Red Fort (Lal Quila)
One of the most famous Mughal emperors, Shah Jahan, built the Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila. Built on the banks of the river Yamuna, the palace was designed by architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. It took 8 years and 10 months to build the beautiful castle. The fort served as the residence of the Mughal emperors from 1648 to 1857. He took over the honor of royal residence from the famous Agra Fort when Shah Jahan decided to move his capital from Agra to Delhi.
Red Fort takes its name from the red sandstone walls, which make the fort look smaller. The fort, located in Old Delhi, is one of the most famous buildings and structures in India and is a fine example of Mughal architecture. It is often regarded as the main Mughal creation. Nowadays, the reserve is important to the people of India as the Prime Minister of India delivers his Independence Day speech from the reserve every year on August 15. In 2007, it was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History of Red Fort
Originally built by the fifth emperor of the Mughal dynasty of India, Shah Jahan in 1639 when he moved the Indian capital from Agra to Delhi, the Red Fort was built as Shah Jahan’s new residence and annex and being protective. Its name comes from the red sandstone bricks that make up its defensive walls. The walls of Fort Rouge are a beautiful sight, rising to 33 meters in places, with beautiful paintings, domes and minarets.
Shah Jahan did not end up living here well: his son, Aurangzeb, imprisoned him in Agra Fort. In addition to the Red Fort itself, the historical complex of the Red Fort consists of palaces, gardens, halls, monuments, mosques and even another wall, Salimgarh. The facility took nearly ten years to complete and covered an impressive 120 acres, at one time housing 3,000 people. Its architecture is seen as a testament to the creativity of the Mughals, who were enriched by Persians, Europeans and Indians.
The Red Fort complex has many beautiful structures including the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audience, once the royal palace and the private houses along the Paradise Stream or ‘Nahr-i-Behisht’ and many houses others and even Chhatta Chowk or Palace Market. All these are placed in strict geometric lines within the unique octagonal shape of the Fort Rouge complex.
Over time, the Red Fort has been changing and is now a shadow of its former glory, especially following the destruction of many of its buildings and gardens after 1857 by the British colonialists, who filled parts the size of the garden and the obstacles.
Facts About Red Fort
The original name of Fort
The original name of this fort was not red fort. This place used to be called Quila-e-Mubarak or the blessed place. Later, the British gave it the name Red Fort.
So Indians translated it as “Lal Quila”. Kohinoor Diamond’s relationship with the king of the place is strong
Kohinoor is one of the most famous diamonds in the world which originates from India. This diamond is one of the most expensive diamonds in the world. The Red Fort was created when Shah Jahan decided to move his capital from Agra to Delhi.
So, Shah Jahan was the first person to have that strong place. The Kohinoor Diamond was part of Shah Jahan’s crown.
Also, he sits in his Diwan-e-Khas after wearing a crown with Kohinoor.
Take out the Yamuna
There is a third exit from Quila which is actually a short distance to the river Yamuna. As the river changed course, the name disappeared.
Culture and tradition
The President of India unfurls the flag and delivers a speech on August 15 since India’s independence.
Red Fort has famous for
The Red Fort has the famous “Rang Mahal”, which literally translates as the Palace of Colors. The palace was beautiful with royal wives and concubines and their attendants. The Emperor often spends time with his wives and concubines in this beautiful place and sometimes goes there for dinner.
Colour
Originally, the Red Fort was white in colour, according to a report by the Archaeological Survey of India, which concluded that lime had been used on parts of the historic monument. Apparently the British painted the house red when the white plaster was gone. The building was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, due to its historical and cultural importance.
Fort Gate
Fort Rouge’s octagonal building is made of red sandstone and is surrounded by a large wall. The Delhi Gate and the Lahore Gate are the two gates of the fort, which is spread over 256 acres.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The building was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, due to its historical and cultural importance.
Devotion
Shah Jahan, when he came to Delhi after conquering Agra, laid the foundations of the Red Fort of Delhi in 1618 and its dedication took place in 1647.
Bahadur Shah Zafar
The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar was tried by the British in the Diwan-i-Khas of the Red Fort for sedition. This happened after the failed rebellion of 1857 by Indian politicians.
End of Mughal Rule
At the end of Mughal rule, the Red Fort was captured by the British, who confiscated its properties and sold them. They also destroyed the things in the house. Knowing all these amazing things about the historical castle makes it attractive to the visitors.
