Red Fort

The Red Fort is one of the most important historical monuments in India. Once upon a time, it was the main residence of the Mughal Emperors. When the capital of the Mughal dynasty shifted from Agra to Delhi, Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of this fort. The construction started on 12th May 1639. This fort was designed by a famous architect Ustad Ahmed Lahori (who constructed the Taj Mahal). It is situated in old Delhi. The height of the fort is 59 to 108 ft (18-33 m). 

The fort was owned by several rulers of India, which were the Mughal Empire, Maratha Empire, British India, and the Government of India. In this article, we will discuss where is Red Fort situated, and the story of Red Fort in detail.

Red Fort History

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The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1638. He named the new capital Shahjahanabad after his name. Along with the new city, he started the construction of the Red Fort, which later became the main residence of the Mughal Emperors. The construction started on 12th May 1639. The construction was completed on 6th April 1648 (373 years ago). The name of this monument came from two Hindustani words, ‘Lal’ and ‘Qila,’ which means a building with red color. Lal Qila (Red Fort) is considered a better land building than the Agra Fort. The Mughal Emperors used this fort for around two hundred years before the British Raj started in India. 

Major Structures

The Red Fort is constructed with some significant structures, which are the walls and ramparts, the audience halls, the main gates, and the imperial apartments on the river bank. The two main gates of the fort are the Lahori Gate and the Delhi gate. The Lahori Gate is named after its orientation towards Lahore. Another entrance of the monument, the Delhi Gate, is a southern entrance, which has a similar appearance and layout to the Lahori Gate. Chhata Chowk is adjacent to the Lahori Gate, which was used for selling jewelry, silk, and other items for the imperial household at that time. Naubat khana stands in the east wall of the court, where music was played daily at a specific time during the Mughal period. Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas were the places for official affairs.

Shah Jahan constructed a palace named Mumtaz Mahal in the fort in memory of his beloved wife. The Rang Mahal was the house of the Emperor's wives and mistresses. The emperor's apartment was named Khas Mahal. Hamman was the bathing area. Apart from these, the monument consists of Baoli, Moti Masjid, Hira Mahal, Hayat Bakhsh Bagh, and Princes' Quarter.

Architecture

The architect of this photo was Ustad Ahmad Lahori. The monument is constructed by combining Persianate palace architecture with Indian traditions. The architectural style is Indo-Islamic and Mughal. The Red Fort was an inspiration for later buildings across the Indian subcontinent. The area of the monument is 254.67 acres, and it is protected by 2.41 km long defensive walls. The turrets and bastions vary from 59 to 108 ft. The fort is octagonal. The Red Fort is made up of red sandstone. The artwork of the monument was a combination of Persian, European, and Indian art. The marble, floral decorations, and double domes of the fort make it one of the most worthy buildings in Mughal architecture under Shah Jahan.

Importance of Red Fort

The Red Fort is the largest monument in Delhi. It is one of the most popular tourist places. Thousands of tourists come to visit this monument every year. The Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag in this fort on Independence day every year and delivers a speech. UNESCO has marked this monument as a World Heritage Site in 2017 for the symbolic representation of Mughal architecture.

History and Facts of Red Fort

• Apart from the historical story of Red Fort, many interesting facts are there about it. Some of these facts are as follows.

• The monument was white initially.

• The real name of this fort is ‘Qila-e-Mubarak’.

• The famous diamond ‘Kohinoor' was a part of the Red Fort furniture.

• There is a third minor exit in this fort, which is a watergate and gives direct access to the river Yamuna.

Conclusion

The once residence of the Mughal Emperor, the Red Fort, is now one of the most important historical monuments in India. Termed to be the largest monument in Delhi, the Red Fort now hosts thousands of tourists each year to depict the rich cultural history of India.