The Red Fort (Lal Quila) is an important landmark of the city of Delhi. The Mughal emperor Shahjahan built it when he shifted the imperial capital from Lahore to Delhi. The Red Fort reflected the might of the Mughals in the past and is now symbolic of India's independence. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime Minister of India, unfurled the Indian tricolor on the ramparts of this magnificent fort on 15 August 1947 marking the end of the British colonial rule. Since then, on every Independence Day (15 August), a grand function is held at Red Fort, where the prime minister of India unfurls the Indian tricolor and makes a speech from its ramparts.

Architecture

The Red Fort is a good example of Mughal military architecture. The tall ramparts, heavily fortified gateways, a moat surrounding the fort, etc., reflect the architectural skills of the Mughal rulers. The style of architecture followed in building the monuments within the periphery of this fort conforms to the Islamic style with liberal local influences. A good example of the Islamic style is the use of elaborate patterns and intricately carved marble screens (jali).

Shahjahan, the fifth Mughal emperor and grandson of Akbar, moved the imperial capital back to Delhi from Lahore in 1638. Within eight years, Shahjahanabad was completed with the Red Fort-the then Quila-I-Mubarak (fortunate citadel)-ready in all its magnificence to receive Shahjahan. However, Shahjahan could not enjoy his new city as his son Aurangzeb imprisoned him in the Agra Fort, where spent the rest of his life. Though much has changed now because of large-scale demolitions during the British occupation of the fort, its important structures have survived.

The Red Fort gets its name from the use of red sandstone in its construction. It is situated on the western banks of the Yamuna (which has since changed its course). The walls of this fort extend for 2 km and vary in height. The height of the walls is 18 m on the riverside, while it is 33 m on the city side. The fort has two important gateways-Lahori Gate and Delhi Gate.

The Lahori Gate is the main entrance to the Red Fort. The gate faces the direction to Lahore (now in Pakistan), hence the name Lahori Gate. The gate forms a part of a massive stone fortification and is made up of dull pink sandstone. The grassy area above this massive gateway and below the tall ramparts of the fort is the place from where the prime minister of India addresses and leads the nation in celebrating the Independence Day.

There are a number of important and interesting buildings within the Red Fort. As soon as one enters the Lahori Gate, one finds himself in a vaulted arcade-the Chatta Chowk-that is full of shops selling souvenirs and gift articles. During the time of the Mughals, the shopkeepers used to sell silk items, jewelry, and gold. This arcade of shops was then known as the Meena Bazaar. The arcade leads to the Naubat Khana (drum house), where musicians played for the emperor and announced the arrival of the royalty and important dignitaries.

Passing the Naubat Khana, one comes face to face with the Diwan-I-Aam (hall of public audience). It was in this flat-roof hall, having rows of cusped arches, that the emperor met his subjects. The emperor sat on a lavish marble-paneled throne set within an inlaid and painted alcove, built into the back wall of the hall. The throne was also studded with precious stones. A platform is located below the throne where the announcer read out royal farmans (royal edict) and list of gifts to be handed out to important people.

The Diwan-I-Aam served as a screen that protected the royal quarters behind it from the prying eyes of outsiders. The private quarters of the royalty consisted of a number of buildings. The Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience), made out of white marble, is a luxurious chamber where the emperor held private meetings with important people or with other members of the royal family. The roof and walls of this hall were painted and decorated with inlay work (pietra dura). Though precious stones from the inlay work have gone, the original splendor remains. The floral patterns that are still there reflect the high degree of skill of the Mughal artisans. The centerpiece of this hall was the magnificent Peacock Throne. It is said that the throne was built out of solid gold and had figures of peacocks standing behind it. However, presently, one can only see the marble pedestal on which the throne used to rest. The other important feature of this hall was that it had a ceiling made out of silver. Inscribed on the walls of the Diwan-I-Khas is the famous Persian couplet: "Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto" (If there is a paradise on the face of the earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.).

Next to the Diwan-I-Khas are the hammams or royal baths; these consist of three rooms topped by domes, with a fountain in the center. These rooms have floors and walls made of marble and inlaid with precious stones. Near the hammams is a three-story octagonal structure called the Shahi Burj (royal tower), which was emperor Shahjahan's private working area. The waterworks from this tower on the northeastern part of the fort go to the Rang Mahal (palace of the chief queen) in the south. To the west of the royal baths is the Moti Masjid (pearl mosque) built in AD 1659 by Aurangzeb (Shahjahan's son) for his personal use.

Facts File

Built in : 1638–46

Built by : Shahjahan

Location : Delhi

How to Reach

Delhi is well connected by air, rail, and road with important centers of India. Tourists can reach the Red Fort in many ways. They can either take local buses from various points within the city, which is located near the Interstate Bus Terminus at Kashmere Gate in the heart of the city, or, alternatively, they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis for the purpose. There are also regular buses from other important bus termini like the Interstate Bus Terminus at Sarai Kale Khan and Connaught Place to this monument. Local guided tours conducted by Delhi Tourism and private operators covers this important monument.