Symbol of political and economic power of Mughal Empire, Red Fort still stands, in spite of time and people.

Red Fort was build by Shah Jahan, the legendary ruler of Mughal Empire. Period of his reign (from 1628 till 1658) is considered as Golden Age of Mughals. He had a passion for architecture and left many splendid buildings to the future generations – Taj Mahal (one of the World’s Wonders), Agra Fort, and Red Fort in Delhi.

History of Red Fort

The story about The Red Fort begins in the 1639 during the first years of Jahan’s reign. Shah Jahan decided to move the capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad, the seventh city on the area where now Delhi stands.

The construction of the Qila-i-Mubarak, The Blessed Fort, as it was originally named, ended in 1648, and it became the home of the royal family. The fort served its purpose until 1857, the year of unsuccessful uprising against the British rule in India. The last Emperor, Bahadur Shah was imprisoned in Fort shortly before he was exiled.

Today, Red Fort in Delhi, also called Lal Quila, attracts tourists from all over the world. It was proclaimed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

Architectural design of The Red Fort

The Red Fort in Delhi was built as an image of paradise the way it is described in Koran. The architectural design is in fact a mix of European, Indian and Persian art style, rich in details and very colorful. The fort extends more then 2,4 km in length and height of walls made of red sandstone varies from 18 meters on the side that is facing river Yamuna, to 33 meters on the side facing city itself. Two major gates, Lahore and Delhi Gate were built on the centre of west and southern side of the wall and they both have two semi-octagonal towers. Lahore Gate serves as the main entrance to the fort. When you go trough this gate, you will find yourself in a long, crowded bazaar street called Chhatta Chowk. This bazaar was a shopping place for members of the court in the past, and it used to house the most talented craftsmen of that time. Tourists are not allowed to see the whole Fort, as some of its parts are used by army, but they can visit the most important buildings inside of it.

Major Buildings inside the Red Fort

Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) was the place were Emperors throne was placed, and where he received common people in order to hear their complaints.

Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) served as a pavilion where private meetings with Emperor were held, and it was completely made of marble. This is where the Peacock Throne was placed. This throne is considered to be one of the most famous and most luxurious in the world.

Royal private quarters are situated beyond the throne. Quarters are actually a set of palaces that were all connected with Nahr-i-Behisht (Streem of Paradise) water channel, which was supplied with water from Yomuna River. Two most beautiful palaces were Mumtaz Mahal and Rang Mahal, where Emperors wives and mistresses lived. They were decorated with mirror mosaics and ceilings overlaid in silver and gold.

Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) was build as a private mosque for Aurangzeb, who became Emperor after Shah Jahan. It is small but elegant, build of white marble.

Today, The Red Fort in Delhi is one of the most popular tourist attractions in whole India. Thousands of people every year make it mandatory part of their India tour packages. It would be impossible to travel to Delhi and not see one of the most famous buildings in the world.