fbpx
Wikipedia

Red Fort

The Red Fort or Lal Qila (Hindustani: [laːl qiːlaː]) is a historic fort in the Old Delhi neighbourhood of Delhi, India, that historically served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned construction of the Red Fort on 12 May 1638, when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. Originally red and white, its design is credited to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal. The fort represents the peak in Mughal architecture under Shah Jahan and combines Persianate palace architecture with Indian traditions.

Red Fort
A view of the Red Fort's Lahori Gate
LocationOld Delhi, Delhi, India
Coordinates28°39′21″N 77°14′27″E / 28.65583°N 77.24083°E / 28.65583; 77.24083
Height18–33 m (59–108 ft)
Built12 May 1639 – 6 April 1648; 375 years ago (6 April 1648)
ArchitectUstad Ahmad Lahori
Architectural style(s)Indo-Islamic architecture
Owner
  • Mughal Empire (1639–1771)
  • Maratha Empire (1771-1803)
  • Sikh Misls (11-12 March, 1783)
  • British Indian Empire (1803-1947)
  • Dominion of India (1947-1950)
  • Republic of India (1950-present)
Official nameRed Fort Complex
TypeCultural
Criteriaii, iii, vi
Designated2007 (31st session)
Reference no.231rev
RegionIndo-Pacific
Location in Delhi, India, Asia

The fort was plundered of its artwork and jewels during Nader Shah's invasion of the Mughal Empire in 1739. Most of the fort's marble structures were subsequently demolished by the British following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The fort's defensive walls were largely undamaged, and the fortress was subsequently used as a garrison.

On 15 August 1947, the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the Indian flag above the Lahori Gate. Every year on India's Independence Day (15 August), the prime minister hoists the Indian tricolour flag at the fort's main gate and delivers a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts through the Public Address System of Indian Army Signals.

The Red Fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 as part of the Red Fort Complex.[1][2]

Etymology Edit

The name Red Fort is a translation of the Hindustani Lāl Qila (Hindi: लाल क़िला, Urdu: لال قلعہ),[3][4] deriving from its red sandstone walls. Lal was derived from Hindustani language meaning "Red" and Qalàh derived from Arabic word meaning "Fortress". As the residence of the imperial family, the fort was originally known as the "Blessed Fort" (Qila-i-Mubārak).[5][6] Agra Fort is also known as Lāl Qila.

History Edit

 
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, c. 1630

Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned construction of the Red Fort on 12 May 1638, when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. Originally red and white, Shah Jahan's favourite colours,[7] its design is credited to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal.[8][9] The fort lies along the Yamuna River, which fed the moats surrounding most of the walls.[10] Construction began in the sacred Islamic month of Muharram, on 13 May 1638.[11]: 01  Supervised by Shah Jahan, it was completed on 6 April 1648.[12][13][14] Unlike other Mughal forts, the Red Fort's boundary walls are asymmetrical to contain the older Salimgarh Fort.[11]: 04  The fortress-palace was a focal point of the city of Shahjahanabad, which is present-day Old Delhi. Shah Jahan's successor, Aurangzeb, added the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) to the emperor's private quarters, constructing barbicans in front of the two main gates to make the entrance to the palace more circuitous.[11]: 08 

 
The walls of Red Fort (in the background) as seen from the top of Jama Masjid's tower

The administrative and fiscal structure of the Mughal dynasty declined after Aurangzeb, and the 18th century saw a degeneration of the palace. In 1712 Jahandar Shah became the Mughal Emperor. Within a year of beginning his rule, Shah was murdered and replaced by Farrukhsiyar. In 1739, Persian emperor Nadir Shah easily defeated the strong Mughal army of around 200,000 soldiers,[15] plundering the Red Fort, including the Peacock Throne. Nadir Shah returned to Persia after three months, leaving a destroyed city and a weakened Mughal empire to Muhammad Shah.[11]: 09  The internal weakness of the Mughal Empire made the Mughals only titular rulers of Delhi, and a 1752 treaty made the Marathas protectors of the throne at Delhi.[16][17] The 1758 Maratha victory at Sirhind aided by the Sikhs and successive defeat at Panipat[18] placed them in further conflict with Ahmad Shah Durrani.[19][20]

In 1760, the Marathas removed and melted the silver ceiling of the Diwan-i-Khas to raise funds for the defence of Delhi from the armies of Ahmed Shah Durrani.[21][22] In 1761, after the Marathas lost the third battle of Panipat, Delhi was raided by Ahmed Shah Durrani. Ten years later, the Marathas, acting on the behest and as mercenary of the exiled Emperor Shah Alam, recaptured Delhi from the Rohilla Afghans. Mahadji Scindia, the commander of Maratha army bowed to Mughal Emperor Shah Alam to demonstrate his submission to him.[23] Thus, Shah Alam was restored to the throne.

In 1764, the Jat ruler of Bharatpur, Maharaja Jawahar Singh (the son of Maharaja Suraj Mal) attacked Delhi and captured the Red Fort of Delhi on 5 February 1765.[24] Two days later, after taking tribute from the Mughals, removed their armies from the fort and the Jats took away the throne of the Mughals, called the pride of the Mughals, and the doors of the Red Fort as a memorial, and this throne is today enhancing the beauty of the palaces of Deeg. The doors are located in the Lohagarh Fort of Bharatpur.[25]

In 1783 Sikh Misls led by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, and Baghel Singh conquered Delhi and the Red Fort. All allied with a 40,000 force, looted the area from Awadh to Jodhpur. After negotiations, the Sikhs forces agreed to leave Delhi and reinstate the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II. The condition of their retreat included the construction of seven Sikh Gurdwaras in Delhi, including the Gurudwara Sis Ganj in Chandni Chowk.[26]

In 1788, a Maratha garrison occupied the Red Fort and Delhi alongside providing protection to the Mughal Emperor. Mahadji Scindia signed a treaty with the Sikhs where they were warned not to enter Delhi or ask for the Rakhi tribute. The fort came under the control of the East India Company following the Second Anglo-Maratha War in 1803.[27]

During the Second Anglo-Maratha War, forces of the East India Company defeated Maratha forces of Daulat Rao Scindia in the Battle of Delhi; this ended Maratha control over the city and their control of the Red Fort.[28] After the battle, the British East India Company took over the administration of Mughal territories and installed a Resident at the Red Fort.[11]: 11  The last Mughal emperor to occupy the fort, Bahadur Shah II, became a symbol of the 1857 rebellion against the British East India Company in which the residents of Shahjahanabad participated.[11]: 15 

 
The Rang Mahal inside Red Fort in the mid-nineteenth century.
 
The Rang Mahal inside Red Fort today.

Despite its position as the seat of Mughal power and its defensive capabilities, the Red Fort was not a site of an engagement during the 1857 uprising against the British. After the rebellion was defeated, Bahadur Shah II left the fort on 17 September and was apprehended by British forces. Bahadur Shah Zafar II returned to Red Fort as a British prisoner, was tried in 1858 and exiled to Rangoon on 7 October of that year.[29] After the end of the rebellion, the British sacked the Red Fort before ordering its systemic demolition. 80% of the fort’s buildings were demolished as a result of this effort, including the stone screen that connected the pavilions along the fort’s river-facing façade, which was demolished.[30] All furniture was removed or destroyed; the harem apartments, servants' quarters and gardens were demolished, and a line of stone barracks built in their place.[31] Only the marble buildings on the east side at the imperial enclosure escaped complete destruction, although they were damaged by the demolition efforts. While the defensive walls and towers were relatively unharmed, more than two-thirds of the inner structures were demolished.[citation needed]

Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, ordered repairs to the fort including reconstruction of the walls and the restoration of the gardens complete with a watering system.[32]

 
Every year on India's Independence Day, the prime minister hoists the Indian "tricolour flag" at the fort's main gate and delivers a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts. Pictured is Nehru on 15 August 1947.

Most of the jewels and artwork located in the Red Fort were looted during Nadir Shah's invasion of 1747 and again after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against the British. They were eventually sold to private collectors or the British Museum, the British Library and the Victoria and Albert Museum. For example, the jade wine cup of Shah Jahan and the crown of Bahadur Shah II are all currently located in London. Various requests for restitution have so far been rejected by the British government.[33]

 
View of the Red Fort from the river (by Ghulam Ali Khan, between c. 1852–1854

1911 saw the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar. In preparation for their visit, some buildings were restored. The Red Fort Archaeological Museum was moved from the drum house to the Mumtaz Mahal.

