architect

Shah Jahan was passionate for architecture and jewelery and both are reflected in Taj Mahal. He visualized the monument in marble and then adorned with semi-precious stones and gems. Different elements and materials used in the construction were imported from different parts of the world and all across the India. It was this passion that led to the making of wonderful history of Taj Mahal.

The Simbol of Love is Taj Mahal

The white marble was brought from Makrana in Rajasthan, yellow marble and rockspar from the bank of Narmada river, black marble form Charkoh and red sandstone from Sikri. Taj Mahal building is adorned with semi precious stones inlaid with the delicacy of handcrafted jewelery. The finest gems were collected from different countries of the world like turquoise from Tibet, jade and crystal from China, chrysolite from Egypt, lapis from Afghanistan, sapphires from Sri Lanka, agates from Yemen, coral from Arabia, amethyst from Persia, quartz from the Himalayas, malachite from Russia and diamonds from Hyderabad in India.

Machu Pichu

Machu Pichu

Machu Picchu (Quechua: Machu Picchu, "Old mountain") is a pre-Columbian Inca site located 2,400 meters (7,875 ft) above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 km (50 mi) northwest of Cusco. Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", Machu Picchu is probably the most familiar symbol of the Inca Empire. Taking a Machu Picchu tour is a fascinating way to learn about Inca history, but this 360-degree virtual tour of Machu Picchu also illustrates the site's distinctive architecture.

The Incas started building the estate around AD 1400 but it was abandoned as an official site for the Inca rulers a century later at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Although known locally, it was unknown to the outside world before being brought to international attention in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Since then, Machu Picchu has become an important tourist attraction.

Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Since it was not plundered by the Spanish when they conquered the Incas, it is especially important as a cultural site and is considered a sacred place.

Machu Picchu was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. Its primary buildings are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. These are located in what is known by archaeologists as the Sacred District of Machu Picchu. In September 2007, Peru and Yale University reached an agreement regarding the return of artifacts which Hiram Bingham had removed from Machu Picchu in the early twentieth century.

History

The collections of artifacts from Machu Picchu at Yale were excavated by Hiram Bingham during his historic Peruvian expedition of 1912. Machu Picchu was not a well-known site then, and Peru's Civil Code of 1852, in effect at the time, permitted the finders of such artifacts to keep them. A presidential decree authorizing Bingham’s excavation (but not superseding the authority of the civil code) contained a provision allowing him to bring the material to Yale for scientific study, and gave Peru the right to request him to return certain “unique” or “duplicate” objects, which it did not exercise in the ensuing period. The materials sent to the Peabody consisted mainly of fragmented pottery, animal bone and other items discarded by the Incas. They also included a small number of used but largely intact personal possessions, such as bowls, left as grave goods in the cave burials of Inca retainers who were buried around the periphery of the site, but no treasures. These items strongly resembled materials found at other Inca sites such as Sacsahuaman and consequently were of little interest to the Peruvian government in 1912.

Bingham returned to Peru for a second expedition in 1914-1915. By then, Peru’s policies regarding archaeological discoveries had changed. As a result, the materials Bingham excavated outside of Machu Picchu during that expedition were loaned to Yale’s Peabody Museum of Natural History for a finite period of time and these items were eventually returned to Peru after a delay due to World War I. The materials from the 1912 expedition, and items purchased by Bingham in Peru during both expeditions, remained at Yale and were conserved and studied by generations of scholars from Yale and other parts of the world.

Throughout his life, Bingham served many distinguished roles: archeologist, professor, statesman, and elected official. From 1922 to 1933, he served consecutively as Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut, its Governor, and then its United States Senator. Following his retirement from the Senate, he worked on literary and business matters in the nation's capitol.

In 1948 Peru invited Bingham back to Machu Picchu for the dedication of a new road that would improve access to the historic site. According to a local newspaper report, the elderly explorer was greatly moved by the tributes he received from local dignitaries, government officials and the U.S. Ambassador to Peru. The Peruvian government's representative was quoted as saying that the "Hiram Bingham Highway" would "again unite the prestige of the illustrious professor, Dr. Hiram Bingham, with the destiny of our country."

Select objects from Bingham’s 1912 expedition to Machu Picchu were used in the past decade in an educational exhibition about Machu Picchu developed at the Yale Peabody Museum, which traveled throughout the United States. This exhibit brought the reality of everyday Inca life at Machu Picchu to over one million visitors, broadening their knowledge and appreciation of Inca life and culture.