Amber

Jaipur (JIGH-pur) gets its name from its founder Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1744), a great warrior and astronomer. He came to power at the age of 11 on the death of his father Maharaja Bishan Singh. Jai Singh's lineage can be traced back to the Kucchwaha Rajput, clan who came to power in the 12th century. They were long-term rivals to the Sisodia Rajputs who ruled from Mewar. This rivalry led them to ally with the Mughals, and this alliance resulted in them eventually gaining a pre-eminent position in Rajasthan. Ruling from the magnificent Amber Fort which they built, the might of the Kucchwahas encompassed the kingdoms of Mewar and Marwar. After Jai Singh came to power, there was moment of disquiet when he supported Aurangzeb's son Azam Shah's bid to the throne. Azam Shah lost the battle of succession to his brother Bahadur Shah, who demanded Jai Singh's removal and the installation of Vijay Singh to the throne of Jaipur.