The Red Fort, Lal Qila, formerly known as the Qila-e-Mubarak, was commissioned by the emperor Shah Jahan in the year 1638, it was the seat for the Mughal empire for 200 years, The Red Fort is named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone.
In addition to accommodating the emperors and their households, it was the ceremonial and political centre of the Mughal empire, a location selected by Shahjahan, who wanted to build a city from scratch, he decided on the banks of the River Yamuna, and close to the ancient city of Indraprastha.
A UNESCO world heritage site, the red fort contains the Diwan-i-am; the Diwan-e-Khas, the Moti Masjid and the Hayar Paksh bagh, among the other interesting architectural elements, The imperial apartments consist of a row of pavilions, connected by a water channel known as the Stream of Paradise (Nahr-i-Bihisht).
The fort complex is considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity under Shah Jahan, and although the palace was planned according to Islamic prototypes, each pavilion contains architectural elements typical of Mughal buildings that reflect a fusion of Timurid and Persian traditions.
The fort was plundered of its artwork and jewels during Nadir Shah’s invasion of the Mughal Empire in 1747, much of the wealth was taken away, including the famed peacock throne, after the revolt of 1857, the Red Fort fell into British hands, at which time most of the fort’s precious marble structures were destroyed by the British, the Fort’s defensive walls were largely spared, and the fortress was subsequently used as a garrison. The Red Fort was also the site where the British put the last Mughal Emperor on trial before exiling him to Rangoon in 1858.
The main gate to the red fort is the Lahore Gate and is also the site for the Prime Minister’s speech every year on the 15th of August, India’s independence day The Red fort is located in the centre of Delhi, a part of the Old city and houses a number of museums. Location: Netaji Subhash MargMetro Station: Chandni ChowkOpen: Tue-Sun; Mondays closed
Fort timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Open: Tue-Sun; Mondays closed
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: Rs. 90 (Indians), Rs. 950
(foreigners)
Photography: Nil (Rs.25 for video
filming)
Sound & Light Shows: 6 pm onwards in English and Hindi
Ticket: Rs. 80 (adults), Rs. 30 (children)
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