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                                 Red Fort

 

Builders constructed the entire fort of the great Red Fort, also known as Lal Quila, with red sandstone. It is an icon of our country and is considered a world heritage site due to its beautiful architecture and association with the Mughal dynasty.The fifth emperor, Shahajahan, constructed it around 1639, and it covers an area of 254 acres of land. When Shahajahan decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi, he built this monument.

The Red Fort (Lal Qila) is one of India’s most iconic monuments, symbolizing the country’s rich history and architectural grandeur. Located in Old Delhi, it was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. The fort was completed in 1648 and served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years.

Architecture and Design

The Red Fort is an outstanding example of Mughal architecture, with influences from Persian, Timurid, and Indian styles. It was designed by architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the same person who designed the Taj Mahal. Constructed using red sandstone, the fort spans over 254 acres and is enclosed by massive walls, which range from 18 meters (on the riverside) to 33 meters (on the city side) in height.

The fort has several impressive structures, including:

• Lahori Gate: The main entrance, used for India’s Independence Day celebrations. The Lahori Gate is the main entrance to the Red Fort in Delhi. The fort is approached through a covered street flanked by arcaded apartments called the Chhatta Chowk. Situated on the western wall of the fort, the gate received its name because it led to the city of Lahore. The secondary entrance is the Delhi Gate.

 

• Delhi Gate: Another important entrance. Delhi Gate is the southern gate in the historic walled city of Delhi, or Shahjahanabad in 1638 AD. The gate links the New Delhi city with the old walled city of Delhi. It stands in the middle of the road, at the end of Netaji Subhash Chandra Road (or Netaji Subhash Marg), at the edge of Daryaganj.

• Diwan-i-Aam: The Hall of Public Audience where the emperor met commoners. The Diwan-i-Am, or Hall of Audience, is a building in the Red Fort of Delhi where the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his successors received members of the general public and heard their grievances.

 

• Diwan-i-Khas: The Hall of Private Audience, where important discussions took place.The Diwan-i-Khas, or Hall of Private Audiences, was a chamber in the Red Fort of Delhi built-in 1648 as a location for receptions. It was the location where the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan received courtiers and state guests. It was also known as the Shah Mahal.

• Moti Masjid: A small but beautiful mosque built by Emperor Aurangzeb. ‘Pearl mosque’) is a 17th-century historical mosque, not open for worship, inside the Red Fort complex in North Delhi, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, damaged during the Siege of Delhi, and subsequently restored by the British. Named for its white marble, the mosque features ornate floral carvings.

• Rang Mahal: A palace adorned with intricate decorations for the royal women. The Rang Mahal or Palace of Colour is located in the Red Fort, Delhi. It originally served as a part of the imperial harem. It was the part of the palace in which female members of the royal family could rest at. It was known as the Palace of Distinction during the rule of Shah Jahan.

The fort was originally adorned with precious stones, silver ceilings, and ornate gardens, but many treasures were looted, especially during the British invasion in 1857.

Historical Significance

The Red Fort witnessed several historic events, including the fall of the Mughal Empire after the British took control in 1857. During India’s freedom struggle, it became a powerful symbol of resistance. On August 15, 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru delivered India’s first Independence Day speech from its ramparts, a tradition that continues every year.

UNESCO World Heritage Site & Tourism

In 2007, the Red Fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural importance. Today, it is a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into India’s glorious past. The Sound and Light Show held in the evenings narrates its history beautifully.

History of Red fort

   The first independence battle was fought in 1857 and the  Red fort was ruled by Bahadur Shaha Jafar II was arrested and the British conquered the fort. During the British era they used this fort as their residence and they constructed many rooms in the fort. By the arrest of last emperor Bahadur Shaha Jafar the mughal dynasty came to an end.

Architecture of the red fort

  The Red fort was the residence of Shahajahan. It used to have 2 main parts i.e. Diwan-e-khas and Diwan-e-aam where Shahajahan used to meet. Diwan-e-khas was an official meeting place where only official ceremonies or the personal meetings used to be organized and the other Diwan-e-aam was open for all citizens. The fort has many entrances.  The wall’s height is 75 meters and it has beautiful geometrical gardens, the fort has enormous carvings of flowers, animals, etc. 

 

        More places to explore in fort-

Mumtaz Mahal:                                                                                     Khas Mahal                                                                      Hira Mahal                                                                            

 

 

Best Time to Visit : October to February

Address : Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi – 110006

Timings : 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, closed on Monday

Entry Fee : INR 35 (Indian Nationals), INR 500 (Foreign Nationals)

The most iconic monument of India has enormous importance. On every independence day the Prime minister of India hoists the Indian National Flag. This icon is also printed on the 500 rs Indian currency. 

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