The Red Fort, located in the old Delhi area, is a historic fortification that was constructed by Shah Jahan in 1639. This magnificent structure was built as a result of the capital being shifted from Agra to Delhi. Serving as the primary residence for the Mughal dynasty emperors, the fort is renowned for its impenetrable red sandstone walls. Not only did it house the emperors and their families, but it also served as the ceremonial and political hub of the Mughal state, hosting events of great significance to the region. Today, the Red Fort houses several museums that showcase a wide range of precious artifacts. Additionally, it is here that the Indian Prime Minister hoists the national flag every year on Independence Day.
The Red Fort, formerly called Quila-e-Mubarak or the Blessed Fort, is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. The fort was an integral part of the medieval city of Shahjahanabad, now known as 'Old Delhi'. It is renowned for its Mughal architecture, showcasing the brilliance and creativity of that era. Being steeped in history and heritage, the Red Fort is a highly sought-after tourist destination in Delhi and a prominent monument in India. Recognizing its significance, it was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2007. The responsibility of safeguarding and preserving this magnificent structure lies with the Archaeological Survey of India.
Architecture of Red Fort
The Red Fort is an architectural masterpiece that seamlessly blends elements from Indian, Persian, and Timurid styles. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, the renowned architect behind the Taj Mahal, also designed this magnificent fort. To ensure its security, the fort is enclosed by a 2 km perimeter wall, serving as a formidable defence. With its octagonal structure, the fort boasts numerous gates, including the notable Lahori, Ajmeri, Kashmiri, Mori, Turkman, and Delhi gates.
The premises of the Red Fort encompass numerous structures. Among these, the Diwan-i-Aam, the Diwan-i-Khaas, the Moti Masjid, and the Nahr-i-Bashisht (stream of paradise) are the most renowned.
The 'Diwan-i-Am', also referred to as the 'Hall of Public Audience', is a rectangular hall that comprises of three aisles and a façade adorned with nine arches. Initially, there were six marble palaces situated along the eastern waterfront. Within it flows the Nahr-i-Bihisht ('Stream of Paradise'), a water-channel featuring an ivory fountain with a central marble basin. The Delhi Fort Museum is now housed in the Mumtaz-Mahal. The Diwan-i-Khas ('Hall of Private Audience') is a magnificently decorated pillared hall, boasting a flat ceiling supported by engraved arches. It is said that the Peacock Throne was once kept here before being taken away by Nadir Shah. The Hammam ('Bath') is divided into three main sections, separated by corridors. The entire interior and floor are constructed with marble and adorned with colored stones. To the west of the Hammam, the Moti-Masjid ('Pearl Mosque') was later added by Aurangzeb. In the center of the Hayat-Bakhsh-Bagh, there is a red-stone pavilion situated in the middle of the tank, known as Zafar-Mahal, which was built by Bahadur Shah II around 1842.
The Red Fort's architecture is characterized by its exquisite details, including the use of precious stones and elaborate floral designs. The distinctive cusped arches, intricate ornamentation, and double domes are the defining elements of Shahjahani architecture, making it truly unique.
The Red Fort's construction commenced during the sacred month of Muharram, specifically on 13 May 1638. Over a span of nine years, under the watchful eye of Shahjahan, the Fort was finally finished on 6 April 1648. In order to encompass the preexisting Salimgarh Fort, the walls were deliberately constructed in an asymmetrical manner, setting it apart from other Mughal structures.
The seat of Imperial Mughal Rule endured until 1857 when the Great Revolt occurred. The fort complex comprises various structures constructed during Shah Jahan's reign, as well as additions made by subsequent rulers. Following a fierce War of succession against his three brothers, Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan's son and successor, incorporated the Pearl Mosque or the Moti Masjid into the fort complex upon assuming the role of emperor.
The degradation of the Fort became evident following the end of Aurungzeb's rule. In 1712, Farrukhsiyar, a new ruler, replaced the silver ceiling with copper. The Persian Emperor Nadir Shah invaded Delhi in 1739 and looted the Red Fort, taking the precious Peacock throne with him. From 1739 to 1857, the Fort was captured, plundered, and attacked multiple times by Ahmad Shah, Marathas, Sikhs, and the British. In 1760, the Marathas sold the silver ceiling of Diwan-e-Khas to raise funds for the defence of armies against Ahmad Shah Durrani. The Fort served as the Mughals' seat for 200 years, but after the revolt of 1857, the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah II, was exiled to Rangoon. He was the final Mughal resident of the Fort and symbolized the 1857 rebellion against the British, in which the residents of Shahjahanbad participated. This event marked the end of the Mughal dynasty.
The British Colonial Rulers took control of the fort and seized numerous valuable artifacts, including the Kohinoor diamond, the Jade Wine Cup of Shah Jahan, and the crown of Bahadur Shah II. They meticulously planned the destruction of the fort, which involved demolishing furniture, gardens, harem apartments, and servant quarters. With the exception of the white marble buildings, the majority of the fort's interior structure was annihilated. In 1899, when Lord Curzon assumed the role of Viceroy of India, he commanded the reconstruction of the fort and the restoration of its gardens.
After the departure of the British from India, Jawahar Lal Nehru, the inaugural Prime Minister, hoisted the National Flag at Lahori Gate. Since that momentous occasion, the Prime Minister has continued the tradition of unfurling the National Flag and delivering a ceremonial speech at the Red Fort on every Independence and Republic Day.
The historical significance of the Red Fort attracts numerous tourists, who are captivated not only by its majestic medieval architecture and red sandstone, but also by the enchanting Light and Sound Show, which adds to the allure of this revered fortress.
The one-hour spectacle of lights and sounds, known as the show, is presented every evening, excluding Mondays, within the confines of the Fort. It serves as an exceptional opportunity to delve into the rich history of the Fort. The shows are conducted in both English and Hindi, at varying times.
Hindi- 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
English- From 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Tickets on Weekdays: On weekdays, tickets are priced at INR 60 for adults and INR 20 for children.
Tickets on Weekends and Government Holidays: On weekends and government holidays, tickets are priced to INR 80 for adults and INR 30 for children.
Best Time to Visit Red Fort
The most ideal period to explore this location is from September to March, as the climate during these months is delightful.
Tips For Visiting Red Fort
1. Videography is allowed, and there is a fee of INR 25 per camcorder.
2. On Sundays, the Red Fort is not open to the public.
Chandini Chowk on the Yellow Line is the closest Metro Station. From there, you have the option to hire either an autorickshaw or a taxi. Additionally, the Red Fort can be easily accessed from any area of the city by taking the DTC buses that operate regularly along this route.
