It invariably stands as a symbol of India’s Independence.  An important landmark built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor and grandson of Akbar, when he moved the imperial capital back to Delhi from Lahore in 1639. Almost nine years and millions of rupees later, an astronomical sum in those days on its construction, this mighty citadel was completed on the 16th April 1648!

Though much of the original structure has changed now because of large-scale demolitions during the British occupation of the fort, its important structures have survived. Read up about the beautiful Red Fort originally known as Qila-e-Mualla, that has today been awarded with the National Tourism Award for the ‘Best Maintained and Disabled Friendly Monument.’

A fort that derives its name from the red sandstone used in its construction, the Red Fort is a good example of Mughal military architecture. Known for its tall ramparts, heavily fortified gateways, the moat surrounding the fort, etc., the style of architecture followed in building, the monuments within the periphery of this fort, it conforms to the Islamic style with liberal local influences.

Situated on the western banks of the Yamuna, the fort walls extend for 2 km and vary in height. While the height of the walls is 18 m on the riverside, it is 33 m on the city side. While the Lahori Gate is the main entrance to the fort, the other important gateway is the Delhi Gate. The grassy area above this massive gateway and below the tall ramparts of the fort is the place from where the Prime Minister of India addresses and leads the nation in celebrating Independence Day.  Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, unfurled the Indian tricolor on the ramparts of this magnificent fort on 15 August 1947 marking the end of the British colonial rule.

Since then, in keeping with the tradition on every Independence Day (15 August), a grand function is held at Red Fort, where the Prime Minister of India unfurls the Indian tricolor and makes a speech from its ramparts.

Not only is it magnificent from the outside but one can find a number of important and interesting buildings within the Red Fort as well. From numerous palaces to other structures including massive barracks for soldiers, the Red fort is known for its overall elegance and beauty. On entering the Lahori Gate, shopaholics can rejoice! It’s time for gifts and souvenirs! That’s what the arcade – Chatta Chowk is about! Known as Meena Bazaar during the time of the Mughals, the shopkeepers then used to sell silk items, jewelry, and gold.

From the arcade the path leads to the Naubat Khana or Naqqar Khana (drum house), where musicians once played for the Emperor. The music galleries contained large musical instruments like Kettledrums, Hautboys (Shehnai) and Cymbals. Also referred to as ‘Hathipol’ as everyone, except the royal princes, had to dismount from their elephants here, it was here that the arrival of royalty was heralded as well as the festivities were announced. It is said that the carved designs on its walls were originally painted with gold; while in the interior different layers were painted with a combination of colors. Today the first floor of the Naubat Khana houses a War Memorial Museum which contains arms and armaments used by the rulers of Mughal times, paintings of various kings and rulers and their activities. It includes a brief description of India’s First War Of Independence in 1857.

Passing the Naubat Khana, one comes face to face with the Diwan-I-Aam (hall of public audience). It was in this flat-roof hall, having rows of cusped arches, that the Emperor sitting on a lavish marble-paneled throne set within an inlaid and painted alcove also studded with precious stones and met his subjects. It houses a marble canopy or baldachin under which stood the throne of the Emperor, also known as ‘The Seat of the Shadow of God’. Once the throne canopy was surrounded by a gold-plated railing; the hall was covered by a thin layer of white plaster to create the effect of white marble and was ornamented with gilded stuccowork. At the back of the throne were inlaid panels with multicolored stones, representing flowers and birds. It is said that Austin Bordeaux, a Florentine jeweller, made the panels but some are of the opinion that the intricate floral inlay work was done by Indian craftsmen. The central panel has the figure of the Greek God Orpheus, unusual in Islamic buildings and is the only example of such imagery in the whole complex.

Agar firdaus bar rue zamin ast, Hamin ast o hamin ast o hamin ast .(If there is paradise on earth, It is this, it is this, it is this) Over the corner arches of the northern and southern walls is the inscription of the great poet Amir Khusrau, that very aptly describes the beauty of Diwan-i-Khas. Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience is the chamber where the Emperor held private meetings with important people or with other members of the royal family.

Surrounded by aisles of arches rising from piers, the hall consists of a rectangular central chamber made of white marble. Floral designs that are found here still reflect the high degree of skill of the Mughal artisans. Designed so that the ‘stream of paradise’ or Nahr-i-Bihisht would flow through the center of the hall, it is in the center of the hall over the marble pedestal that once stood the famous Peacock Throne. The throne, also known as Takht-i-Taus, was made of pure gold and measured about 6 feet long and 4 feet wide. It was studded with gems, twelve gold columns attached to the base of the throne and supported a gold canopy lined with diamonds and pearls! On the top of the canopy stood the gold peacock with its sapphire studded tail! It was said to be the most expensive throne in the world made at a cost of 10 billion rupees.

Apart for these the Fort is also known for its palaces, the Mumtaz Mahal being one such palace. Today it houses a Museum of the ASI which contains souvenirs, weapons, paintings, scenes of courtly life and carpets, largely belonging to the Mughal period. The Khas Mahal was another private palace of the Mughal Emperor that consisted of different sets of rooms, used by the Emperor for sleeping, worshipping and living. Other palaces here include the Rang Mahal, Moti Maha, and the Hira Mahal. Other monuments here include the Moti Masjid, also known as Pearl Mosque. It was built in 1659 for the emperor’s private use and built in black marble! Also a mention must be made of towers like the Muthamman Burj, the Shahi Burj, ( its roof is said to be one of the hallmarks of Shah Jahan’s architectural design) and the Asad Burj tower.

While Shahjahan could not enjoy his new city built by his grandson, reason being his own son Aurangzeb imprisoned him in the Agra Fort, where he spent the rest of his life, today this historic and heritage landmark has another  award bestowed upon it, another reason why it should be on your itinerary whilst visiting the beautiful city of Delhi.