The Red Fort (known as the Lal Qila in Hindi) is an old fort complex located in Delhi. It was constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who also constructed the world-famous Taj Mahal, in the 17th century. The fort served as the residence of the Mughal emperor, his acolytes and their families. It was also the place from where the emperors ran their vast empire. Currently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage, the fort complex serves as a tourist spot and is a powerful symbol of the Indian Republic. The prime minister addresses the nation from this complex on the Independence Day each year. Today the Red Fort is seen as the symbol of the seat of power of government of India. The Red Fort is heavily guarded and has been a subject of a terror attack in 22 December 2000 by Lashkar-e-Taiba (one of the most militant terror outfit in South Asia).
History of the Red fort
The fort was built during 1638-1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. (Shah Jahan is famous for spending prodigiously on buildings, which will ultimately bankrupt the empire.) Made from red sandstone, and thus the name, the fort complex is an assemblage of several buildings. It was constructed after Shah Jahan decided to move the capital from nearby Agra to Delhi. The Red Fort was the seat of Mughal power until the 1857 when the last Mughal emperor was dethroned by the British after the Sepoy Mutiny. After independence from the British, the fort fell into the hands of the Indian Army which wouldn’t give up control until 2003, when it would hand over the fort to Tourist Authorities.
Architecture of the Red Fort
The architecture is a fine example of Shahjahani style, which in itself takes inspiration from the Persian, Islamic, Indian and European architectural styles. It’s spread over approximately 255 acres and the highest building is around 33 m in height. Some of the walls are more than two kilometres in length.
The complex consists of several buildings, the most important of them include:
Diwan-i-Am
Diwan-i-Aam, Lal Quila, Delhi. Souce: Wikimedia CommonsPersian for “Court for the Commoners”, this building served as the place where the emperor would meet and listen to the ordinary people coming from all over his empire.
Diwane Khas
This is the place where the emperor would meet and discuss important matters with the powerful, the rich and people from his own administration. This was open to only a selected few and thus the name “Diwane Khas.”
Nahre Behist
This was the residence of the emperor and his family. This part was an attempt by the architects of the time to make it as luxurious as it could be by imitating the Paradise as is described in the holy book of Muslims.
Zenana
It divides further into Rang Mahal (Bright Palace) and Mumtaz Mahal. The Zenana served as Women’s quarters in the complex.
Moti Masjid
This 25-feet high mosque served as the private place of worship for the emperor. It was constructed nine years after the Red Fort was build. The mosque is comparatively small, spread over less than 108 square meters.
For tourists to the Red Fort
The Red Fort is a popular tourist destination. It’s open to public on all days, except on Mondays. The entry ticket for Indians is one-fifth of a US dollar while foreigners have to pay around $5 to enter the fort. There is a light show held each evening, which informs the audience about the history of this magnificent complex.
Address
Chandni Chowk Netaji Subhash Rd, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
Phone number: 011 2326 9410
Vidoe of the Red Fort, Delhi, India
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Very Good information about Lal Qila (Red Fort). Shalu I have visited Lal Qila 2-3 times. We wish to visit there more and more. The real historic beauty placed in Red Fort.
It’s one of the most beautiful places in Delhi, though it is dirty around it. Thanks for the extra facts 🙂
This is such a magnificent architecture. We can’t possibly expect anything less from the great emperor who’s behind the world renowned Taj Mahal. Sadly I couldn’t visit this when I visited Delhi. Next time for sure 🙂
Lal Qila is one of the ancient monuments in India, which everyone should visit and witness the rich heritage of India.
I have listened about lal Qila Will visit this time when i will come india this time
The architecture looks stunning! I can’t wait to see it for myself. 🙂
Fort complex constructed by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan.
Impressive architecture, I Want Visit it.
thanks for this post. I like Lal Qila. 2 months later i will travel to India and i will visit Lal Qila. it is really a beautiful historical place
I often visit Red Fort whenever i feels about India.
During the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, lots of great structure were built. Red Fort is one of them. I am luckt that I already visited it.
Very cool! I studied Indo-Muslim architecture and was so impressed by some of the gorgeous palaces and religious colleges that never really got their dues.
Murissa
The Wanderfull Traveler
Spectacular site. I imagine that sandstone must have had some serious limitations as military technology changed, but it is sure beautiful.
I love visiting the red fort coz its acutally a blend of Persian, Islamic, Indian and European styles of architecture. In history the Shahjahani style of building is shown here.
Hi Shalu,
Thanks for giving us a “virtual” tour of the Red Fort. This is my first time to ever hear (or read) about it. The Diwan-i-Am surely looks majestic, and to think that’s only the place where the emperor would meet and talk to the ordinary people. Thanks for sharing!
Loved the virtual tour. Went to visit last week only, it’s indeed a nice place. going back now. thaxnks
does Agara too have the same kind of Red Fort? Or is it different? I mean the architecture?
It is often known as ‘’ sister of taj mahal ’’ as it is situated very close to the taj mahal. The great Mughal emperor Akbar had made Agra the capital of his empire and Agra Red Fort his palace.
It’s one of the most wonderful locations in Delhi, though it is unclean around it. Thanks for the additional information .
The architecture of Red fort is fabulous … its not only in Delhi but also another red fort is Agra also.. history of red fort is very good ..before read this i don`t have so much knowledge ..thanks for sharing this information about red fort ..
Awesome place , i am lucky to show this historical place in delhi . nice blog to show all of the red fort in this blog fabulous.
WOW Nice place , this is my Dream to see this awesome historical place , am i right this is made by sah jaha thats make a taj mahal
india is a wonderful country,full of colors and spirituality ,its religious places are very amazing and scientific ,architechture is mind blowing..
red fort is not very a gud place to visit ,i dont find delhi as a tourists city…
i like tamil nadu ,kerela, rajasthan and sikkim..these are the wonderful places on earh
india is a very beatiful country…everything in india is very unique and had a great architecture
lal kila is a very nice place.i visit it 2 year ago.it’s very nice journy for me from rajasthan to delhi.thanks for sharing about red fort.
The Republic day parade of Red Fort is the best parade all over the world. I want to be the witness of this parade. Happy Republic day to all of you
Thanks regards,
Renu
nice one keep it up good work..
time for government job
What a great resource! Everything about india is incredible and inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
i want to say that just one line
Saare jaha se acha Hindustan hmara, jai hind guyz
Fort complex constructed by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. Impressive architecture, I Want Visit it.
We all know that India is a big culture in the world. And this post is an another thing bringing me to go to India. This place may be the first to visit when I go to India next month.
I bet the Red Fort was an architectural marvel back be because it looks good now. Awesome blog mam, your blog is too good!
lal Qila is the best place to go with friends at night
congratulations, shalu ji,
your website is very informative and descriptive, I saw your books and I must say they are nuggets of information. just one advice, you can translate these book in Hindi, so that many Hindi speaking and reading people can also take advantage of your experiences.
thanks for your effort.
That’s a good idea Paresh ji. Thank you for your kind suggestion.
One way you could better see the Red Fort of Delhi is a Virtual Tour 360, in my website are some examples
Regards!
What a gift! All these quotes in one place for me to savor. Really amazing !
this is the awesome article. keep sharing like this. i love indian places. incredible india. indian history is the greatest history.
Awesome blog and nice article. I really enjoy your article.
Actually I want to go Delhi for 3 day trip, so I am finding the incredible places to visit. Thanks for sharing it.