There are many must-visit places in Delhi; Red Ford is one of them. Red Ford in New Delhi People who love learning from history and culture.
Red Ford is a must-visit place. This historic memorial is located in the Central Zone of India’s capital, New Delhi, and houses several museums. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648, the palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a center of attraction for national and international tourists. Its walls are built of red sandstones, so the name is derived.
Reaching Red Fort is fine. You can get it directly from the Airport, Railway Station, or bus Station by taking a city bus, taxi, or auto rickshaw. Metro Rail is the quickest and cheapest way to reach it from any part of Delhi / New Delhi. Tourists can bring Cameras.
- Distance from the Airport: 24 Km
- List ItemNearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
- Closed On: Monday
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 (Indians), Rs. 250 (Foreigners)
- Photography: Nil (Rs. 25 for video filming)
- Sound & Light Shows: 6 pm onwards in English and Hindi
- Admission Details for Sound and Light Show: Rs. 80 (Adults), Rs. 30 (Children)
- Duration: 1-3 Hours
The Red Fort was White
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan created the Red Ford, built-in 1648. Earlier, it was white and built with sandstones. Later, not only the name but also the color of the fort was changed to red. The Red Fort was initially made of limestone. When the white stone started chipping off, the British had to paint it red.
The Real Name of the Fort
Do you know that the Red Fort was only sometimes known by its current name? It was initially known as “Qila-e-Mubarak.” This name simplifies to “The Blessed Fort.” According” to sources, Shah Jahan built this fort when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi.
It Took Ten Years to Build the Red Fort
There’s no denying that machinery and construction were limited in those days, or shall we say, during the reign of Shah Jahan – the grandson of Akbar the Great.
It took ten long years for Ustad Hamid and Ustad Ahmed – the pioneering architects who began the construction in 1638 and completed it a decade later.
The Kohinoor Diamond Once Adorned the Furnishings of the Red Fort
Many would not know that the Kohinoor diamond was part of Shah Jahan’s royal throne in the Diwani-Khas. Years later, the priceless stone was robbed by Nadir Shah (the ‘Persian Napoleon’).
The solid gold throne was studded with valuable stones like emeralds, pearls, diamonds, and rubies.
Presently, the largest diamond in the world is decorating the crown of England’s queen.
Rang Mahal in Red Fort
The Red Fort (well-known for its breathtaking architecture) is compact and contains many palaces used by several Mughal rulers. Rang Mahal, one of the most impressive palaces in the fort, literally means “palace of colors.”
Emperors’ consorts and their maids used this palace. Khas Mahal, the fabulous personal palace of the emperor, is located near Rang Mahal. It allowed the emperor to visit his queens anytime he wanted. Except for the princesses and queens, nobody had permission to visit Khas Mahal.
The Main Entrance of the Fort - Lahore Gate
The magnificent Red Fort has two main gates: the Delhi Gate and the Lahore Gate. The Lahore Gate is named so because it opens towards Lahore. This is because India and Pakistan used to be one country then.
Every Independence Day, the Prime Minister of India unfurls the National Flag from the Lahore Gate’s ramparts. While resembling the Lahore Gate, the Delhi Gate historically served as the main entrance for the public to the fort.
The Shape of the Red Fort is Octagonal
The Royal Red Fort, covering over 256 acres, is built in an octagonal shape. Its fantastic architectural splendor reveals its octagonal shape when viewed from the top.
The Red Fort holds the prestigious status of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Red Fort was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007 for its historical and cultural importance. India deeply treasures its architectural marvel famously known as the ‘Red Fort,’ a source of national pride.
The Last Mughal Emperor Was Tried in His Own Home
The last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, led the 1857 rebellion against the British empire. The British tried him for sedition in his own home—the Red Fort. The Trial took place in Diwan-i-Khas, surrounded by the British court. They found the emperor guilty, and he was stripped of his title. Later, he was exiled to Rangoon (now Myanmar).
The Ruin of the Red Fort
After seizing control of the Red Fort, the British embarked on a rampage of destruction, systematically demolishing numerous sections of the fort. Regrettably, many of its treasures were sold off, leaving behind a mere shadow of its former grandeur as the opulent residence of the Mughal emperor.
Conclusion
The Red Fort, renowned as the cherished residence of countless Mughal Emperors over 200 years, has predominantly functioned as a royal abode. Furthermore, it has been pivotal in political and social gatherings and events