About Red Fort- The Lal Qila

The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a historic fort in Delhi, India. It served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned construction of the Red Fort in 1638, when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. The fort was designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal. The Red Fort is considered to be a high point in Mughal architecture and combines Persian palace architecture with Indian traditions.

Unlike other Mughal forts, its walls embraced the older Salimgarh Fort, creating a unique asymmetrical design. This magnificent fortress-palace became the heart of Shahjahanabad, the bustling city that would later be known as Old Delhi. Shah Jahan’s successor, Aurangzeb, further embellished the fort by adding the exquisite Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) and fortifying the entrances with barbicans.

Red Fort timings: The Red Fort is closed on Mondays and public holidays. On other days, the Red Fort opening time is 9:30 am and the closing time is 4:30 pm.

Red Fort Ticket Price: Tickets to the Red Fort can be purchased online or at the fort itself. Here’s a breakdown of the prices:

Indians: ₹35 (Indian Rupee)
Foreigners: ₹500 (Indian Rupee)
SAARC & BIMSTEC Countries: Same as Indians (₹35)

Know About the Red Fort:

It is made of red sandstone, which is how it got its name.
The fort is massive, with walls that are 75 feet high and 2 miles long.
The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Every year on India’s Independence Day, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at the Lal Qila India and delivers a speech to the nation.

The Red Fort is a complex of buildings, including:

The Lahore Gate: The Red Fort’s grand entrance, the Lahori Gate, faces west towards Lahore, the city from which Mughal emperors once received visitors. Since India’s independence in 1947, it’s from this gate’s ramparts that the national flag is unfurled and the Prime Minister delivers a powerful speech on every Independence Day.
Chhatta Chowk: Stepping inside the Lahori Gate, you enter a bustling covered market called Chhatta Chowk, also known as Meena Bazaar. During the Mughal era, this was where the imperial household shopped for silks, jewels, and other treasures. Originally named Bazaar-i-Musaqqaf (meaning “roofed market”), it served as a luxurious passageway leading to a large open court.
Naubat Khana: Facing the eastern wall of the grand outer court stands the Naubat Khana, also known as the drum house. This was no ordinary waiting hall – music played here daily, a reminder of the emperor’s presence. Commoners even dismounted their horses out of respect. Tragically, the Naubat Khana also witnessed darker moments, as Jahandar Shah and Farrukhsiyar were reportedly murdered within its walls. Today, the second floor houses the Indian War Memorial Museum.
Diwan-i-Am Red Fort (Hall of Public Audience): Passing through the imposing Nakkar Khana, you enter a grand inner court, sprawling 540 feet wide and 420 feet deep. Straight ahead lies the Diwan-i-Aam Red Fort, the Hall of Public Audience. This wasn’t just a waiting room; it was where common people came for justice. From tax disputes to inheritance issues, the emperor heard their pleas here.

Diwan-i-Khas Red Fort (Hall of Private Audience): Reserved for exclusive audiences, the Diwan-i-Khas, or Hall of Private Audience, stands in stark contrast to the public Diwan-i-Aam. Clad in white marble and once adorned with precious stones, this chamber shimmered with opulence. Imagine a magnificent jeweled ceiling, though sadly, the original silver is now restored in wood. French traveler François Bernier even documented witnessing the legendary Peacock Throne here in the 17th century. A gateway north of the Diwan-i-Aam leads to the innermost court and this private audience hall, hinting at the hierarchy within the Mughal court.
Khas Mahal: The emperor’s private sanctuary was the Khas Mahal, its cool interiors a welcome respite thanks to the nearby Nahr-i-Bihisht, the “River of Paradise” water channel. Connected to the Khas Mahal is the Muthamman Burj, a fascinating octagonal tower. This wasn’t just a decorative element; it served as a stage for the emperor to make public appearances.
Mumtaz Mahal Palace: Towards the south, you’ll find the zenanas, the private quarters for the Mughal women. One of these is the Mumtaz Mahal, built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Today, it houses the Red Fort Archaeological Museum.
Rang Mahal, Lal Kila (Palace of Colors): The aptly named Rang Mahal, meaning “Palace of Colors,” truly lives up to its name. Unlike the traditional white marble Mughal architecture, this palace was a riot of colors. This private retreat served as a luxurious living space for the emperor’s wives and mistresses. A central marble pool, fed by the Nahr-i-Bihisht (River of Paradise) water channel, would have added to the cool and tranquil atmosphere.
Moti Masjid Lal Qila (Pearl Mosque): West of the hammam lies a gem – the Moti Masjid, also known as the Pearl Mosque. Built by Aurangzeb in 1659, it served as his private sanctuary for prayer. Unlike the grand scale of the fort, this mosque is an intimate masterpiece. Crafted from white marble, its three domes gleam in the sunlight. A three-arched screen leads you to the serene courtyard, inviting contemplation and peace.