The INA trials, also known as the Red Fort Trials, refer to the courts-martial of a number of officers of the Indian National Army. The first was held between November and December 1945 at the Red Fort.

On 15 August 1947, the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian national flag above the Lahore Gate.[34]

After Indian Independence, the site experienced few changes, and the Red Fort continued to be used as a military cantonment. A significant part of the fort remained under Indian Army control until 22 December 2003, when it was given to the Archaeological Survey of India for restoration.[35][36] In 2009 the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP), prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India under Supreme Court directions to revitalise the fort, was announced.[37][38][39]

Archaeological finds Edit

Archaeological excavations at the Red Fort have unearthed several Ochre Coloured Pottery culture artifacts dating from 2600 BCE to 1200 BCE.[40]

Modern era Edit

 
Inner walls and ceiling of the Diwan-e-Khas
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the Nation on the occasion of 76th Independence Day from the Red Fort on 15 August 2022.

The Red Fort, the largest monument in Delhi,[41] is one of its most popular tourist destinations[42] and attracts thousands of visitors every year.[43] It is a monument of national significance; every year on India's Independence Day (15 August), the prime minister of India hoists the country's flag at the Red Fort and delivers a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts.[44] The fort also appears on the back of the 500 note of the Mahatma Gandhi New Series of the Indian rupee.[45]

The major architectural features are in mixed condition; the extensive water features are dry. Some buildings are in fairly good condition, with their decorative elements undisturbed; in others, the marble inlaid flowers have been removed by looters. The tea house, although not in its historical state, is a working restaurant. The mosque and hammam or public baths are closed to the public, although visitors can peer through their glass windows or marble latticework. Walkways are crumbling, and public toilets are available at the entrance and inside the park. The Lahori Gate entrance leads to a mall with jewellery and craft stores. There is also a museum of "blood paintings", depicting young 20th-century Indian martyrs and their stories, an archaeological museum and an Indian war-memorial museum.[citation needed]

2000 terrorist attack Edit

The Red Fort was the site of a terrorist attack on 22 December 2000, carried out by six Lashkar-e-Taiba members. Two soldiers and a civilian were killed in what the news media described as an attempt to derail India-Pakistan peace talks.[46][47]

Security Edit

To prevent terrorist attacks, security is especially strict around the Red Fort on the eve of Indian Independence Day. Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel keep a watch on neighbourhoods around the fort, and National Security Guard sharpshooters are deployed on high-rises near the fort.[48][49] The airspace around the fort is a designated no-fly zone during the celebration to prevent air attacks,[50] and safe houses exist in nearby areas to which the prime minister and other Indian leaders may retreat in the event of an attack.[48]

Adoption controversy Edit

In April 2018, Dalmia Bharat Group adopted the Red Fort for maintenance, development, and operations, per a contract worth 25 crores for a period of five years, under the government's "Adopt A Heritage" scheme.[51] The memorandum of understanding was signed with the ministries of Tourism and Culture, and the Archaeological Survey of India (A.S.I.).[52] The adoption of the fort by a private group left people divided and drew criticism from the public, opposition political parties, and historians. It also led to the #IndiaOnSale hashtag on Twitter.[53] In May 2018, the Indian History Congress called for the deal to be suspended until there is an "impartial review" of the deal "by the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology or any other recognised body of experts".[54]

2021 Indian farmers' Republic Day protest Edit

On 26 January 2021, during the 2021 Indian farmers' Republic Day protest, a section of the farmers reached and entered the fort and hoisted religious flags from the ramparts and climbed up the domes of the fort.[55] One of the farmers was seen climbing a flagpole in front of the fort and hoisting the religious flag Nishan Sahib on the flagpole.[56] The clash between police and farmers also caused damage to facilities inside the fort.[57] The fort was vacated following police announcements.

Architecture Edit

 
Barrel vault structure located past the Lahore Gate, acts as a market that was built to satisfy the needs of higher ranked Mughal women, who resided in the fort

The World Heritage Convention characterises the Red Fort as representing "the zenith of Mughal creativity". The fort synthesises Islamic palace structure with local traditions, resulting in a confluence of "Persian, Timurid, and Hindu architecture". The fort served as an inspiration for later buildings and gardens across the Indian subcontinent.[1]

The Red Fort has an area of 254.67 acres (103.06 ha) enclosed by 2.41 kilometres (1.50 mi) of defensive walls,[58] punctuated by turrets and bastions that vary in height from 18 metres (59 ft) on the river side to 33 metres (108 ft) on the city side. The fort is octagonal, with the north–south axis longer than the east–west axis. The marble, floral decorations and the fort's double domes exemplify later Mughal architecture.[59]

It showcases a high level of ornamentation, and the Kohinoor diamond was reportedly part of the furnishings. The fort's artwork synthesises Persian, European and Indian art, resulting in a unique Shahjahani style rich in form, expression and colour. Red Fort is one of the building complexes of India encapsulating a long period of history and its arts. Even before its 1913 commemoration as a monument of national importance, efforts were made to preserve it for posterity.

The Lahori and Delhi Gates were used by the public, and the Khizrabad Gate was for the emperor.[11]: 04  The Lahori Gate is the main entrance, leading to a domed shopping area known as the Chatta Chowk (covered bazaar).

Major structures Edit

The most important surviving structures are the walls and ramparts, the main gates, the audience halls and the imperial apartments on the eastern riverbank.[60]

 
Map of Red Fort showing major structures

Lahori Gate Edit

 
The Delhi Gate, which is almost identical in appearance to the Lahori Gate

The Lahori Gate is the main gate to the Red Fort, named for its orientation towards the city of Lahore. During Aurangzeb's reign, the beauty of the gate was altered by the addition of a barbican, which Shah Jahan described as "a veil drawn across the face of a beautiful woman".[61][62][63] Every Indian Independence Day since 1947, the national flag is unfurled and the prime minister makes a speech from its ramparts.

Delhi Gate Edit

The Delhi Gate is the southern public entrance and is similar in layout and appearance to the Lahori Gate. Two life-size stone elephants on either side of the gate face each other.[64]

Chhatta Chowk Edit

Adjacent to the Lahori Gate is the Chhatta Chowk (or Meena Bazaar), where silk, jewellery and other items for the imperial household were sold during the Mughal period. This market was earlier known as Bazaar-i-Musaqqaf or Chatta-bazaar (both meaning "roofed market"). Lahori Gate, the entrance portal of the Red Fort, leads into an open outer court, where it crosses the large north–south street which originally divided the fort's military functions (to the west) from the palaces (to the east). The southern end of the street is the Delhi Gate.[65]

Naubat Khana Edit

 
Naubat Khana and the courtyard before its demolition by the British, in an 1858 photograph
 
Naubat Khana inside Red Fort today

In the east wall of the court stands the now-isolated Naubat Khana (Persian: "Waiting Hall"), also known as Nakkar Khana (drum house). Music was played daily, at scheduled times and everyone, except royalty, were required to dismount. Later Mughal kings Jahandar Shah (1712–13) and Farrukhsiyar (1713–19) are said to have been murdered here. The Indian War Memorial Museum is located on the second floor.[66] The vaulted arcade of the Chhatta Chowk ends in the centre of the outer court, which measured 540 by 360 feet (160 m × 110 m).[67] The side arcades and central tank were demolished after the 1857 rebellion.

Diwan-i-Aam Edit

 
The Diwan-i-Aam audience hall today
 
The Diwan-i-Aam audience hall in the mid-nineteenth century

The inner main court to which the Nakkar Khana led was 540 feet (160 m) wide and 420 feet (130 m) deep, surrounded by guarded galleries.[67] On the far side is the Diwan-i-Aam, the Public Audience Hall. This was a place for the official affairs of commoners who sought after legal matters such as tax issues, hereditary complications, and awqaf.

The hall's columns and engrailed arches exhibit fine craftsmanship, and the hall was originally decorated with white chunam stucco.[67] In the back in the raised recess the emperor gave his audience in the marble balcony (jharokha).

