RESOR
having remained intact. The stark topography
of the land is composed mostly of sandy plains
As a Mahar
TING
ajah...
interrupted by rocky hills and knolls. Traveling
through the area enables the explorer a birds-eye
view of the traditions and culture of rural India.
The inhabitants earn their livelihood largely from
substinence agriculture so fortunately there has been
no development. The surrounding countryside is
Close your eyes for a moment and interspersed with local markets and small villages
imagine life inside an Indian Miniature Painting. It made up of simple dwellings. The friendly village
is late afternoon and the warm sunlight plays a game women, who are the backbone of their community
with light and shadow game against the geometrical can be spotted wearing their brightly hued
ornaments of the imposing pink sandstone palace “lahengas” and “chunis.”
buildings. In a perfect garden of ripe fruits, lush
greenery, blossoming flowers and exotic birds, a Translated, “Amanbagh” is a hybrid word that means reigns of Akber, Jehangir and Shah Jahan, Mughal
multitude of courtesans dressed in brilliant turbans “peaceful” in Sanskrit and “garden” in Hindi. In fact, architecture reached its greatest heights. Witness the
and deeply colored saris are on hand to await their it lies within a walled compound that once served as monuments of the Red Fort in New Delhi, Fatehpur
prince... A sense of peacefulness abounds but there the base camp of the Maharajah of Alwar when he Sikri, and the Taj Mahal in Agra. These sites all boast
is also a feeling of excitement and anticipation in went on hunting expeditions in search of the elusive workmanship of exceptional quality and great
the air. tigers that roam the nearby valley. Long since brilliance and overall demonstrate a sense of elegance
abandoned, the trees and vegetation continue to and timelessness. Mughal architecture is
In a setting of regal architectural backgrounds thrive due to a reliable water supply from nearby characterized by strict symmetry, the use of several
surrounded by a vision of nature which is idealized Mansarovar Lake. But the history of the area extends elements consistently throughout. These include
and harmonious, passions of religious and romantic way further back in time. The epic “Mahabharata” the “chatri” a dome like pavilion derived from an
character and wild-life adventures are played out. tells the story of the five Pandav brothers who spent umbrella shape; the “jharoka” an overhanging
These tiny richly colorful illustrations represented their last years of their exile nearby at Bairath. For balcony, of which there are many to be found among
the pinnacle of artistic expression and flourished nearly 1,000 years the terrain was fought over by the façade of a palace. The “jharoka” served the
in the State of Rajasthan, between the 17th and groups of warrior clans dominated by the Rajputs. important function of allowing women to see the
19th centuries under the reign of the Mughal There were repeated raids by the Mughal army and events outside without being seen. Also typical is the
rulers. During that time, Rajasthan was at the the area was finally captured in the 17th century by use of the “chajja”, a projecting eaves supported by
pinnacle of its power in terms of its financial the Emperor Shah Jahan, the famed builder of the large carved brackets. The “jali”, a perforated stone
and artistic influence. The miniatures measuring Taj Mahal. Traveling through the area it is easy to or latticed screen usually with a geometric,
on the average 20 cm. were painstakingly created happen upon a remnant of a lost glorious empire. ornamental pattern can be found throughout but
to depict the lavish way of life and amusements The historic sites of Neelkanth, Narayani Mata, it is used with restraint, and therefore the decoration
of the princely household. Ajabargh Fort, Temple and Mosque, and the is complementary and never excessive.
Amanbagh’s design is set against the “charbagh”,
a Persian style garden layout in which the
quadrilateral garden is divided by walkways into four
smaller parts. The 3 story main building which is
the main artery of the property, houses the resort’s
library, dining room and reception area. Two external
staircases lead to the Roof Terrace situated higher
than a canopy of trees and allow for a an extensive
view of the gorgeous surrounding landscape. The
main building opens onto a stunning 33 metre (110
feet) long pool made of green marble.
As usual it is the painstaking attention to detail, an
Aman trademark, which make for savoring an
authentic experience. The suite accommodations are
the epitome of understated luxury-averaging almost
1,000 square feet in size. Marble and sandstone
are both generously implemented throughout and
the use of French windows integrates the terrace,
private pool and outside dining area. The huge
bathroom offering every comfort hosts an enormous
tub carved out of a single piece of marble which lies
directly beneath the dome of the building. An
Left, the balcony off one of the main suites. Above, the architectural details. elaborate Bose sound system pumps music directly
to your desired location anywhere in the suite.
The lack of television is a blessing and enhances
the feeling of being in another world altogether.
Such is the suggestive atmosphere found today at haunted village of Bhangarh are all within easy reach. From the moment of arrival and during every
AMANBAGH, the spectacular property belonging moment of the sojourn, an amazing and dedicated
to the prestigious Aman Hotel group located near What makes Amanbagh so imposing is that it is staff makes it their duty and pleasure to satisfy each
Alwar and surrounded by the the Aravalli Mountain modeled after a Mughal palace. Mughal architecture and every whim. Whether in the excellent restaurant,
Range in Rajasthan. Due to its remote position is the distinctive style of Persian, Islamic and Indian the superlative Spa or beyond the grounds of the
between New Delhi and Jaipur, it is not frequented architecture developed by the Mughal Empire in Property, you are always given the treatment of a
by mass tourism and therefore enjoys the privilege of India in the 16th and 17th centuries. During the Maharajah. / Catherine Weinstock von Saldern
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