The Red Fort

The traditionally called Lal Quila, Red Fort is situated on the banks of river Yamuna, in South Delhi. Constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, took around nine years in its completion and involved 10 millions in its formation.

The Red Fort, the symbol of India is a masterpiece of architecture and stands as one of the most poignant tourist places. This massive fort has been built on the banks of the river Yamuna and it claims as a bridge between the past and the present for the reason that from here only the prime minister of India addresses the people on the Independence Day on 15^th August.

Mughal Emperor Shahjahan commenced its erection in 1638, which was completed in 1648. The fort has halls for public and private audience, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, mosque and highly planned gardens. Its glory is reflected even today as the fort continues to be remarkable evidence to Mughal grandeur.

The building of the Red Fort is all incorporated with thick red sandstone walls, bulging with turrets and bastions; and is one of the largest and oldest monuments in Delhi India. The wall is 2.5 km in its length and the 18 meters height on the riverside, while 33 meters towards the city.

The Fort is also an abode of the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences where the Emperor used to hear the common folks. The Diwan-i-Khas is the hall of private audiences where emperor held the private meetings. This hall is created out of marble and its centre-piece used to be the Peacock Throne, which was carried away to Iran by Nadir Shah in 1739.

The other attractions incorporates within this memorial are the Royal Baths or hammams, the Shahi Burj, Shahjahans private working area and the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, built by Aurangzeb for the personal use. The Rang Mahal or the “Palace of Colors” used to be an abode of the Emperors wives and mistresses.