The Diwan-i-Aam was also used for state functions.[59] The courtyard (mardana) behind it leads to the imperial apartments.

Mumtaz Mahal Edit

 

The two southernmost pavilions of the palace are zenanas (women's quarters), consisting of the Mumtaz Mahal built for Arjumand Banu Begum (Mumtaz Mahal) wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan[68] and the larger Rang Mahal a resort for royal women.[69] The Mumtaz Mahal houses the Red Fort Archaeological Museum.

Rang Mahal Edit

The Rang Mahal housed the emperor's wives and mistresses. Its name means "Palace of Colours", since it was brightly painted and decorated with a mosaic of mirrors. The central marble pool is fed by the Nahr-i-Bihisht ("River of Paradise").[70][69]

Khas Mahal Edit

The Khas Mahal was the emperor's apartment. It was cooled by the Nahr-i-Bihisht.[70] Connected to it is the Muthamman Burj, an octagonal tower where he appeared before the people waiting on the riverbank. This was done by most kings at the time.[71]

Diwan-i-Khas Edit

 
Diwan-i-Khas in the mid-nineteenth century

The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) was a building for the official affairs and requests of the novelty and royal family. A gate on the north side of the Diwan-i-Aam leads to the innermost court of the palace (Jalau Khana) and the Diwan-i-Khas.[72] It is constructed of white marble, inlaid with precious stones. The once-silver ceiling has been restored in wood. François Bernier described seeing the jewelled Peacock Throne here during the 17th century. At either end of the hall, over the two outer arches, is an inscription by Persian poet Amir Khusrow:

If heaven can be on the face of the earth,

It is this, it is this, it is this.

— "World Heritage Site – Red Fort, Delhi; Diwan-i-Khas". Archaeological Survey of India. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
 
Panoramic view of the imperial enclosure.
From left: Moti Masjid, the hammam, Divan-i-Khas, Khas Mahal and the Rang Mahal

Hammam Edit

 
Hammam of Red Fort interior in mid-nineteenth century

The hammam (Arabic: حمّام) were the imperial baths, consisting of three domed rooms with white marble patterned floors.[73] It consists of three apartments separated by corridors and crowned with domes. The apartments are illuminated by a colored glass skylight. The two rooms to either side of the present entrance are believed to have been used by the royal children for bathing. The eastern apartment, containing three fountain basins, was used primarily as a dressing room. In the center of each room stood a fountain, and one of the rooms contained a marble reservoir built into the wall. As legend goes, perfumed rose-water once ran from the taps. The western apartment was used for hot or vapor baths, and the heating arrangement was being fixed in its western wall.[74]

Baoli Edit

 
The baoli (step-well) at the
Red Fort, Delhi

The baoli or step-well is one of the few monuments that were not demolished by the British after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The chambers within the baoli were converted into a prison. During the Indian National Army Trials (Red Fort Trials) in 1945–46, it housed Indian National Army officers Shah Nawaz Khan (general), Colonel Prem Kumar Sahgal, and Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon. The Red Fort Baoli is uniquely designed with two sets of staircases leading down to the well.[75]

 
Moti Masjid in Red Fort Delhi

Moti Masjid Edit

West of the hammam is the Moti Masjid, the Pearl Mosque. A later addition, it was built in 1659 as a private mosque for Emperor Aurangzeb. It is a small, three-domed mosque carved in white marble, with a three-arched screen leading down to the courtyard.[76]

Hira Mahal Edit

 
Shahi Burj and its pavilion

The Hira Mahal ("Diamond Palace") is a pavilion on the southern edge of the fort, built under Bahadur Shah II and at the end of the Hayat Baksh garden.[77] The Moti Mahal on the northern edge, a twin building, was demolished during (or after) the 1857 rebellion. The Shahi Burj was the emperor's main study; its name means "Emperor's Tower",[78] and it originally had a chhatri on top. Heavily damaged, the tower is undergoing reconstruction. In front of it is a marble pavilion added by Emperor Aurangzeb.[79]

Hayat Bakhsh Bagh Edit

 
Red Zafar Mahal and white Sawan/Bhadon pavilion behind it in the Hayat Bakhsh Bagh

The Hayat Bakhsh Bagh (Persian: حیات بخش باغ, lit.'Life-Bestowing Garden') is located in the northeast part of the complex. It features a reservoir, which is now dry, and channels through which the Nahr-i-Bihisht flows. At each end is a white marble pavilion, called the Sawan and Bhadon Pavilions, Hindu months, Sawan and Bhadon. In the centre of the reservoir is the red-sandstone Zafar Mahal, added in around 1842 by Bahadur Shah Zafar, and named after him.[80]

Smaller gardens (such as the Mehtab Bagh or Moonlight Garden) existed west of it, but were demolished when the British barracks were built.[11] There are plans to restore the gardens.[81] Beyond these, the road to the north leads to an arched bridge and the Salimgarh Fort.

Princes' quarter Edit

To the north of the Hayat Bakhsh Bagh and the Shahi Burj is the quarter of the imperial princes. This was used by member of the Mughal royal family and was largely demolished by the British forces after the 1857 rebellion. One of the palaces was converted into a tea house for the soldiers.

