- A 200-feet-long wall at Amer Fort collapsed after heavy rainfall in Jaipur
- The fallen wall damaged a motorcycle and an e-rickshaw but caused no injuries
- Elephant rides at the fort have been suspended as a safety precaution following the collapse
A section of the outer wall of Amer Fort, one of Jaipur's most famous heritage sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, collapsed on Saturday afternoon following heavy rainfall. The 200-feet-long wall fell near the Rambagh pathway that leads to the fort, damaging a motorcycle and an e-rickshaw, though thankfully no one was injured. The incident has prompted authorities to suspend the popular elephant rides as a safety precaution. Eyewitness videos showed rainwater eroding the stone surface before the wall crumbled, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and maintenance of this centuries-old fort that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
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How The Collapse Happened?
According to officials, the collapse occurred around 1:30 pm after hours of continuous rain in Jaipur. Eyewitness videos shared by PTI showed heavy rainwater gushing down the slope and eroding the fort's stonework before the wall crumbled, sending rubble cascading down the hill.
The damaged wall was along the Rambagh pathway, a frequently used approach for tourists visiting the fort. The debris buried a bike and partially damaged an e-rickshaw, both later cleared by the civil defence team.
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What Officials And Eyewitnesses Said?
Amer Palace duty guard Javed Khan, who was on site, told ANI that rain had been falling since morning.
"I was informed to reach here and evacuate the public, if any... There have been no injuries. A bike belonging to one of our staff members was covered in debris, which was removed by the civil defence. The wall that has collapsed is the way to go to Amer Fort. It is also used to go to Rambag."
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Was The Wall Centuries Old?
While Amer Fort dates back to the late 16th century, the wall that collapsed was relatively modern. State Archaeological Department Director Pankaj Dharendra clarified to The Indian Express that it was built in 1976.
"This wall was constructed when the elephant ride started in Jaipur in 1976 at the Amber Palace area. It was built as a security measure to prevent elephants from falling off the hill," he explained.
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About Amer Fort - Rajasthan's Heritage Jewel
Amer Fort, also called Amber Fort or Amer Palace, is one of Rajasthan's most iconic monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. Located 11 km from Jaipur, it overlooks the scenic Maota Lake and was originally built by Raja Man Singh I, a trusted general of Mughal Emperor Akbar. It was later expanded by his successors, including Jai Singh I.
Constructed in red sandstone and white marble, the fort has four levels with sprawling courtyards, gateways, and richly decorated halls. Highlights include the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), where a single candle can make thousands of mirrors sparkle, the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and Sukh Niwas, which ingeniously used water and breeze to keep interiors cool. The Sila Devi Temple, dedicated to the royal family's deity, is also part of the complex.
Amer Fort is connected to Jaigarh Fort through secret tunnels once used as escape routes. At its base lies the Kesar Kyari garden on Maota Lake, known for its star-shaped design and historic saffron cultivation.
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Why The Collapse Matters?
Although no injuries occurred, the wall collapse has raised safety concerns at one of India's most visited heritage sites. The suspension of elephant rides is a reminder of the importance of regular structural checks and conservation efforts, especially during heavy monsoon rains.
For both locals and tourists, Amer Fort is not just a monument but a living symbol of Rajasthan's royal legacy. Its preservation is vital - both as a piece of history and as a global attraction recognised by UNESCO as part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
