Red Fort, popularly known as
Lal Quila, is perhaps one of the most magnificent specimens of Mughal architecture which portrays their creative and artistic genius to the fullest. It took several decades to build this extraordinary monument. The credit for this work cannot be attributed to one person alone. Three emperors, Akbar, Jehangir and Shahjehan partook in the construction at different periods of time.This largest fort was built from 1618 AD to 1647 AD, under the Mughal Empire.
The Lal Qila (or Red Fort) has been a mute witness to innumerable conspiracies, scandals, battles..... it cost about ten million rupees , with about half the sum going towards the building of palaces.The red sandstone walls rise 33metres above the clamour of the Old Delhi as a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors.
The city of Agra derived its present status as the city of Mughal architecture and landscapes when the Mughal Dynasty defeated the reigning Lodhis to establish the foundation of Mughal Empire. Agra became the capital under Babar, the first in the Mughal dynasty to rule India.
The fort is octagonal in shape, like most Islamic buildings in India. The north of the fort is connected to the smaller Salimgarh fort. The Red Fort is an intimidating structure. It measures 900m by 550m, with its rampart walls covering a perimeter of 2.41km. On the outside, you can still see the moat that was originally connected with the Yamuna River.
The Red Fort is to be entered by the Delhi Gate to the west, Besides the Delhi Gate, the entry point is the Hathipol (elephant gate), where the king and his visitors would dismount from their elephants Once in
side, one sees the “Diwan-e-am” and the “Diwan-e-khas” which are pavilions where the king gave audience to the common people and the elite respectively. The “Rang Mahal” is a water-cooled apartment for the royal ladies and in the basement of the fort there is a market where one can buy traditional Indian goods at very competitive rates. The “Khas Mahal” and “Sheesh Mahal” are exquisitely ornamented halls, which portray the brilliance and splendor of Mughal royalty. There is also another entrance to the Red Fort, which is the “Lahori Gate”. This entrance leads to the well-known “Chandni Market”. In the evenings there is a special light and sound show organized for tourists which is a must see.
Even today, the Lal Quila is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mugh
al era, and its magnificence simply leaves one awestruck. It is still a calm haven of peace, which helps one to break away, from the frantic pace of life outside the walls of the Fort, and transports the visitor to another realm of existence.
The Red Fort finally became a symbol of Independence when Nehru unfurled Independent India’s tricolour flag from its ramparts on 15 August 1947. Every year, on the 15th of August, the National Flag of India is hoisted at the Red Fort by the Prime Minister , celebrating India's independence.
Lal Quila, is perhaps one of the most magnificent specimens of Mughal architecture which portrays their creative and artistic genius to the fullest. It took several decades to build this extraordinary monument. The credit for this work cannot be attributed to one person alone. Three emperors, Akbar, Jehangir and Shahjehan partook in the construction at different periods of time.This largest fort was built from 1618 AD to 1647 AD, under the Mughal Empire.The Lal Qila (or Red Fort) has been a mute witness to innumerable conspiracies, scandals, battles..... it cost about ten million rupees , with about half the sum going towards the building of palaces.The red sandstone walls rise 33metres above the clamour of the Old Delhi as a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors.
The city of Agra derived its present status as the city of Mughal architecture and landscapes when the Mughal Dynasty defeated the reigning Lodhis to establish the foundation of Mughal Empire. Agra became the capital under Babar, the first in the Mughal dynasty to rule India.
The fort is octagonal in shape, like most Islamic buildings in India. The north of the fort is connected to the smaller Salimgarh fort. The Red Fort is an intimidating structure. It measures 900m by 550m, with its rampart walls covering a perimeter of 2.41km. On the outside, you can still see the moat that was originally connected with the Yamuna River.
The Red Fort is to be entered by the Delhi Gate to the west, Besides the Delhi Gate, the entry point is the Hathipol (elephant gate), where the king and his visitors would dismount from their elephants Once in
side, one sees the “Diwan-e-am” and the “Diwan-e-khas” which are pavilions where the king gave audience to the common people and the elite respectively. The “Rang Mahal” is a water-cooled apartment for the royal ladies and in the basement of the fort there is a market where one can buy traditional Indian goods at very competitive rates. The “Khas Mahal” and “Sheesh Mahal” are exquisitely ornamented halls, which portray the brilliance and splendor of Mughal royalty. There is also another entrance to the Red Fort, which is the “Lahori Gate”. This entrance leads to the well-known “Chandni Market”. In the evenings there is a special light and sound show organized for tourists which is a must see.Even today, the Lal Quila is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mugh
al era, and its magnificence simply leaves one awestruck. It is still a calm haven of peace, which helps one to break away, from the frantic pace of life outside the walls of the Fort, and transports the visitor to another realm of existence.The Red Fort finally became a symbol of Independence when Nehru unfurled Independent India’s tricolour flag from its ramparts on 15 August 1947. Every year, on the 15th of August, the National Flag of India is hoisted at the Red Fort by the Prime Minister , celebrating India's independence.
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