See also Edit

References Edit

  1. ^ a b "Red Fort Complex". World Heritage List. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. from the original on 3 August 2009. Retrieved 15 November 2009.
  2. ^ . Lonely Planet. Archived from the original on 29 April 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  3. ^ "qila | Meaning of qila in English by Shabdkosh English Hindi Dictionary". Shabdkosh Dictionary. from the original on 11 November 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  4. ^ . Oxford Dictionaries | English. Archived from the original on 3 April 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2018.
  5. ^ William M. Spellman (1 April 2004). Monarchies 1000–2000. Reaktion Books. ISBN 978-1-86189-087-0. from the original on 14 December 2011. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  6. ^ Mehrdad Kia; Elizabeth H. Oakes (1 November 2002). Social Science Resources in the Electronic Age. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 978-1-57356-474-8. from the original on 11 January 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  7. ^ Nelson, Dean (20 May 2011). "Delhi's Red Fort was originally white". The Daily Telegraph (UK).
  8. ^ "Ustad Ahmad – oi". oxfordindex.oup.com. Retrieved 8 December 2019.[dead link]
  9. ^ "Building the Taj – who designed the Taj Mahal". PBS. from the original on 18 February 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  10. ^ "Red Fort lies along the River Yamuna". from the original on 14 August 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h "Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for Red Fort, Delhi" (PDF). Archaeological Survey of India. March 2009. (PDF) from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  12. ^ Elliot, H. M. (Henry Miers) (26 September 1875). "Shah Jahan". [Lahore : Sh. Mubarak Ali. Retrieved 26 September 2020 – via Internet Archive.
  13. ^ "List of Muhammadan and Hindu monuments vol.1". 1916. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  14. ^ Pinto, Xavier; Myall, E. G. (2009). Glimpses of History. Frank Brothers. p. 129. ISBN 978-81-8409-617-0. from the original on 11 January 2014. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
  15. ^ "Battle of Karnal | Summary". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  16. ^ Mehta, J. L. (2005). Advanced Study in the History of Modern India: Volume One: 1707–1813. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. p. 134. ISBN 978-1-932705-54-6. from the original on 12 January 2014. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
  17. ^ Jayapalan, N. (2001). History of India. Atlantic Publishers & Distri. p. 249. ISBN 978-81-7156-928-1. from the original on 12 January 2014. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
  18. ^ Advanced Study in the History of Modern India: 1707–1813 – Jaswant Lal Mehta – Google Books. Google Books. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  19. ^ Roy, Kaushik (2004). India's Historic Battles: From Alexander the Great to Kargil. Permanent Black, India. pp. 80–81. ISBN 978-81-78241-09-8.
  20. ^ Elphinstone, Mountstuart (1841). History of India. John Murray, London. p. 276.
  21. ^ Kulkarni, Uday S. (2012). Solstice at Panipat, 14 January 1761. Pune: Mula Mutha Publishers. p. 345. ISBN 978-81-921080-0-1.
  22. ^ Kumar Maheshwari, Kamalesh; Wiggins, Kenneth W. (1989). Maratha Mints and Coinage. Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies. p. 140. from the original on 12 January 2014. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
  23. ^ Dalrymple, William. The Anarchy.
  24. ^ Meena, P R. RPSC RAS Prelims: History of Rajasthan Complete Study Notes With MCQ. New Era Publication.
  25. ^ Gupta, Devesh. Rajasthan District G.K.: English Medium. Atharv Publication. p. 134.
  26. ^ Murphy, Anne (29 November 2012). The Materiality of the Past: History and Representation in Sikh Tradition. OUP USA. ISBN 978-0-19-991629-0.
  27. ^ Murphy, Anne (2012). The Materiality of the Past: History and Representation in Sikh Tradition. Oxford University Press. p. 151. ISBN 978-0-19-991629-0. from the original on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
  28. ^ Mayaram, Shail (2003). Against History, Against State: Counterperspectives from the Margins. Columbia University Press. p. 202. ISBN 978-0-231-12731-8. from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  29. ^ Mody, Krutika. . Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  30. ^ Soofi, Delhi's Belly| Mayank Austen (19 August 2011). "The other red corridor". mint. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  31. ^ William Dalrymple (2007). "Introduction". The Last Mughal. Penguin Books. p. 7. ISBN 978-0-14-310243-4.
  32. ^ Eugenia W Herbert (2013). Flora's Empire: British Gardens in India. Penguin Books Limited. p. 333. ISBN 978-81-8475-871-9.
  33. ^ Nelson, Sara C. (21 February 2013). "Koh-i-Noor Diamond Will Not Be Returned To India, David Cameron Insists". The Huffington Post. from the original on 19 August 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  34. ^ PTI (15 August 2013). "Manmohan first PM outside Nehru-Gandhi clan to hoist flag for 10th time". The Hindu. from the original on 21 December 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  35. ^ India. Ministry of Defence (2005). Sainik samachar. Director of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence. from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  36. ^ Muslim India. Muslim India. 2004. from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  37. ^ "Red Fort facelift to revive Mughal glory in 10 years : Mail Today Stories, News – India Today". Indiatoday.intoday.in. 1 June 2009. from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
  38. ^ (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  39. ^ (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  40. ^ Singh, Upinder (2008). A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India From the Stone Age to the 12th Century. Pearson Education India. p. 218. ISBN 9788131711200.
  41. ^ Schreitmüller, Karen; Dhamotharan, Mohan (CON); Szerelmy, Beate (CON) (14 February 2012). Baedeker India. Baedeker. p. 253. ISBN 978-3-8297-6622-7. from the original on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  42. ^ Devashish, Dasgupta (2011). Tourism Marketing. Pearson Education India. p. 79. ISBN 978-81-317-3182-6. from the original on 29 September 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  43. ^ Murthy, Raja (23 February 2012). . Asia Times Online. South Asia. Archived from the original on 20 November 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  44. ^ "Singh becomes third PM to hoist flag at Red Fort for 9th time". Business Standard. 15 August 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  45. ^ "Issue of ₹ 500 banknotes inset letter 'E' in Mahatma Gandhi (New) series after demonitization". Reserve Bank of India. 8 November 2016. from the original on 9 November 2016. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  46. ^ "Red Fort attack will not affect peace moves". 19 August 2012. from the original on 3 October 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  47. ^ "Red Fort terrorist attacks". 31 March 2012. from the original on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  48. ^ a b "Security tightened across Delhi on I-Day eve". Daily News and Analysis. 14 August 2012. from the original on 18 August 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  49. ^ . The Asian Age. 16 August 2012. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  50. ^ "Rain Brings Children Cheer, Gives Securitymen a Tough Time". The Hindu. 16 August 2011. from the original on 30 December 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
  51. ^ Manish, Sai (29 April 2018). "Dalmia Bharat group to adopt Delhi's iconic Red Fort for five years". Business Standard. from the original on 13 May 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  52. ^ Krishna, Navmi (30 April 2018). "Red Fort adoption row: The long list of Monument Mitras". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  53. ^ Nettikkara, Samiha (30 April 2018). "Indians upset over Red Fort monument 'adoption'". BBC. from the original on 9 July 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  54. ^ Pathak, Vikas (2 May 2018). "Historians seek review of Red Fort contract". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  55. ^ "India protest: Farmers breach Delhi's Red Fort in huge tractor rally". BBC News. BBC. 26 January 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  56. ^ Dawn.com (26 January 2021). "In pictures: Indian farmers enter Delhi's Red Fort as protests break out across the country". Dawn. Pakistan. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  57. ^ "ASI shuts Red Fort till January 31 for visitors after vandalism by tractor rally protesters". 28 January 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  58. ^ N. L. Batra (May 2008). Delhi's Red Fort by the Yamuna. Niyogi Books. ISBN 9780856676543. from the original on 9 October 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  59. ^ a b Langmead; Garnaut, Christine (2001). Encyclopedia of Architectural and Engineering Feats. ABC-CLIO. p. 178. ISBN 978-1-57607-112-0.
  60. ^ "World Heritage Site – Red Fort, Delhi". Archaeological Survey of India. from the original on 24 December 2014. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  61. ^ Fanshawe.H.C (1998). Delhi, Past and Present. pp. 1–8. ISBN 978-81-206-1318-8. from the original on 15 December 2019. Retrieved 10 June 2009. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  62. ^ Sharma p.143
  63. ^ Mahtab Jahan (2004). "Dilli's gates and windows". MG The Milli Gazette. from the original on 19 June 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2009.
  64. ^ . Asi.nic.in. Archived from the original on 1 November 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  65. ^ Kuriakose, Anthony (15 January 2011). "Chatta Chowk: A market for all reasons". deccanherald.com. from the original on 22 January 2011. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  66. ^ "Lal Qila (Red Fort) – Naubat Khana". indiapicks.com. from the original on 11 March 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  67. ^ a b c "A handbook for travellers in India, Burma, and Ceylon". from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
  68. ^ Lach, F.; Kley, Edwin J. Van (1998). Asia in the Making of Europe, Volume III: A Century of Advance. Book 2, South Asia. University of Chicago Press. p. 689. ISBN 9780226466972.
  69. ^ a b "Rang Mahal Delhi, India". archnet.org. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  70. ^ a b "Khas Mahal". lonelyplanet.com. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  71. ^ "Muthamman-Burj". Archaeological Survey of India. 2011. from the original on 24 November 2013. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  72. ^ "Akbar period architecture". britannica.com. from the original on 4 July 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  73. ^ "Hammams Red Fort Delhi". liveindia.com. from the original on 30 September 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  74. ^ John Murray (Firm) (1911). A handbook for travellers in India, Burma, and Ceylon . University of California Libraries. London : J. Murray; Calcutta : Thacker, Spink, & Co.
  75. ^ "Red Fort Baoli". agrasenkibaoli.com. from the original on 10 January 2016. Retrieved 1 August 2015.
  76. ^ World Heritage Series – Red Fort. Published by Director General, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, 2009. ISBN 978-81-87780-97-7
  77. ^ "Red Fort". culturalindia.net. from the original on 7 April 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  78. ^ "Shahi Burj Monument in Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad)". lonelyplanet.com. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  79. ^ DK Eyewitness Top 10 Delhi. Penguin. 17 December 2019. ISBN 9781465497246. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  80. ^ . Archaeological Survey of India. Archived from the original on 7 February 2014. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  81. ^ "Restoring the lost glory of Red Fort". Times of India. 23 February 2003. Retrieved 12 April 2020.

