Chapter 147: Fort of Jaipur (old Amer fort )
Kingdom of Amber, Fort of Jaipur, few days back on 11th march 1557.
The Fort of Amber is a single-layered fortification that encompasses the entire ancient city of Jaipur, including the inner palace through extension of its long walls. To the north and east, the fort is shielded by hilly ranges covered with dense forests, making these sides less accessible. The only approach is from the south and west, where the terrain opens up into fields.
Even though the fort features only a single layer of walls, these are both tall and thick, reinforced with multi-tiered stairs that enhance their strength. Additionally, a deep moat filled with water surrounds the fort, adding another critical layer of defense.
On such western walls which boasted a height of 20 meters above the ground, Queen Kalyani, a young beauty of twenty draped in a regal saree, gazed out at the open fields below. The fields were dotted with a canvas of tents in the distance, and the sun was dipping below the horizon, signaling the end of the day.
A tall figure clad in chain mail armor approached her with a look of deep reverence. It was General Puran Das who has proven his valor in previous battles.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. Dusk is approaching. Please, retreat to safety."
"Safety?" Kalyani replied with a sigh, her eyes still fixed on the enemy camp. "How can I think of safety when my choices have plunged the entire kingdom into chaos? I wonder if I truly deserve this burden."
Puran Das stood silently, understanding the weight of her words as the shadows of evening began to envelop the land.
Turning back to him, she inquired, "Do you bring any news?"
Puran Das replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. Our spies have reported that enemy reinforcements have arrived, and they will likely attack by dawn. "
She asked one last time before leaving her place, "Do you think if I surrender to my father, this war will stop? So much bloodshed for just a marriage."
Puran Das shook his head. "Forgive me, Majesty, but even if you surrender, we won’t allow it until our king arrives. We received a message that our king is already en route with fresh reinforcements, and we just need to endure for three days."