Sheesh Mahal

Throughout this holiday we have visited a number of fine palaces and forts. I want to show you at least one example of the wonderful craftsmanship we have seen and wondered at. Here in Jaipur is the Amber Fort, standing majestic and proud on the hilltop.

Many people reach the fort on elephants, but we chose to use jeeps. The poor elephants toil up and down the steep paths all day and there is concern about their welfare.

There were many delights, but I have chosen a small section of the roof of the Sheesh Mahal, also known as the Jai Mandir. These are the private quarters of the Maharajah. The walls are inlaid with tiny mirrors, said to glitter beautifully by candle light. If you go large you may just be able to see the tiny people below.

The other wonder today, was to see the Jantar Mantar, a collection of astronomical instruments built on a large scale by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. Many are still working. The man was a genius.