External links Edit

  •   Media related to Red Fort at Wikimedia Commons
  • Dil Udaan | Red Fort Blog
  •   Geographic data related to Red Fort at OpenStreetMap

fort, qila, redirects, here, other, uses, qila, disambiguation, this, article, about, delhi, confused, with, muzaffarabad, qila, hindustani, laːl, qiːlaː, historic, fort, delhi, neighbourhood, delhi, india, that, historically, served, main, residence, mughal, . Lal Qila redirects here For other uses see Lal Qila disambiguation This article is about the Red Fort in Delhi It is not to be confused with Red Fort Muzaffarabad The Red Fort or Lal Qila Hindustani laːl qiːlaː is a historic fort in the Old Delhi neighbourhood of Delhi India that historically served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned construction of the Red Fort on 12 May 1638 when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi Originally red and white its design is credited to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori who also constructed the Taj Mahal The fort represents the peak in Mughal architecture under Shah Jahan and combines Persianate palace architecture with Indian traditions Red FortA view of the Red Fort s Lahori GateLocationOld Delhi Delhi IndiaCoordinates28 39 21 N 77 14 27 E 28 65583 N 77 24083 E 28 65583 77 24083Height18 33 m 59 108 ft Built12 May 1639 6 April 1648 375 years ago 6 April 1648 ArchitectUstad Ahmad LahoriArchitectural style s Indo Islamic architectureOwnerMughal Empire 1639 1771 Maratha Empire 1771 1803 Sikh Misls 11 12 March 1783 British Indian Empire 1803 1947 Dominion of India 1947 1950 Republic of India 1950 present UNESCO World Heritage SiteOfficial nameRed Fort ComplexTypeCulturalCriteriaii iii viDesignated2007 31st session Reference no 231revRegionIndo PacificLocation in Delhi India AsiaThe fort was plundered of its artwork and jewels during Nader Shah s invasion of the Mughal Empire in 1739 Most of the fort s marble structures were subsequently demolished by the British following the Indian Rebellion of 1857 The fort s defensive walls were largely undamaged and the fortress was subsequently used as a garrison On 15 August 1947 the first prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian flag above the Lahori Gate Every year on India s Independence Day 15 August the prime minister hoists the Indian tricolour flag at the fort s main gate and delivers a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts through the Public Address System of Indian Army Signals The Red Fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 as part of the Red Fort Complex 1 2 Contents 1 Etymology 2 History 3 Archaeological finds 4 Modern era 4 1 2000 terrorist attack 4 1 1 Security 4 2 Adoption controversy 4 3 2021 Indian farmers Republic Day protest 5 Architecture 6 Major structures 6 1 Lahori Gate 6 2 Delhi Gate 6 3 Chhatta Chowk 6 4 Naubat Khana 6 5 Diwan i Aam 6 6 Mumtaz Mahal 6 7 Rang Mahal 6 8 Khas Mahal 6 9 Diwan i Khas 6 10 Hammam 6 11 Baoli 6 12 Moti Masjid 6 13 Hira Mahal 6 14 Hayat Bakhsh Bagh 6 15 Princes quarter 7 See also 8 References 9 External linksEtymology EditThe name Red Fort is a translation of the Hindustani Lal Qila Hindi ल ल क ल Urdu لال قلعہ 3 4 deriving from its red sandstone walls Lal was derived from Hindustani language meaning Red and Qalah derived from Arabic word meaning Fortress As the residence of the imperial family the fort was originally known as the Blessed Fort Qila i Mubarak 5 6 Agra Fort is also known as Lal Qila History Edit nbsp Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan c 1630Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned construction of the Red Fort on 12 May 1638 when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi Originally red and white Shah Jahan s favourite colours 7 its design is credited to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori who also constructed the Taj Mahal 8 9 The fort lies along the Yamuna River which fed the moats surrounding most of the walls 10 Construction began in the sacred Islamic month of Muharram on 13 May 1638 11 01 Supervised by Shah Jahan it was completed on 6 April 1648 12 13 14 Unlike other Mughal forts the Red Fort s boundary walls are asymmetrical to contain the older Salimgarh Fort 11 04 The fortress palace was a focal point of the city of Shahjahanabad which is present day Old Delhi Shah Jahan s successor Aurangzeb added the Moti Masjid Pearl Mosque to the emperor s private quarters constructing barbicans in front of the two main gates to make the entrance to the palace more circuitous 11 08 nbsp The walls of Red Fort in the background as seen from the top of Jama Masjid s towerThe administrative and fiscal structure of the Mughal dynasty declined after Aurangzeb and the 18th century saw a degeneration of the palace In 1712 Jahandar Shah became the Mughal Emperor Within a year of beginning his rule Shah was murdered and replaced by Farrukhsiyar In 1739 Persian emperor Nadir Shah easily defeated the strong Mughal army of around 200 000 soldiers 15 plundering the Red Fort including the Peacock Throne Nadir Shah returned to Persia after three months leaving a destroyed city and a weakened Mughal empire to Muhammad Shah 11 09 The internal weakness of the Mughal Empire made the Mughals only titular rulers of Delhi and a 1752 treaty made the Marathas protectors of the throne at Delhi 16 17 The 1758 Maratha victory at Sirhind aided by the Sikhs and successive defeat at Panipat 18 placed them in further conflict with Ahmad Shah Durrani 19 20 In 1760 the Marathas removed and melted the silver ceiling of the Diwan i Khas to raise funds for the defence of Delhi from the armies of Ahmed Shah Durrani 21 22 In 1761 after the Marathas lost the third battle of Panipat Delhi was raided by Ahmed Shah Durrani Ten years later the Marathas acting on the behest and as mercenary of the exiled Emperor Shah Alam recaptured Delhi from the Rohilla Afghans Mahadji Scindia the commander of Maratha army bowed to Mughal Emperor Shah Alam to demonstrate his submission to him 23 Thus Shah Alam was restored to the throne In 1764 the Jat ruler of Bharatpur Maharaja Jawahar Singh the son of Maharaja Suraj Mal attacked Delhi and captured the Red Fort of Delhi on 5 February 1765 24 Two days later after taking tribute from the Mughals removed their armies from the fort and the Jats took away the throne of the Mughals called the pride of the Mughals and the doors of the Red Fort as a memorial and this throne is today enhancing the beauty of the palaces of Deeg The doors are located in the Lohagarh Fort of Bharatpur 25 In 1783 Sikh Misls led by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and Baghel Singh conquered Delhi and the Red Fort All allied with a 40 000 force looted the area from Awadh to Jodhpur After negotiations the Sikhs forces agreed to leave Delhi and reinstate the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II The condition of their retreat included the construction of seven Sikh Gurdwaras in Delhi including the Gurudwara Sis Ganj in Chandni Chowk 26 In 1788 a Maratha garrison occupied the Red Fort and Delhi alongside providing protection to the Mughal Emperor Mahadji Scindia signed a treaty with the Sikhs where they were warned not to enter Delhi or ask for the Rakhi tribute The fort came under the control of the East India Company following the Second Anglo Maratha War in 1803 27 During the Second Anglo Maratha War forces of the East India Company defeated Maratha forces of Daulat Rao Scindia in the Battle of Delhi this ended Maratha control over the city and their control of the Red Fort 28 After the battle the British East India Company took over the administration of Mughal territories and installed a Resident at the Red Fort 11 11 The last Mughal emperor to occupy the fort Bahadur Shah II became a symbol of the 1857 rebellion against the British East India Company in which the residents of Shahjahanabad participated 11 15 nbsp The Rang Mahal inside Red Fort in the mid nineteenth century nbsp The Rang Mahal inside Red Fort today Despite its position as the seat of Mughal power and its defensive capabilities the Red Fort was not a site of an engagement during the 1857 uprising against the British After the rebellion was defeated Bahadur Shah II left the fort on 17 September and was apprehended by British forces Bahadur Shah Zafar II returned to Red Fort as a British prisoner was tried in 1858 and exiled to Rangoon on 7 October of that year 29 After the end of the rebellion the British sacked the Red Fort before ordering its systemic demolition 80 of the fort s buildings were demolished as a result of this effort including the stone screen that connected the pavilions along the fort s river facing facade which was demolished 30 All furniture was removed or destroyed the harem apartments servants quarters and gardens were demolished and a line of stone barracks built in their place 31 Only the marble buildings on the east side at the imperial enclosure escaped complete destruction