Red Fort Delhi. Introduction

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Red Fort Delhi. Introduction
The largest of Old Delhi's monuments is Lal Quila or Red Fort whose thick red sandstone walls, bulging with turrets and bastions, have withstood the vagaries of time and nature. The Lal Quila rises above a wide dry moat in the northeast corner of the original city of Shahjahanabad. Its walls extend from two kilometers and vary in height from 18 metres on the river side to 33 metres on the city side.

Mughal Emperor Shahjahan started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and work was completed in 1648. The fort contains all the expected trappings of the centre of Mughal government: halls of public and private audience, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, the fort remains an impressive testimony to Mughal grandeur, despite being attacked by the Persian Emperor Nadir Shah in 1739 and by the British soldiers during the war of independence in 1857.

Entrance to the fort is through the imposing Lahore Gate, which takes its name from the fact that it faces Lahore, now in Pakistan. This gate has a special significance for India since the first war of independence and important speeches have been made here by freedom fighters and national leaders of India.

The main entrance opens on to the Chatta Chowk, a covered street flanked with arched cells that used to house Delhi's most talented jewellers, carpet makers, weavers and goldsmiths. This arcade was also known as the Meena Bazaar, the shopping centre for the ladies of the court. Just beyond the Chhata Chowk is the heart of the fort called Naubat Khana or the Drum House. The musicians used to play for the emperor from the Naubat Khana and the arrival of princes and royalty was heralded from here.

The Fort also houses the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences where the Emperor would sit and hear complaints of the common folks. His alcove in the wall was marble-paneled and was set with precious stones, many of which were looted after the mutiny of 1857. The Diwan-i-Khas is the hall of private audiences where the Emperor held private meetings. This hall is made of marble and its centre-piece used to be the Peacock Throne, which was carried away to Iran by Nadir Shah in 1739. Today, the Diwan-i-Khas is only a pale shadow of its original glory, yet the famous Persian couplet inscribed on its wall remind us of its former magnificence: "If on Earth be an Eden of bliss, it is this, it is this, none but this."

The other attractions within this monument are the Royal Baths or hammams, the Shahi Burj, which used to be Shahjahan's private working area and the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, built by Aurangzeb for his personal use. The Rang Mahal or the "Palace of Colours" housed the Emperor's wives and mistresses. This palace was crowned with gilded turrets, delicately painted and decorated with an intricate mosaic of mirrors, and a ceiling overlaid with gold and silver that was reflected in a central pool in the marble floor.

Even today, the Lal Quila is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal era and its magnificence leaves many wonder-struck and breathless. It is still a calm haven of peace which helps one to break away from the frantic pace of life outside the walls of the Fort and transports the visitor to another era of time.
Sound & Light Show

The eventful history Red Fort has been witness to is brought out as a sound and light show every evening on the ramparts of the Red Fort. For those desirous of delving into Delhi's glorious and tumultuous past, Delhi Tourism puts on a spectacular sound and light show at the Purana Qila bringing 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Special effects combine with the unique ambience to make this show a hauntingly unforgettable experience. The eternal Jamuna bears witness to the glorious and tumultuous history of Delhi. It throws light on a history, which begins with the creation of Indraprastha by the Pandavas and the transformation of this barren gift of the Kauravas into an idyllic haven. This show unfolds the history of Delhi. One is transported centuries back in time to witness Draupadi being reduced to a dasi of Hastinapur, the gallant Prithviraj Chauhan gallooping away with Samyogita, Sher Shah Suri being blown to bits by misfired cannon, the legendary Razia Sultan, Humanyun tragically tumbling down the steps of his library, Bahadur Shah Zafar surrendering to the British.

This is the story of the city of cities - Delhi; where a great empire rose and fell before the dawn of history; citadels of emperors appeared and disappeared. But, combined and integrated into one, these new cities have always been called Delhi and Delhi has always been intrinsically identified with power and imperial sway. These and many more such episodes out of Delhi’s old saga can be relived during this evocative 62 minutes son et lumiere. Advanced technology has made it possible to add special effects, combining with the unique ambiance to make this show a hauntingly unforgettable experience. Shrouded in antiquity, the lofty walls of the Purana Quila, rise on the sire of the ancient city of Indraprastha. It is believed to be the site of the first city of Delhi. The high-rise walls and imposing entrances to the Quila are credited to emperor Sher Shah Suri. Purana Quila, now the site for the sound and light show, has seen centuries of history unfold before it. The show, inaugurated on 2nd October 1996, is perhaps the biggest of its kind in India. The show each in Hindi and English is held after sunset except on days when it rains. The shows, through skillful use of light and sound, bring to life bygone days of Delhi's history from the Mughal period.

PS.
Evening light shows and Red Fort.
Monday Closed

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Red Fort a World Heritage Site
Mughal majesty: The ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi, in a file picture.

New Delhi: The 17th century Mughal marvel, Red Fort, has joined the ranks of 26 other Indian sites, including the Taj Mahal, to be included in the list of World Heritage Sites. The red sandstone monument built by Emperor Shah Jehan in Delhi, beat competitors from 45 other sites across the globe.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee took the eagerly awaited decision at a meeting in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Thursday. The choice of a range of other sites worldwide was announced simultaneously.

The Red Fort is considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity, which under Shah Jehan was brought to a new level of refinement. The planning of the fortress and palace is based on Islamic prototypes, but each pavilion reveals architectural elements typical of Mughal building, reflecting a fusion of Persian, Timurid and Hindu traditions, UNESCO said in a statement.

The other Indian monuments which have been given World Heritage status in the past include the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra, the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort in Uttar Pradesh, the Sun Temple in Orissa, the monuments at Hampi in Karnataka and the Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh. In the national capital, Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutub Minar are already on the list.

India had proposed the Majuli Islands in Assam for the status last year, but it was not included.

The Red Fort almost got nominated by India in 1993. The government deferred it at that time as a major part of the fort was occupied by the Army. Later, the Archaeological Survey of India took charge of it and carried out conservation and beautification work as it chose the monument as the country’s nominee for this year’s World Heritage List.