Red Fort
Built during the reign of Shah Jahan, the Lal Qila (or Red Fort) has been a mute witness to innumerable conspiracies, scandals, battles..... Completed in a span of nine years, it cost about ten million rupees , with about half the sum going towards the building of palaces.



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. It towers at a height of 33.5m and is build in Red Sandstone. On the outside, you can still see the moat that was originally connected with the Yamuna River.

The fort has two main entrances , the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate which faces the famed Chandni Chowk market. Form the Lahore Gate, a visitor has access to the Chatta Chowk (vaulted arcade ) which as once a royal market and housed court jewelers, miniature painters carpet manufacturers, workers in enamel, silk weavers and families of specialized craftsmen. The road from the royal market leads to the Nawabarkhana (band house) where the royal band played five times a day.

The two most famous buildings of the Red Fort are the Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-Am), where the grand mughal presided from a royal alcove which contained the Peacock Throne, and the smaller Hall of Private Audience (Diwan-i-Khas). Other features in the Red Fort are the Painted Palace (Rang Mahal) and the Pearl Mosque (Moti Masjid). Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the First Prime Minister of India hoised the Flag on 15th August 1947 at the Red Fort. It proclaimed Free & Independent Nation. This flag replaced the British Union Jack which had flown over India for 200 years.

Architecture of Red Fort

Khas Mahal - a place with emperor's private quarters.
Diwan-e-am - A place specified for public audiences.
Diwan-e-Khas - It was for organising the private meetings by the emperor.
Shah Burj - A place where secret meetings took place.
Moti Masjit - Built by Aurangzeb for his personal use.

Other building of interest in the Red Fort complex are the Musamman Burg (Octagonal tower), Khwabgah (bedroom) and the Hammam (royal baths).