Baoli Red Fort: Remarkably, one structure survived the British demolition frenzy after the 1857 rebellion – the baoli, a step-well. Its cool chambers took on a new, chilling purpose, transformed into a makeshift prison. This historic shift is evident from the Red Fort Trials (1945-46), where Indian National Army officers like Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sahgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon were held captive.

The Red Fortress is a popular tourist destination and is one of the most important historical sites in India. If you are ever in Delhi, be sure to visit and gather more information about lal Qila and learn more about its history and architecture.

Every year on 15th August Lal Kila fort becomes the center of India’s Independence Day celebrations. The Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and delivers a speech to the nation. This tradition signifies a fresh start and the hopes and aspirations of the country.

Some Interesting Facts About Red Fort

Color Chameleon: Believe it or not, the Red Fort wasn’t always red! Built with red sandstone, it actually started out white. Over time, the stones weathered and the British eventually painted it red in the 19th century.
Royal Residence: The Red Fort wasn’t just a military structure; it was the home of the Mughal emperors for almost 200 years.
Architectural Marvel: Designed by the same architect as the Taj Mahal, Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the Red Fort showcases a beautiful blend of Mughal and Indian architectural styles.
World Heritage Site: Recognized for its historical and cultural significance, the Red Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
Imperial Address: Every year on India’s Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the fort Red Fort and delivers a national address.
Hidden History: The Red Fort once housed the Kohinoor diamond, one of the most famous diamonds in the world!
Octagonal Oasis: The fort’s sprawling complex is laid out in an octagonal pattern, offering a unique perspective from above.
Gateway to Grandeur: The Lahore Gate, the ceremonial entrance to the fort Red Fort, is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions.
A Palace of Colors: The Rang Mahal (Palace of Colors) within the fort is known for its stunning decorations and vibrant painted designs.
Silent Witness: The Red Fort has been a silent witness to centuries of Indian history, from the Mughal era to the British Raj and beyond.
The Red Fort suffered a double blow. In 1739, Nader Shah’s invasion ripped through the fort, stripping it of its dazzling art of Red Fort and jewels.
Then, in the aftermath of the 1857 rebellion, the British significantly reduced the fort’s grandeur by demolishing most of its marble structures. Despite the damage, the fort’s mighty defensive walls remained largely intact, and it continued to serve as a military garrison.

Destruction Before 1857

In 1739, a devastating blow came from the Persian emperor Nadir Shah. His forces swiftly overpowered the once-mighty Mughal army, plundering the fort Red Fort and treasures like the Peacock Throne. Leaving behind a weakened empire, Nadir Shah’s departure only fueled internal conflicts. The Mughals became mere figureheads in Delhi, relying on the Marathas for protection by 1752. However, the Marathas’ own struggles against rising powers like the Sikhs and Ahmad Shah Durrani further destabilized the region. In a desperate attempt to defend Delhi from Durrani’s forces in 1760, the Marathas even resorted to melting the silver ceiling of the Diwan-i-Khas Red Fort for funds. The constant power struggles left Delhi vulnerable, with the city being raided by Durrani in 1761 after the Marathas’ defeat at Panipat. A decade later, the Marathas, acting on behalf of the exiled Mughal emperor, briefly recaptured Delhi, highlighting the chaotic state of the region.

Destruction After 1857

The Red Fort bore the brunt of British retaliation after the 1857 Rebellion. Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II was captured and exiled, and the British unleashed their fury on the fort. A systematic demolition effort followed, destroying 80% of the buildings, including gardens and emperor’s quarters. Only the eastern marble structures escaped complete destruction. However, Viceroy Lord Curzon (1899-1905) ordered repairs, including wall reconstruction and garden restoration

Tragically, the Red Fort’s artistic treasures weren’t spared. Plundered twice – in 1739 by Nadir Shah and again during the 1857 rebellion – these jewels and artworks were scattered. Many ended up in private collections or museums like the British Museum, the British Library, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Among the lost treasures are the exquisite jade wine cup of Shah Jahan and the crown of Bahadur Shah II. Requests for their return have so far been unsuccessful.

Despite its turbulent past, the Red Fort has continued to be a stage for history. In 1911, it was refurbished for the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. The Red Fort even served as the location for the courts-martial of Indian National Army officers after World War II, a testament to its enduring significance as a national landmark.

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