Welcome back to another episode of Incredible India. In this episode, we will talk about one of the most important historical monument in India that stands right in the centre of Delhi and have seen the making of India itself. I am talking about none other than the Red Fort in India.
Lahori gate of Red Fort
Red Fort (Laal Qila)
The Red Fort or Laal Qila was built by the famous Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who is also credited for building the Jama Masjid (the biggest Mosque in India) and the magnificent Taj Mahal. It served as one of the main residents of the Mughal emperors. Its construction was completed in 1648.
On 15 August 1947, Jawahar Lal Nehru hoisted the Indian Flag on one of its gates on the day of Independence. Before that, it came under the control of the Britishers during their occupation in India and was used as a military base of some sort.
Lahori Gate entrance
How to reach
Being one of the most famous tourist places in the entire country, you will have no difficulty reaching here. It is located in the Chandni Chawk area in the Old Delhi region. You can take a flight to IGI airport and can get a cab or taxi from there to reach the location.
Alternatively, if you are in the nearby cities like Noida or Gurgaon, you can take the metro (subway) and deboard at the Red Fort Metro Station.
Architecture and Design
It has to be the apex of Mughal architecture. Red Sandstone and Marble is extensively used. It is to be noted that many emporer's who came after the Shah Jahan added their structure and tried to make it look more beautiful.
The Red fort has an area of 254.67 acres (103.06 ha) enclosed by 2.41 kilometres (1.50 mi) of defensive walls,[55] punctuated by turrets and bastions that vary in height from 18 metres (59 ft) on the riverside to 33 metres (108 ft) on the city side. The fort is octagonal, with the north-south axis longer than the east-west axis. The marble, floral decorations and the fort's double domes exemplify later Mughal architecture[source]
View of western facaded of Diwan-i-Khas
There are many structures present inside the fort. Let's see some of them one by one.
Diwan-i-Aam
Diwan-i-Aam was the Public Audience Hall where the emperor would directly listen to the grievances of the common people.
Finely crafted arches with stone pillars are there in the courtyard. These arches used to be covered with ornaments they were stolen somewhere in the raids of Nadir Shar in 1791.[source]
Diwan-i-Khas
The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) was a building used for the official affairs and requests of the royal family. It is constructed using white marbles and precious stones.
Lahori Gate
It is the main entrance of the Fort and is located on the western side of the wall. It gets its name because the wall faces the direction of Lahore (presently in Pakistan).
Baoli (Step-Well)
Every Fort should have a source of water utilized by the entire Fort. Usually, those water needs were fulfilled by the Baoli built inside the walls of the Fort.
Hira Mahal
The Hira Mahal ("Diamond Palace") is a pavilion on the southern edge of the fort, built under Bahadur Shah II and at the end of the Hayat Baksh garden. The Moti Mahal on the northern edge, a twin building, was demolished during (or after) the 1857 rebellion. The Shahi Burj was the emperor's main study; its name means "Emperor's Tower", and it originally had a chhatri on top. Heavily damaged, the tower is undergoing reconstruction. In front of it is a marble pavilion added by Emperor Aurangzeb[source]
Outer Walls of the Fort
The Red Fort is encompassed by 2.4 Kilometers in the length of high walls with many bastions on corners. The high walls have slits in them to use projectile weapons through them. It was originally enclosed by the river Yamuna from three sides which added to its defensive power.
You will also find some museums inside the complex. Many later period buildings were converted into Museums for visitors to enjoy. This place is a must for everyone travelling to Delhi. It has a rich history and cultural importance in India. Every year our Prime Minister gives an important speech from here on Independence Day.
Let me know what are your thoughts about the place. Would you like to visit this place when/if you come to Delhi? Constructive criticism is always appreciated. Thanks for reading.
Namaste 🙏
Stay tuned for more episodes...
Previous Episodes
Ep - #2. Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya
Ep - #5. Purana Qila (Old Fort)
Ep - #10. Jamali-Kamali Mosque and Tombs
Note:
- All the content is mine unless otherwise stated.
- Photos were taken from Sony ZV-1.
- Text dividers are from @cryptosharan.
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