although they were damaged by the demolition efforts While the defensive walls and towers were relatively unharmed more than two thirds of the inner structures were demolished citation needed Lord Curzon Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905 ordered repairs to the fort including reconstruction of the walls and the restoration of the gardens complete with a watering system 32 nbsp Every year on India s Independence Day the prime minister hoists the Indian tricolour flag at the fort s main gate and delivers a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts Pictured is Nehru on 15 August 1947 Most of the jewels and artwork located in the Red Fort were looted during Nadir Shah s invasion of 1747 and again after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against the British They were eventually sold to private collectors or the British Museum the British Library and the Victoria and Albert Museum For example the jade wine cup of Shah Jahan and the crown of Bahadur Shah II are all currently located in London Various requests for restitution have so far been rejected by the British government 33 nbsp View of the Red Fort from the river by Ghulam Ali Khan between c 1852 18541911 saw the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar In preparation for their visit some buildings were restored The Red Fort Archaeological Museum was moved from the drum house to the Mumtaz Mahal The INA trials also known as the Red Fort Trials refer to the courts martial of a number of officers of the Indian National Army The first was held between November and December 1945 at the Red Fort On 15 August 1947 the first prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian national flag above the Lahore Gate 34 After Indian Independence the site experienced few changes and the Red Fort continued to be used as a military cantonment A significant part of the fort remained under Indian Army control until 22 December 2003 when it was given to the Archaeological Survey of India for restoration 35 36 In 2009 the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan CCMP prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India under Supreme Court directions to revitalise the fort was announced 37 38 39 Archaeological finds EditArchaeological excavations at the Red Fort have unearthed several Ochre Coloured Pottery culture artifacts dating from 2600 BCE to 1200 BCE 40 Modern era Edit nbsp Inner walls and ceiling of the Diwan e Khas nbsp Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the Nation on the occasion of 76th Independence Day from the Red Fort on 15 August 2022 The Red Fort the largest monument in Delhi 41 is one of its most popular tourist destinations 42 and attracts thousands of visitors every year 43 It is a monument of national significance every year on India s Independence Day 15 August the prime minister of India hoists the country s flag at the Red Fort and delivers a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts 44 The fort also appears on the back of the 500 note of the Mahatma Gandhi New Series of the Indian rupee 45 The major architectural features are in mixed condition the extensive water features are dry Some buildings are in fairly good condition with their decorative elements undisturbed in others the marble inlaid flowers have been removed by looters The tea house although not in its historical state is a working restaurant The mosque and hammam or public baths are closed to the public although visitors can peer through their glass windows or marble latticework Walkways are crumbling and public toilets are available at the entrance and inside the park The Lahori Gate entrance leads to a mall with jewellery and craft stores There is also a museum of blood paintings depicting young 20th century Indian martyrs and their stories an archaeological museum and an Indian war memorial museum citation needed 2000 terrorist attack Edit The Red Fort was the site of a terrorist attack on 22 December 2000 carried out by six Lashkar e Taiba members Two soldiers and a civilian were killed in what the news media described as an attempt to derail India Pakistan peace talks 46 47 Security Edit To prevent terrorist attacks security is especially strict around the Red Fort on the eve of Indian Independence Day Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel keep a watch on neighbourhoods around the fort and National Security Guard sharpshooters are deployed on high rises near the fort 48 49 The airspace around the fort is a designated no fly zone during the celebration to prevent air attacks 50 and safe houses exist in nearby areas to which the prime minister and other Indian leaders may retreat in the event of an attack 48 Adoption controversy Edit In April 2018 Dalmia Bharat Group adopted the Red Fort for maintenance development and operations per a contract worth 25 crores for a period of five years under the government s Adopt A Heritage scheme 51 The memorandum of understanding was signed with the ministries of Tourism and Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India A S I 52 The adoption of the fort by a private group left people divided and drew criticism from the public opposition political parties and historians It also led to the IndiaOnSale hashtag on Twitter 53 In May 2018 the Indian History Congress called for the deal to be suspended until there is an impartial review of the deal by the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology or any other recognised body of experts 54 2021 Indian farmers Republic Day protest Edit On 26 January 2021 during the 2021 Indian farmers Republic Day protest a section of the farmers reached and entered the fort and hoisted religious flags from the ramparts and climbed up the domes of the fort 55 One of the farmers was seen climbing a flagpole in front of the fort and hoisting the religious flag Nishan Sahib on the flagpole 56 The clash between police and farmers also caused damage to facilities inside the fort 57 The fort was vacated following police announcements Architecture Edit nbsp Barrel vault structure located past the Lahore Gate acts as a market that was built to satisfy the needs of higher ranked Mughal women who resided in the fortThe World Heritage Convention characterises the Red Fort as representing the zenith of Mughal creativity The fort synthesises Islamic palace structure with local traditions resulting in a confluence of Persian Timurid and Hindu architecture The fort served as an inspiration for later buildings and gardens across the Indian subcontinent 1 The Red Fort has an area of 254 67 acres 103 06 ha enclosed by 2 41 kilometres 1 50 mi of defensive walls 58 punctuated by turrets and bastions that vary in height from 18 metres 59 ft on the river side to 33 metres 108 ft on the city side The fort is octagonal with the north south axis longer than the east west axis The marble floral decorations and the fort s double domes exemplify later Mughal architecture 59 It showcases a high level of ornamentation and the Kohinoor diamond was reportedly part of the furnishings The fort s artwork synthesises Persian European and Indian art resulting in a unique Shahjahani style rich in form expression and colour Red Fort is one of the building complexes of India encapsulating a long period of history and its arts Even before its 1913 commemoration as a monument of national importance efforts were made to preserve it for posterity The Lahori and Delhi Gates were used by the public and the Khizrabad Gate was for the emperor 11 04 The Lahori Gate is the main entrance leading to a domed shopping area known as the Chatta Chowk covered bazaar Major structures EditThe most important surviving structures are the walls and ramparts the main gates the audience halls and the imperial apartments on the eastern riverbank 60 nbsp Map of Red Fort showing major structuresLahori Gate Edit Main article Lahori Gate Delhi nbsp The Delhi Gate which is almost identical in appearance to the Lahori GateThe Lahori Gate is the main gate to the Red Fort named for its orientation towards the city of Lahore During Aurangzeb s reign the beauty of the gate was altered by the addition of a barbican which Shah Jahan described as a veil drawn across the face of a beautiful woman 61 62 63 Every Indian Independence Day since 1947 the national flag is unfurled and the prime minister makes a speech from its ramparts Delhi Gate Edit Main article Delhi Gate Red Fort The Delhi Gate is the southern public entrance and is similar in layout and appearance to the Lahori Gate Two life size stone elephants on either side of the gate face each other 64 Chhatta Chowk Edit Main article Chhatta Chowk Adjacent to the Lahori Gate is the Chhatta Chowk or Meena Bazaar where silk jewellery and other items for the imperial household were sold during the Mughal period This market was earlier known as Bazaar i Musaqqaf or Chatta bazaar both meaning roofed market Lahori Gate the entrance portal of the Red Fort leads into