Red Fort
The colossal Red Fort in Delhi was the home of the formidable Mughal emperors for around 200 years until the British took over it in 1857. The fort is not just a symbol of the popular grandeur of the Mughal era, but it has withstood the trials of turbulent times, especially during India’s most historical events that shaped the foundation of the country. This is one of the most famous tourist attractions of the national capital. The UNESCO declared the Red Fort a World Heritage Site in 2007, in recognition of its significance. Red Fort is one of the most celebrated monuments of India and is the symbol of valor and peace.This 17th-century monument is of octagonal shape and it covers around 255 acres of land. The total number of gates here is three. The royals used to enter the fort through the Khizrabad Gate that has been closed for commoners now. The Lahore and Delhi Gates are open to locals and tourists. The fort was planned to house a palace inside its campus. The Red Fort still a historical and architectural wonder.History of Red FortThe construction of the Red Fort started in 1638 with the Emperor Shah Jahan deciding to leave Agra to create a new Mughal capital, Shahjahanabad, which is presently known as the Old Delhi. With architect Lahori’s work at Agra Fort, Shah Jahan was so impressed that he asked him to work on this fort as well.However, despite having elaborate and grand illustrations in the early years, the shine and glory of the Red Fort eventually faded when Shah Jahan fell ill and had to go back to Agra to recuperate. Since 1658, Shah Jahan’s son Aurangzeb, who was known to be power hungry, took the charge of the fort and kept his father imprisoned at Agra Fort for over 8 years until he died.The opulence of the Red Fort and the fortunes of the royal family started diminishing with Aurangzeb ruling the last phase of his reign which was bristled with uncertainty, unfaithfulness and treachery. Persian ruler Nadir Shah attacked the fort in 1739 and looted several valuables, including the Peacock Throne and the Kohinoor diamond. In 1752, the fort belonged to the Maratha kings who defeated the Mughals in a battle.The Marathas had to melt down the silver ceiling of the Diwan-e-Khaas hall in order to raise funds to save the capital from the attack of the Afghan invaders under the leadership of Ahamd Shah Durrani. In 1857, the Britishers made the Red Fort their army base and looted further valuables. In 1947, after gaining independence, the Red Fort was chosen as the main site for public celebration.
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