Red Fort in Delhi
The Mighty Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan called the Red Fort in Delhi - the Urdu - I- Mu'alla or the Qila - I- Mu'alla i.e. the 'fort of exalted dignity'. Tour this grand red sandstone monument that serves as a constant reminder of Mughal pomp and grandeur synonymous with Old Delhi, India.
The fort came to be known as the 'Lal Qila' during the British colonial rule in India. The Construction of the Red Fort began in the year 1639 during Shah Jahan's rule in Delhi. The massive structure was completed in the year 1648. The entire Red Fort is enclosed by a 2 kilometer long red sandstone wall that etches a clear octagonal shape. There is a deep moat that surrounds the Red Fort wall that used to be filled with Yamuna river waters in the days of the yore. In fact the River Yamuna used to flow right next to the eastern edge of the massive fort.
In those days people entered the fort by crossing wooden drawbridges either on horseback or elephant back. There are two main gates that lead to the Red Fort, the Dilli Darwaza and the Lahori Darwaza. The Lahori Darwaza or the Lahori Gate has special historical significance and faces the famous Chandini Chowk market that was also laid by Emperor Shah Jahan for the ladies of the regal household.
Among the places of interest within the Red Fort that deserve a special mention are the Chatta Chowk, Naubat Khana, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam and the exotic Rang Mahal that was constructed especially for the ladies of the royal home.
Diwan-I-Khas used to be a special audience hall where the Emperor met his important guests. The most enchanting feature of the Diwan-I-Khas used to be the jewel studded Peacock Throne that was looted by Nadir Shah during an attack on the Red Fort, Delhi, India.
Tour the splendid Moti Masjid that was constructed by emperor Aurangzeb in the later years. See the lovely hammams or royal baths and visit the Shahi Burj, which served as the personal working quarters of the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
The building of the Red Fort marked the establishment of the new capital of Delhi - Shahjahanabad that was the seventh city that grew and flourished in this part of North India.
