Redfort Delhi Overview
We are here talking about the historical fortification in the national capital of New Delhi also known by name Lal Qila and for being the main residence of the Mughal emperors. It is the reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughals with massive 33 m above red sandstone walls covering the fort and mostly designed to keep away the invaders. It was build by Shah Jahan in the mid 17th century and is now included in the UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007.
How and when was it built?
It was built by the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 8 years from 12th May 1639 to 6th April, 1648. The main architect of the monument was Ustad Ahmad Lahori and it represents the taste of Indo-Islamic Mughal in its architectural style. The fort was in the control of Mughals for nearly 200 years, until 1856 and was later undertaken by the British.
Its construction was decided after the decision of shifting the capital from Agra to Delhi. It consists of massive red sandstone walls that stand 75 feet high to enclose the complex of palaces and entertainment halls, baths and indoor canals, geometrical gardens, projecting balconies as well as an ornate mosque. Some of its famous structures include Diwan-i-Am which includes 60 red sandstone pillars supporting a flat roof and Diwan-i-Khas which is made as a pavilion of white marble. It is situated along the banks of river Yamuna whose water fed the moats surrounding the fort. Also, one of the structures was added by Aurangzeb the Pearl Mosque or the Moti Masjid in the fort.
After the British left India, the first Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru raised the National Flag from Lahori Gate and since then it is done on each Independence Day.
Why is it important?
Besides being historical it has great value in the modern and developing India as one of the emotional and symbolic point where major crowd gathers on each Independence Day. It also goes for evening sound and light show by re-creating the India’s historical events connected with the fort.
Is there any fee to visit the place?
Yes, the light and sound show in the monument charges around INR 20 to 60 from children to adults whereas on holiday and weekends it is charged around INR 80.
