There are various historical structures in Delhi. Red Fort, also called Lal Qal’ah is one of them.
The fort was selected as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
in the mid -17th Century commissioned the construction of the Red Fort.
1) The Real Name of the Red Fort
The Red Fort was originally named ‘Qila-e- Mubarak’ or the ‘Blessed Fort’.
2) Shift in the Capital City
This archeological wonderment was built when Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. Delhi was called Shahjahanabad during this era.
3) The Red Fort was White
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan constructed the Red Fort in 1648, initially the fort was white in color. According to A.S.I (Archeological Survey of India) various parts of the building were made up of limestone. Later, when the white stone got damaged, the British painted the fort red.
4) The Red Fort named for it’s Boundary Wall
The British called it Red Fort as the wall of this fort was built using red stones and Bricks, and the natives translated it to Lal Qila. The high boundary wall were constructed to provide maximum security to the royals.
5) It took 10 Years to Construct Red Fort
It took a time span of 10 years to construct this magnificent piece of art by Ustad Hamid and Ustad Ahmed . The construction began in 1638 and was completed by 1648.
6) The ‘Kohinoor’ Diamond
The Kohinoor Diamond was set in Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s royal throne. It was located in the Diwani-i- Khas. Later, the incomparable stone was robbed by Nadir Shah and now it belongs to the Queen of England.
7) The Fountains in the Red Fort
The magnificent fountain are called ‘Stream of Paradise’ or ‘Nahr-i- Behist’.
8) The Lahore Gate
There are two main gates at the spectacular Red Fort which includes the Lahore Gate and the Delhi Gate. The Lahore Gate opens up towards Lahore. Previously, India and Pakistan used to be one country.
9) The Water Gate
There is a third exit from the Red Fort, it is called the Yamuna Gate because it secure easy access to the river Yamuna. However, throughout the period of time, the course of the river changed but the name endured.
10) Octagonal Shape of the Red Fort
The magnificent Red Fort is spread over 256 acres, when it is viewed from the top, the amazing architectural splendor disclosure’s it’s Octagonal shape.
11) The Rang Mahal in Red Fort
The Rang Mahal or the ‘Palace of Color’. It is one of the most magnificent palaces in the fort. It was built for the accommodation of wives, mistress and maid of Emperor
12) The Meena Bazaar
Chhatta Chowk, also known as the Meena Bazaar. This market was initially known as Bazaar-i- Musaqqaf. During the Mughal period, Jewelry, Silk and other precious items were sold in this market.
13) The Moti Masjid
The Moti Masjid or ‘Pearl Mosque’ within the Red Fort was built by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1659-1660. The Moti Masjid is entirely built up of light white marble. The architectural design of Moti Masjid has a resemblance to Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow.
14) Red Fort under the Maratha’s
The Maratha’s and the Mughal’s signed a treaty in 1752, after that Maratha’s became the protector of the fort. Diwan -i- Khas which was constructed by Shah Jahan, The silver in the ceiling of the Diwan -i- Khas was melted by the Maratha’s because they wanted to raise funds to protect the fort from Ahmed Shah Abdali.
15) Bahadur Shah Zafar in his own Ancestral house tried by the British
Bahadur Shah II was the last Mughal Emperor who was tried by British on the charges of betrayal. The
trial had taken place in Diwan -i- Khas and the Emperor was found guilty. Later, his title was taken and he was exiled to Rangoon. (Currently called Myanmar).
16) Destroyed By the British
At the end of the Mughal Era, the British had taken over the Red Fort. Later, they also damaged buildings and monuments inside and sold most of the valuables. This led to the drain of wealth in India.
17) Red Fort- World Heritage Site
The UNESCO in 2007 has named the Red Fort as a World Heritage Site. It is a historical wonder about which India is proud.
18) P.M of India gives a Speech from the Red Fort
P.M gives a special speech addressing the people of the nation every year on Independence Day from the Red Fort. From the first Independence Day of India 15th August’ 1947, this tradition has continued.
19) Terrorist Attack on Red Fort
On 22nd December 2000, a terrorist attack on Red Fort was Carried out by six Lashkar -e- Taiba members. It was an effort to tear down India-Pakistan peace talks.
20) Adoption of the Red Fort
The Dalmia Group in April, 2018 became the first Corporate in India to adopt an archeological wonder in the Green Category of the Monument Mitras Program for the span of 5years worth Rs 25 Crore. Due to the adoption of the Fort by a private group it led to criticism from the public, opposite political parties and historians.Therefore, In May 2018, the Indian Congress declared that the deal should remain suspended until there is an ‘impartial review’ by the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology about this deal.
CONCLUSION
Red Fort has been the home to Mughal Emperors for more than 200 years. The British have
caused extensive destruction to the Red Fort but the Government authorities have preserved it
very efficiently.
This fort has witnessed numbers of historical events. Although, it’s a must visit spot in Delhi,
India.
