Amer

Amer, former town, east-central Rajasthan state, northwestern India. Amer is now part of the Jaipur urban agglomeration. It is noted for its Amer (or Amber) Palace (also called Amer Fort), which is part of several other Rajput fortresses that collectively were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013.

Amer is entirely surrounded by hills and stands at the foot of a rocky gorge. It was made the capital of the state of the Kachwaha Rajputs (warrior rulers of the historical region of Rajputana) in the 12th century and for 600 years continued to be a political centre. Its name is derived from Ambarisha, the king of Ayodhya; its full name was Ambarikhanera, but that was later contracted to Ambiner or Amber. The official name, however, is Amer.

Amer Palace is an outstanding example of Rajput architecture. Construction of it was begun about 1600, and it remained the royal residence until the capital was transferred to Jaipur in 1728. The palace’s Mughal-influenced architecture includes the maharaja’s apartments, a hypostyle hall, and several temples, all grouped around an imposing courtyard. Jaigarh Fort—also part of the World Heritage designation—stands on a hill summit overlooking the town.