Red Fort
The Red Fort in Delhi, also known as Lal Qila, is a historic Mughal fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built between 1638 and 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan when he moved the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Designed by architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also designed the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort is an outstanding example of Mughal architecture combining Persian, Timurid, and Indian influences.
History and Significance
The fort served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1857 and was the political and ceremonial center of Mughal power.
Its red sandstone walls, which stretch over 2.5 kilometers, gave the fort its name and make it a dominant architectural feature in Old Delhi.
The Red Fort was plundered by Nadir Shah in 1739, who took valuable treasures including the famous Peacock Throne, and later faced damage during the British colonial period after the 1857 Indian Rebellion.
On August 15, 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the national flag here, and since then, the Prime Minister addresses the nation annually from the fort on Independence Day.
Its red sandstone walls, which stretch over 2.5 kilometers, gave the fort its name and make it a dominant architectural feature in Old Delhi.
The Red Fort was plundered by Nadir Shah in 1739, who took valuable treasures including the famous Peacock Throne, and later faced damage during the British colonial period after the 1857 Indian Rebellion.
On August 15, 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the national flag here, and since then, the Prime Minister addresses the nation annually from the fort on Independence Day.
Architecture and Attractions
The fort's design features massive walls enclosing palaces, audience halls, gardens, and mosques, laid out in an irregular octagonal form alongside the Yamuna River.
Key structures inside include the Lahori Gate (main entrance), Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal (Palace of Beauty), Khas Mahal (Emperor’s private residence), and Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque).
Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Chatta Chowk bazaar within the fort, the Naubat Khana (drum house), and the imperial baths (Hammam).
Key structures inside include the Lahori Gate (main entrance), Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal (Palace of Beauty), Khas Mahal (Emperor’s private residence), and Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque).
Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Chatta Chowk bazaar within the fort, the Naubat Khana (drum house), and the imperial baths (Hammam).