Gardens at Amber Fort, Jaipur

Amber Fort, Jaipur (Source: Web, since I had a hazy image for this one)


Kesar Kyari (saffron garden)


Charbagh (paradise garden)


Charbagh (paradise garden), Source: Web

 
I visit Jaipur almost every month, and pass by this 13th century palace on my way home. A fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture, this fort is a visual treat. It was built over two centuries in red sandstone and white marble. As you set out to explore the fort atop the rugged hills, on foot or a elephant - the view is breath-taking. On your way up and inside the palace, among other magnificient features, you cannot miss the gardens.

Across the entire fort there are fountains, waterways, gardens and courtyards. The fort rises above the waters of the Maotha Lake, an artificial lake. The Kesar Kyari (saffron garden) lies in the centre of this lake, laid out like a persian carpet. The garden was planted with saffron for the fragrance to waft into the palace above. The garden is under restoration. Further on, the fort is entered through the 'Dil-e-Aaram' Garden (in the traditional Mughal style). Inside the palace, lies a series of corridors, centering on a typical Mughal 'Charbagh' garden or also known as Paradise gardens. Char bagh literally, means four gardens. The philosophy of Charbagh is stated below.

Charbagh in the Amber Fort demonstrates how the basic four parts can divided in complex geometric ways. The concept of the paradise garden was one the Mughals brought from Persian Timurid gardens. It was the first architectural expression they made in the Indian sub-continent, fulfilling diverse functions with strong symbolic meanings. Known as the charbagh, in its ideal form it was laid out as a square subdivided into four equal parts. The symbolism of the garden and its divisions are noted in mystic Islamic texts which describe paradise as a garden filled with abundant trees, flowers and plants. Water also plays a key role in these descriptions: In Paradise four rivers source at a central spring or mountain, and separate the garden by flowing towards the cardinal points. They represent the promised rivers of water, milk, wine and honey. The centre of the garden, at the intersection of the divisions is highly symbolically charged and is where, in the ideal form, a pavilion, pool or tomb would be situated. (Reference: wiki/Citizendium)