an open outer court where it crosses the large north south street which originally divided the fort s military functions to the west from the palaces to the east The southern end of the street is the Delhi Gate 65 Naubat Khana Edit Main article Naubat Khana Red Fort nbsp Naubat Khana and the courtyard before its demolition by the British in an 1858 photograph nbsp Naubat Khana inside Red Fort todayIn the east wall of the court stands the now isolated Naubat Khana Persian Waiting Hall also known as Nakkar Khana drum house Music was played daily at scheduled times and everyone except royalty were required to dismount Later Mughal kings Jahandar Shah 1712 13 and Farrukhsiyar 1713 19 are said to have been murdered here The Indian War Memorial Museum is located on the second floor 66 The vaulted arcade of the Chhatta Chowk ends in the centre of the outer court which measured 540 by 360 feet 160 m 110 m 67 The side arcades and central tank were demolished after the 1857 rebellion Diwan i Aam Edit Main article Diwan i Aam Red Fort Delhi nbsp The Diwan i Aam audience hall today nbsp The Diwan i Aam audience hall in the mid nineteenth centuryThe inner main court to which the Nakkar Khana led was 540 feet 160 m wide and 420 feet 130 m deep surrounded by guarded galleries 67 On the far side is the Diwan i Aam the Public Audience Hall This was a place for the official affairs of commoners who sought after legal matters such as tax issues hereditary complications and awqaf The hall s columns and engrailed arches exhibit fine craftsmanship and the hall was originally decorated with white chunam stucco 67 In the back in the raised recess the emperor gave his audience in the marble balcony jharokha The Diwan i Aam was also used for state functions 59 The courtyard mardana behind it leads to the imperial apartments Mumtaz Mahal Edit Main article Mumtaz Mahal Red Fort nbsp Mumtaz MahalThe two southernmost pavilions of the palace are zenanas women s quarters consisting of the Mumtaz Mahal built for Arjumand Banu Begum Mumtaz Mahal wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan 68 and the larger Rang Mahal a resort for royal women 69 The Mumtaz Mahal houses the Red Fort Archaeological Museum Rang Mahal Edit Main article Rang Mahal Red Fort The Rang Mahal housed the emperor s wives and mistresses Its name means Palace of Colours since it was brightly painted and decorated with a mosaic of mirrors The central marble pool is fed by the Nahr i Bihisht River of Paradise 70 69 Khas Mahal Edit Main article Khas Mahal Red Fort The Khas Mahal was the emperor s apartment It was cooled by the Nahr i Bihisht 70 Connected to it is the Muthamman Burj an octagonal tower where he appeared before the people waiting on the riverbank This was done by most kings at the time 71 Diwan i Khas Edit Main article Diwan i Khas Red Fort nbsp Diwan i Khas in the mid nineteenth centuryThe Diwan i Khas Hall of Private Audience was a building for the official affairs and requests of the novelty and royal family A gate on the north side of the Diwan i Aam leads to the innermost court of the palace Jalau Khana and the Diwan i Khas 72 It is constructed of white marble inlaid with precious stones The once silver ceiling has been restored in wood Francois Bernier described seeing the jewelled Peacock Throne here during the 17th century At either end of the hall over the two outer arches is an inscription by Persian poet Amir Khusrow If heaven can be on the face of the earth It is this it is this it is this World Heritage Site Red Fort Delhi Diwan i Khas Archaeological Survey of India Retrieved 15 August 2012 nbsp Panoramic view of the imperial enclosure From left Moti Masjid the hammam Divan i Khas Khas Mahal and the Rang Mahal Hammam Edit Main article Hammam Red Fort nbsp Hammam of Red Fort interior in mid nineteenth centuryThe hammam Arabic حم ام were the imperial baths consisting of three domed rooms with white marble patterned floors 73 It consists of three apartments separated by corridors and crowned with domes The apartments are illuminated by a colored glass skylight The two rooms to either side of the present entrance are believed to have been used by the royal children for bathing The eastern apartment containing three fountain basins was used primarily as a dressing room In the center of each room stood a fountain and one of the rooms contained a marble reservoir built into the wall As legend goes perfumed rose water once ran from the taps The western apartment was used for hot or vapor baths and the heating arrangement was being fixed in its western wall 74 Baoli Edit nbsp The baoli step well at theRed Fort DelhiThe baoli or step well is one of the few monuments that were not demolished by the British after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 The chambers within the baoli were converted into a prison During the Indian National Army Trials Red Fort Trials in 1945 46 it housed Indian National Army officers Shah Nawaz Khan general Colonel Prem Kumar Sahgal and Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon The Red Fort Baoli is uniquely designed with two sets of staircases leading down to the well 75 nbsp Moti Masjid in Red Fort DelhiMoti Masjid Edit Main article Moti Masjid Red Fort West of the hammam is the Moti Masjid the Pearl Mosque A later addition it was built in 1659 as a private mosque for Emperor Aurangzeb It is a small three domed mosque carved in white marble with a three arched screen leading down to the courtyard 76 Hira Mahal Edit Main article Hira Mahal Red Fort nbsp Shahi Burj and its pavilionThe Hira Mahal Diamond Palace is a pavilion on the southern edge of the fort built under Bahadur Shah II and at the end of the Hayat Baksh garden 77 The Moti Mahal on the northern edge a twin building was demolished during or after the 1857 rebellion The Shahi Burj was the emperor s main study its name means Emperor s Tower 78 and it originally had a chhatri on top Heavily damaged the tower is undergoing reconstruction In front of it is a marble pavilion added by Emperor Aurangzeb 79 Hayat Bakhsh Bagh Edit Main article Hayat Bakhsh Bagh nbsp Red Zafar Mahal and white Sawan Bhadon pavilion behind it in the Hayat Bakhsh BaghThe Hayat Bakhsh Bagh Persian حیات بخش باغ lit Life Bestowing Garden is located in the northeast part of the complex It features a reservoir which is now dry and channels through which the Nahr i Bihisht flows At each end is a white marble pavilion called the Sawan and Bhadon Pavilions Hindu months Sawan and Bhadon In the centre of the reservoir is the red sandstone Zafar Mahal added in around 1842 by Bahadur Shah Zafar and named after him 80 Smaller gardens such as the Mehtab Bagh or Moonlight Garden existed west of it but were demolished when the British barracks were built 11 There are plans to restore the gardens 81 Beyond these the road to the north leads to an arched bridge and the Salimgarh Fort Princes quarter Edit Main article Princes quarter Red Fort To the north of the Hayat Bakhsh Bagh and the Shahi Burj is the quarter of the imperial princes This was used by member of the Mughal royal family and was largely demolished by the British forces after the 1857 rebellion One of the palaces was converted into a tea house for the soldiers See also EditAgra Fort Lahore FortReferences Edit a b Red Fort Complex World Heritage List UNESCO World Heritage Centre Archived from the original on 3 August 2009 Retrieved 15 November 2009 Red Fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 Lonely Planet Archived from the original on 29 April 2012 Retrieved 4 August 2012 qila Meaning of qila in English by Shabdkosh English Hindi Dictionary Shabdkosh Dictionary Archived from the original on 11 November 2013 Retrieved 2 June 2018 qila Definition of qila in English by Oxford Dictionaries Oxford Dictionaries English Archived from the original on 3 April 2018 Retrieved 3 April 2018 William M Spellman 1 April 2004 Monarchies 1000 2000 Reaktion Books ISBN 978 1 86189 087 0 Archived from the original on 14 December 2011 Retrieved 5 August 2012 Mehrdad Kia Elizabeth H Oakes 1 November 2002 Social Science Resources in the Electronic Age Greenwood Publishing Group ISBN 978 1 57356 474 8 Archived from the original on 11 January 2014 Retrieved 5 August 2012 Nelson Dean 20 May 2011 Delhi s Red Fort was originally white The Daily Telegraph UK Ustad Ahmad oi oxfordindex oup com Retrieved 8 December 2019 dead link Building the Taj who designed the Taj Mahal PBS Archived from the original on 18 February 2014 Retrieved 13 August 2013 Red Fort lies along the River Yamuna Archived from the original on 14 August 2012 Retrieved 4 August 2012 a b c d e f g h Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for Red Fort Delhi PDF Archaeological Survey of India March 2009 Archived PDF from the original on 8 May 2012 Retrieved 14 August 2012 Elliot H M Henry Miers 26 September 1875 Shah Jahan Lahore Sh Mubarak Ali Retrieved 26 September 2020 via Internet Archive List of Muhammadan and Hindu monuments