Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Amber Palace

Rajasthan, India

Amber (pronounced Ahm-bear', not Am'-ber) was the capital of the Rajput Kucchwaha dynasty from 1037 to 1728, when Jai Singh founded a new capital 11 km away at Jaipur. The oldest part of the palace dates from Man Singh (ruled 1592-1615), but several halls were added later by Mirza Jai Singh (ruled 1623-1668).

This view shows the palace and upper fort as seen from Maota Lake, which was the primary water supply to the site.