Red Fort: Historic Monument of India and All You Need to Know

Red Fort: Historic Monument of India

The Red Fort Complex was built as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad – the new capital of the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, Shah Jahan. Named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone, it is adjacent to an older fort, the Salimgarh, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546, with which it forms the Red Fort Complex.

In order to reclaim the Red Fort (a symbol of British Power and might), the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru hoisted the Indian Flag on the ramparts of the Red Fort. This happened the very next day August 15, 1947, when it was hoisted on the India Gate. This was to then become India’s lasting Independence Day tradition. This year also Independence Day 2023 will be celebrated here.

Red Fort

One of the most well-known Mughal kings, Shah Jahan, built the Red Fort, often called the Lal Qila. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, an architect, created the fortress palace that was constructed on the banks of the Yamuna River. The amazing fort took 8 years and 10 months to construct. From 1648 to 1857, the fort housed the Mughal emperors as their royal home. As soon as Shah Jahan made the decision to move his capital from Agra to Delhi, it replaced the renowned Agra Fort as the official royal palace.

The term “The Red Fort” comes from the fort’s nearly impregnable red-sandstone walls. The fort, which is situated in Old Delhi, is one of India’s most impressive and large buildings and a great example of Mughal design. It is frequently regarded as the height of Mughal ingenuity. The fort is significant to Indians today because the Prime Minister of India gives his Independence Day speech there each year on August 15. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

History of Red Fort

The Red Fort, which was created by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, was meant to serve as the palace fort for his capital city of Shahjahanabad. One of the first things he did after relocating his capital from Agra to Delhi was to order the building of a fort on the Yamuna River’s banks. The building’s original name, Qila-i-Mubarak, which translates to “the Blessed Fort,” was used throughout its construction, which started in 1638 and lasted for more than 8 years before it was completed. The fort has housed a variety of people during its more than 300-year existence, including Aurangzeb, Jahandar Shah, Muhammad Shah, and Bahadur Shah II, among others.

Invading the city in 1739, the Persian dictator Nadir Shan attacked the Red Fort and stole numerous priceless treasures, including the Peacock Throne. The Red Fort was severely damaged as a result of this action. After that, the fort’s marble constructions were also demolished during the insurrection against the British in 1857.

Architecture of the Red Fort

The 255-acre fort, which features a mix of architectural designs including Persian, Hindu, Timurid, and Islamic, spans a total area. The huge, 2.5-kilometer-long enclosure walls made of red sandstone that was used to build the monument gave it its name. While red stone is employed in a few select areas of the fort’s construction, the majority of it is made of marble. The structure is shaped like an amorphous octagon and features a variety of architectural features, including turrets, bastions, pavilions, two gates, and various other components.

Red Fort: Historic Monument of India & Prominent Structures

The Red Fort still holds several historic buildings, some of which are highlighted below, even though up to 66 per cent of the fort’s components were either completely destroyed or severely damaged:

Mumtaz Mahal

Mumtaz Mahal was one of the six palaces within the fort and was located in the women’s quarters (zenana) of the fort. The Stream of Paradise united each of these palaces, which were all constructed along the Yamuna River’s banks. White marble was used in the construction of the Mumtaz Mahal, and floral accents were added. It served as a detention camp while the British were in power. In this spectacular structure today, the Red Fort Archaeological Museum has been established.

Khas Mahal

The ruler of India kept his private home at the Khas Mahal. The telling-beads chamber, sitting room, and sleeping chamber were the three sections of the palace. White marble, floral decorations, and gilded ceiling beams were used to beautify the castle. The Emperor would address his followers from the tower known as “Muthamman Burj,” which was attached to Khas Mahal. He would also wave at them to recognise their presence.

Rang Mahal

The Rang Mahal, which is also known as the “Palace of Colours,” was constructed to serve as a residence for the emperor’s mistresses and wives. As the name suggests, the palace was decorated ostentatiously and painted brightly to give it a colourful appearance. The palace’s centre featured a marble basin that would receive water pouring from the Stream of Paradise. The women utilised a cellar beneath the castle to cool down in the summer.

Hira Mahal

The Hira Mahal, erected in 1842 by Bahadur Shah II, is likely one of the final buildings to have been erected by a Mughal emperor before the British invasion. Despite being only a little pavilion, it is connected to an intriguing legend. According to mythology, Shah Jahan had placed a diamond in this location that was intended for his first bride. It is said that the undiscovered diamond is even more valuable than the renowned Kohinoor.

Moti Masjid

Aurangzeb constructed Moti Masjid, sometimes known as the “Pearl Mosque,” for his own usage. It’s interesting to note that people from Zenana also visited the mosque. Moti Masjid was built with white marble and features three domes and three arches.

Hammam

Hammam was essentially a structure that housed the emperors’ baths. The dressing room was located on the apartment’s eastern side. The taps in the western apartment used to run hot water. According to legend, rose water with fragrance was utilised for bathing. Hammam’s interiors were decorated with floral patterns and white marble.

Red Fort: Historic Monument of India and Popular Culture

The largest historical building in Delhi is the Red Fort. India’s Prime Minister raises the tricolour flag on Independence Day each year. Because the fort was assaulted by terrorists on December 22, 2000, security surrounding it increased during Independence Day celebrations. The fort is a popular tourist destination and receives thousands of visitors each year.

Even though many of the structures are in poor condition, some are still in decent form, and steps are being taken to preserve what is left of the fort. Inside the fort, three museums have been established: the Museum of Blood Paintings, the War Memorial Museum, and the archaeological museum. The fort is depicted on the back of the recently launched rupee 500 currency note, indicating the significance of the fort even in the post-independence age.

Red Fort: Historic Monument of India Key Facts for UPSC

• The Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan laid the foundation stone of the Red Fort in 1618 and held its inauguration in 1647
• Red Fort is the fusion of the Timurids and the Persian’s architectural styles. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri was the architect of the Red Fort. Indo-Islamic and Mughal architectural styles are present in the Red Fort Complex.
• It is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is situated on the Banks of River Yamuna.

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