Red Fort




The Red Fort at Delhi was built by Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, as his residence in the 17th century. Shah Jahan constructed Shahjahanabad as the seventh city and his capital. Red Fort was made as the palace for the new city. Shah Jahan shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi to earn larger reputation and prestige to his rule. He also had some vested interest to construct a few palaces and structures. The city served as the capital of the Mughals till the year 1857, when the last known Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was sent on exile by the East India Company.

Red Fort lies besides the Yamuna River and it was the water from the river which fed the moats surrounding the fort. The wall present on the north-eastern corner of the fort lies close to an old fort called Salimgarh Fort. This old fort was built in 1546 by Islam Shah Suri. The construction of Red Fort took a decade after its commencement in 1638. Red Fort had undergone numerous transformations in its structure and architecture since its construction by King Shah Jahan. The major changes in the structure took place during the period of King Aurangzeb and his successors. There is also another Red Fort built much before the present one by Tomara king Anangpala which is now called the Qulb Mosque.

History

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan was on the process of building his new capital city in Shah Jahanabad and he felt the need of an enormous Fort which would serve as the residence for future Mughal Emperors. This was the thought which led to the construction of the architectural master piece Red Fort which took 10 years for its completion. Red Fort remained the Royal Palace for the Mughals until King Bahadur Shah Zafar was sent on exile in 1857. Later, it became the headquarters of British led Indian Army till 1947. The First Independence day speech was delivered by India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru from Red Fort. His successors also continue this tradition of addressing the nation from Red Fort. Red Fort today stands as one of the most popular tourist spot owing to its architectural grandeur and historic importance.

How to Reach

Delhi Metro is the most convenient mode to reach Red Fort. The nearest Metro station from Red Fort is Chandni Chowk. This Metro station falls between Jahangirpuri and Huda city in the Yellow line. It is also possible to avail the DTC (Delhi Transport Corporations) tourist bus services operating from Scindia House. The daily tour operators (except Mondays) charge Rs 200 for Delhi city tour which also includes Red Fort.

Architecture

Red Fort which is made of red sandstone and has citadels, bulging towers is one of the earliest and largest monument in Delhi. The Fort is located on the northeast corner of the ancient city of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi). The height of the wall varies between 18 meters to 33 meters on the river side and city side respectively.

The fort also had two Halls for the commoners and the group of prominent people. Diwan-i-Am used to be the Hall for common audiences, where the King used to sit and listen to the complaints and grievances of the common people. He used to hold confidential and important meetings with his prominent people at Diwan-i-Khas. Marble is used to construct this complete hall and center of this hall housed the famous Peacock Throne, which was taken away by Nadir Shah to Iran in 1739.

Red Fort has various attractions inside the Fort. The popular ones are:

  • Hammams or Royal Baths
  • Shahi Burj - Shahjahan's private office
  • Pearl Mosque or Moti Masjid (Aurangzeb built it for his personal use)
  • Palace of Colors or Rang Mahal  occupied by Emperor's mistresses and wives

Special care was taken in decorating and adoring the Rang Mahal. Glided turrets and elaborate mosaic of mirrors containing gold and silver painted ceiling which reflected in a central pool were used.

Nearby Attractions

Lotus Temple

The Bahai Temple which is popularly called as Lotus Temple owing to its shape like a Lotus flower is one of the fascinating architectural creation of the 20th century. The calmness and serene atmosphere inside the temple attracts numerous people for meditation.

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar which holds the distinction of being the first Islamic structure built in India stands tall at a height of 72.5 meters. It is one of the popular and most visited site seeing places in Delhi. It was built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1199. There are 379 steps to reach the top of the monument. The top and base diameter of the monument is 2.7 meters and 14.3 meters respectively.

India Gate

The magnificent arch India Gate was built to commemorate the bravery of the Indian soldiers killed during World War I. It is 42 meters high and is a prominent memorial of the Defence Martyrs of the Country. The area near or park India Gate is ideal to spend time with friends and family.

Visitor Information

  • Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Delhi
  • Visiting Time: Red Fort is open on all days except Mondays from sunrise to sunset. However, the timings are 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.
  • Entry Fee: For Indian Nationals, the Entry fee is Rs 10 per person and for Foreign Nationals, the fee is Rs 150 per person. However, on Fridays the entry to the fort is free.
  • Went to Visit: It will be very uncomfortable to visit Delhi during the summer months. The best time is between October to March. The weather remains extremely pleasant being the winter months.
  • Photography / Videography: Rs. 25/- is charged as fee for Movie camera. However, still cameras are allowed free of cost.

Shows at Red Fort

The Charges for the show are as mentioned below:

  • Adult - 80/-
  • Children - Rs. 30/-

Show Timings In Hindi

  • February to April: 7pm
  • May to August: 7:30 pm
  • September to October: 7 pm
  • November to January: 6 pm

In English

  • February to April: 8:30 pm
  • May to August: 9 pm
  • September to October: 8:30 pm
  • November to January: 7:30 pm
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