Red Fort, Delhi

History of Red Fort:

Red Fort (Lal Qila), is also known as Qila-i-Mubārak, is one of the top-visited tourist attraction in Delhi. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan constructed it in the 17th century (1638) after he shifted his capital (Rajdhani) from Agra to Delhi. He built a new town Shahjahanabad in Delhi and make this fort as his new residence. It was named Red Fort as it was built from red sandstone.

Red Fort was the residence of Mughal emperors for 200 years. This splendid fort stands majestically on the banks of river Yamuna in Delhi. Red Fort is one of the best-preserved architectural sites which provides a fascinating glimpse into the former Mughal Empire.

Lal Qila Delhi is a stunning piece of architecture dotted with amazing structures, alluring artwork, mesmerizing interiors, and rich history in Delhi. It was also known as Quila-e-Mubarak or the Blessed Fort for the people who lived under Mughal empire.

Red Fort was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The fort is spread over 256 acres and surrounded by a massive wall decorated with bastions and turrets. The water from river Yamuna fed the moat surrounding the fort.

Architectures of Red Fort:

The shape of the fort is an irregular octagon and the entire fort is an impressive structure constructed with the carefully planned layout. Now, Lal Qila is the place from where the Prime Minister hoists the National Flag every year on Independence Day and this tradition has been followed since 1947.

Lal Qila has two gates for the public visitor, the Lahori Gate on the western side of the Red Fort and the Delhi Gate on the southern side of the fort. The Delhi Gate is also known as the Dilli Darwaza and it has three stories adorned with arched panels, semi-octagonal towers, and octagonal pavilions.

Lahori Gate:

The Lahori Gate is on the western wall and it is the main gate of Red Fort. The place where the flag hoised on Independence Day is Lahori Gate. The structure of Lahori Gate is similar to the Delhi Gate. Behind the Lahori gate, inside the fort, there is a covered market area called Chatta Chowk which is an important part of Red Fort. This is a two-storeyed market with 32 arched bays which served as shops. These shops sold specialized products to the women of the royal household which ranged from stones, gems, silverware, gold, velvet, silk and brocade.

Diwan e Aam:

Diwan-e-Aam is the hall of the public audience which has a marble canopy where the Emperor used to sit and listen to the complaints and issues of the people. This is one of the most beautiful parts of the Red Fort.

Naubat Khana:

Naubat Khana or the Drum House is in the Diwan-e-Aam. The musicians played from here during the ceremonial events. Khas Mahal was the private abode of the Emperor and it was divided into many portions. These were the Baithak or sitting room, Tosha Khana or the wardrobe room, Khawabgah or the sleeping room and Tasbih Khana or the chamber for private prayers. The interiors have pretty decorative designs and golden ceilings. On the eastern side of Khas Mahal is the Mathumman Burj, a place from which the Emperor was used to appear every day for the people to view him.

Diwan e Khas:

Diwan-e-Khas is the hall where private audiences were sited. It was a beautiful hall with captivating interiors which was used by the Emperor for private and confidential meets with his royal guests and ministers. The legendary Peacock Throne which was looted by the Persian conqueror Nadir Shah was placed in the centre of this hall.

Rang Mahal:

Rang Mahal, the Palace of Colors, is a grand harem with an arched facade and domed compartments. The interior is painted intricately in various colours giving it the name Rang Mahal. In the centre of the Rang Mahal, there is a marble basin with an ivory fountain water. A shallow water channel Nahr-i- Bihisht, meaning Stream of Paradise, was used to flow into this basin.

Mumtaz Mahal:

Mumtaz Mahal is the famous palace from six main palaces of the Red Fort. It houses an exhibition of the Red Fort Archaeological Museum which has a rich collection of interesting objects associated with the Mughal era. They include manuscripts, stone inscriptions, miniature paintings, royal orders, and things that belong to the Mughal Emperors, queens and members of the royal family.

Moti Masjid:

Moti Masjid, the Pearl Mosque, was built by Aurangzeb and served as his private mosque. The Hamam or royal bath was built of marble and decorated with colourful stones. It had three chambers with the provisions for hot and cold water.

Hayat Baksh Bagh:

Hayat-Baksh-Bagh, the Life-Giving Garden has a beautiful water fountain, tunnels, and tanks. It is the main garden around the main structure of Red Fort. Zafar Mahal in the middle of Hayat-Baksh-Bagh was built by Bahadur Shah II in 1842.

Mehrab Bagh:

Mehrab Bagh, Moonlit Garden is another garden inside Red Fort.

Major Attractions of Red Fort:

The major attraction of Red Fort is the Light and Sound show. The Red Fort history is used to narrate in this show. Light and Sound Show conducted in Hindi and English.

A visit to Delhi must include a visit to Red Fort as the entire fort reflects the architectural creativity and brilliance of Moghul architecture. Book your red fort tour with Indian Visit to plan a trip to this magnificent and historically important fort in Delhi. Read more about Delhi at Delhi Travel Guide