RED FORT

Red Fort situated in Old Delhi can be regarded as a city in itself. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century with the aim of concentrating the Mughal power within one monument. The year of initiation of the construction was 1638 and it was completed in 1648. The fort looks like a dynamic city with the provision of all the amenities. In the world heritage list, the name of Red Fort appears third after the names of Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar.
There are two important halls within the Fort. One is called the Diwan-i-am or The Hall of public audience where the Emperor used to listen to the problems of his subjects and provide solutions to them.

The other is the Diwan-i-Khas where the king held private meetings while sitting comfortably on his peacock throne made out of pure solid gold. One of the most extraordinary features of this fort is the Royal Bath. The Royal Baths consisted of three large room surmounted by domes with a large fountain at the centre which was apparently set up as a sauna. Isn’t it marvelous to even see that such a grand old architecture has such scientific and modern bathing facilities that not even every modern house in today’s date possesses? The embellishments used to decorate the bathrroms are also mind blowing. There are colored glasses on the roof and the floor, and is made up of pietra dura. Another tower that one must not miss out while visiting the Red Fort is the Shah Burj. Shah Burj is an octagonal tower that is situated in the northeastern corner of the fort. This northeastern edge of the fort was one of the private working areas of the Emperor. The last element worth noticing and showering ones appreciation is the Rang Mahal—the place which was the residence of the Mughal Emperor’s wife. It is also known as the Palace of Colors and is remarkable for the architectural excellence that it manifests.

In order to enter the Red Fort, there are technically two entrances—the Lahore Gate named so, because it faces Lahore which lies at a distance of 500miles away from this place. Visitors are allowed entry through this particular Gate only. The other gate is the Delhi Gate, which remains closed. The time to visit the fort is from 9 a.m in the morning to 6 p.m in the evening with a nominal entry fee of about Rs.10 with an additional charge of Rs. 25 in case, one wants to carry a camera along with him/her.
There is a special Light and Sound show that is a must watch for all those who are visiting Delhi and have arrived at this fort. The show is shown in two languages, that is English and Hindi. One can attend the one which he/-she is capable of deciphering and understanding. The show is based on Indian Historical details and takes place everyday at affixed time, except on Monday, which is the holiday for all monuments and historical places.




The situation of Red Fort on the Eastern side of the walled city along the Western bank of the Yanuna River is in itself royal enough to house the residence of the Mihgla Emperor as royal as Shah Jahan.