The Red Fort in Delhi or Lal Qila as it is more popularly known, is a masterpiece of architecture in India. It is a worth seeing historical monument and is the most hunting spot for tourists from both India and abroad. It is one of the marvelous architectural masterworks constructed by the Mughal rulers. Red Fort was completed in 1647 by Mughal emperor Shahjahan. Shahjahan was one of the greatest rulers of India, well known for his marvelous architectural accomplishments. During his reign he shifted the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi for which a new and amazing palace- the Red Fort was built. It was built on strategically low lying ground that it could not be seen by an unfriendly army approaching from any side except from the Yamuna river. Its name came from the massive red walls built of gigantic slabs of red sandstone that surrounded it.
Before the Great Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, the fort presented an altogether different picture from what it presents today. Today only about one-fourth of the imposing structure is accessible to visitors and the rest of the area are under the control of the Indian Army, which continues the occupation after the revolt of the 1857 was suppressed by the Britishers. Before 1857, the fort was just like a small city with palaces, offices, workshops and halls of audience where about 3,000 people lived. In 1858, according to the order of British rulers, a large number of palaces in the fort were demolished, many of the basement rooms were sealed and massive barracks were constructed for the soldiers. Yet, today more than 10,000 visitors come to relish the magnificence of the historical building everyday.
There are 15 distinct structures within the fort with the first being the Lahore Gate and the last one the Moti Masjid. The most remarkable buildings are Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Rang Mahal, Mumtaz Mahal, Khas Mahal, Moti Masjid, the Royal Bath and the Shah Burj from where originated the Nahar-e-Bishisht or Canal of Paradise which flowed in a canal through these buildings.
The Lahore Gate of the palace is veiled by the barbican added by Emperor Aurangzeb, son of Shahjahan. At this gate the Prime Minister of India unfurls our National Flag on August 15, Independence Day and addresses the nation.
After the gate there is the long covered bazaar called the Chatta Chowk which is followed by Naqqar Khana (Drum Room) also called Naubat Khana or the welcome room. The Naqqar Khana is 49 feet high with an open arched music gallery at the top from where the strains of music filtered down to welcome the Emperor. From this point, everyone other than the Emperor had to dismount from their elephants and walk towards Diwan-i-Am, a hall of public audience where the Emperor used to listen to the grievances of the common people. The Diwan-i-Am is built of red sand stones. An ornamental panel portraying Orpheus, which was dismantled after 1857, was restored by Lord Curzon in the beginning of 20th century. The Diwan-i-Am was originally gilded with elaborate stucco work. But, today the shell of the structure can be seen.
The Diwan-i-Khas, which was the hall of Private Audience, is a white marble building with its costly fittings. The ceilings of this Hall still possess beautiful floral designs in gold and gifts. The marble balcony of this Hall was once projected over the banks of the Yamuna river which in due course changed its way. Here stood the world famous Peacock Throne with golden legs. Each of them bore two peacocks covered with rubies, diamonds and emeralds. The peacock’s mouth had a great diamond including the famous Kohinoor, which is now adorning the British Crown. The Peacock Throne with the Kohinoor Diamond in it was taken to Persia (now Iran) by Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia in 1739.
The Rang Mahal, the palace of colour, was the palace of Queen. Its original ceilings were of silver and gold. It gets its name from its painted interior. The northern and southern sections were called Sheesh Mahal (palace of mirror). The Khas Mahal (palace of Emperor) has special rooms for worship and for sleeping.
Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque was a private masjid and was built by Aurangzeb in 1659. To the north of this masjid is the Hayat baksh, a Mughal garden built by Shahjahan.
The Red Fort is the greatest of Mughal palaces and is a brilliant masterpiece. Emperor Shahjahan’s name was written in golden letters for constructing such an architectural wonder.