vol 1 1916 Retrieved 4 March 2020 Pinto Xavier Myall E G 2009 Glimpses of History Frank Brothers p 129 ISBN 978 81 8409 617 0 Archived from the original on 11 January 2014 Retrieved 25 September 2016 Battle of Karnal Summary Encyclopedia Britannica Retrieved 24 May 2021 Mehta J L 2005 Advanced Study in the History of Modern India Volume One 1707 1813 Sterling Publishers Pvt Ltd p 134 ISBN 978 1 932705 54 6 Archived from the original on 12 January 2014 Retrieved 25 September 2016 Jayapalan N 2001 History of India Atlantic Publishers amp Distri p 249 ISBN 978 81 7156 928 1 Archived from the original on 12 January 2014 Retrieved 25 September 2016 Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1707 1813 Jaswant Lal Mehta Google Books Google Books Retrieved 29 July 2013 Roy Kaushik 2004 India s Historic Battles From Alexander the Great to Kargil Permanent Black India pp 80 81 ISBN 978 81 78241 09 8 Elphinstone Mountstuart 1841 History of India John Murray London p 276 Kulkarni Uday S 2012 Solstice at Panipat 14 January 1761 Pune Mula Mutha Publishers p 345 ISBN 978 81 921080 0 1 Kumar Maheshwari Kamalesh Wiggins Kenneth W 1989 Maratha Mints and Coinage Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies p 140 Archived from the original on 12 January 2014 Retrieved 25 September 2016 Dalrymple William The Anarchy Meena P R RPSC RAS Prelims History of Rajasthan Complete Study Notes With MCQ New Era Publication Gupta Devesh Rajasthan District G K English Medium Atharv Publication p 134 Murphy Anne 29 November 2012 The Materiality of the Past History and Representation in Sikh Tradition OUP USA ISBN 978 0 19 991629 0 Murphy Anne 2012 The Materiality of the Past History and Representation in Sikh Tradition Oxford University Press p 151 ISBN 978 0 19 991629 0 Archived from the original on 27 September 2013 Retrieved 25 September 2016 Mayaram Shail 2003 Against History Against State Counterperspectives from the Margins Columbia University Press p 202 ISBN 978 0 231 12731 8 Archived from the original on 30 September 2013 Retrieved 25 August 2012 Mody Krutika Bahadur Shah II Zafar s significance with Red Fort Archived from the original on 2 September 2012 Retrieved 4 August 2012 Soofi Delhi s Belly Mayank Austen 19 August 2011 The other red corridor mint Retrieved 23 May 2021 William Dalrymple 2007 Introduction The Last Mughal Penguin Books p 7 ISBN 978 0 14 310243 4 Eugenia W Herbert 2013 Flora s Empire British Gardens in India Penguin Books Limited p 333 ISBN 978 81 8475 871 9 Nelson Sara C 21 February 2013 Koh i Noor Diamond Will Not Be Returned To India David Cameron Insists The Huffington Post Archived from the original on 19 August 2013 Retrieved 27 July 2013 PTI 15 August 2013 Manmohan first PM outside Nehru Gandhi clan to hoist flag for 10th time The Hindu Archived from the original on 21 December 2013 Retrieved 13 May 2014 India Ministry of Defence 2005 Sainik samachar Director of Public Relations Ministry of Defence Archived from the original on 30 September 2013 Retrieved 5 August 2012 Muslim India Muslim India 2004 Archived from the original on 30 September 2013 Retrieved 5 August 2012 Red Fort facelift to revive Mughal glory in 10 years Mail Today Stories News India Today Indiatoday intoday in 1 June 2009 Archived from the original on 13 December 2013 Retrieved 3 January 2014 CHAPTER 10 revised jan09 pmd PDF Archived from the original PDF on 8 May 2012 Retrieved 13 May 2014 CHAPTER 00 revisedfeb09 pmd PDF Archived from the original PDF on 8 May 2012 Retrieved 13 May 2014 Singh Upinder 2008 A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India From the Stone Age to the 12th Century Pearson Education India p 218 ISBN 9788131711200 Schreitmuller Karen Dhamotharan Mohan CON Szerelmy Beate CON 14 February 2012 Baedeker India Baedeker p 253 ISBN 978 3 8297 6622 7 Archived from the original on 27 September 2013 Retrieved 25 August 2012 Devashish Dasgupta 2011 Tourism Marketing Pearson Education India p 79 ISBN 978 81 317 3182 6 Archived from the original on 29 September 2013 Retrieved 25 August 2012 Murthy Raja 23 February 2012 Mughal paradise gets tortuous makeover Asia Times Online South Asia Archived from the original on 20 November 2012 Retrieved 25 August 2012 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a CS1 maint unfit URL link Singh becomes third PM to hoist flag at Red Fort for 9th time Business Standard 15 August 2012 Retrieved 17 August 2012 Issue of 500 banknotes inset letter E in Mahatma Gandhi New series after demonitization Reserve Bank of India 8 November 2016 Archived from the original on 9 November 2016 Retrieved 9 November 2016 Red Fort attack will not affect peace moves 19 August 2012 Archived from the original on 3 October 2012 Retrieved 19 August 2012 Red Fort terrorist attacks 31 March 2012 Archived from the original on 13 May 2013 Retrieved 4 August 2012 a b Security tightened across Delhi on I Day eve Daily News and Analysis 14 August 2012 Archived from the original on 18 August 2012 Retrieved 17 August 2012 Tight security ensures safe I Day celebration The Asian Age 16 August 2012 Archived from the original on 17 November 2017 Retrieved 17 August 2012 Rain Brings Children Cheer Gives Securitymen a Tough Time The Hindu 16 August 2011 Archived from the original on 30 December 2013 Retrieved 27 July 2012 Manish Sai 29 April 2018 Dalmia Bharat group to adopt Delhi s iconic Red Fort for five years Business Standard Archived from the original on 13 May 2019 Retrieved 7 September 2019 Krishna Navmi 30 April 2018 Red Fort adoption row The long list of Monument Mitras The Hindu Retrieved 7 September 2019 Nettikkara Samiha 30 April 2018 Indians upset over Red Fort monument adoption BBC Archived from the original on 9 July 2019 Retrieved 7 September 2019 Pathak Vikas 2 May 2018 Historians seek review of Red Fort contract The Hindu Retrieved 7 September 2019 India protest Farmers breach Delhi s Red Fort in huge tractor rally BBC News BBC 26 January 2021 Retrieved 28 January 2021 Dawn com 26 January 2021 In pictures Indian farmers enter Delhi s Red Fort as protests break out across the country Dawn Pakistan Retrieved 29 January 2021 ASI shuts Red Fort till January 31 for visitors after vandalism by tractor rally protesters 28 January 2021 Retrieved 28 January 2021 N L Batra May 2008 Delhi s Red Fort by the Yamuna Niyogi Books ISBN 9780856676543 Archived from the original on 9 October 2013 Retrieved 5 August 2012 a b Langmead Garnaut Christine 2001 Encyclopedia of Architectural and Engineering Feats ABC CLIO p 178 ISBN 978 1 57607 112 0 World Heritage Site Red Fort Delhi Archaeological Survey of India Archived from the original on 24 December 2014 Retrieved 15 August 2012 Fanshawe H C 1998 Delhi Past and Present pp 1 8 ISBN 978 81 206 1318 8 Archived from the original on 15 December 2019 Retrieved 10 June 2009 a href Template Cite book html title Template Cite book cite book a work ignored help Sharma p 143 Mahtab Jahan 2004 Dilli s gates and windows MG The Milli Gazette Archived from the original on 19 June 2017 Retrieved 17 May 2009 World heritage site Asi nic in Archived from the original on 1 November 2015 Retrieved 3 August 2015 Kuriakose Anthony 15 January 2011 Chatta Chowk A market for all reasons deccanherald com Archived from the original on 22 January 2011 Retrieved 12 April 2020 Lal Qila Red Fort Naubat Khana indiapicks com Archived from the original on 11 March 2018 Retrieved 12 April 2020 a b c A handbook for travellers in India Burma and Ceylon Archived from the original on 24 December 2013 Retrieved 3 January 2014 Lach F Kley Edwin J Van 1998 Asia in the Making of Europe Volume III A Century of Advance Book 2 South Asia University of Chicago Press p 689 ISBN 9780226466972 a b Rang Mahal Delhi India archnet org Retrieved 12 April 2020 a b Khas Mahal lonelyplanet com Retrieved 12 April 2020 Muthamman Burj Archaeological Survey of India 2011 Archived from the original on 24 November 2013 Retrieved 12 April 2020 Akbar period architecture britannica com Archived from the original on 4 July 2019 Retrieved 12 April 2020 Hammams Red Fort Delhi liveindia com Archived from the original on 30 September 2019 Retrieved 12 April 2020 John Murray Firm 1911 A handbook for travellers in India Burma and Ceylon University of California Libraries London J Murray Calcutta Thacker Spink amp Co Red Fort Baoli agrasenkibaoli com Archived from the original on 10 January 2016 Retrieved 1 August 2015 World Heritage Series Red Fort Published by Director General Archaeological Survey of India New Delhi 2009 ISBN 978 81 87780 97 7 Red Fort culturalindia net Archived from the original on 7 April 2019 Retrieved 12 April 2020 Shahi Burj Monument in Old Delhi Shahjahanabad lonelyplanet com Retrieved 12 April 2020 DK Eyewitness Top 10 Delhi Penguin 17 December 2019 ISBN 9781465497246 Retrieved 12 April 2020 World Heritage Site Red Fort Delhi Hayat Bakhsh Garden and Pavilions Archaeological Survey of India Archived from the original on 7 February 2014 Retrieved 15 August 2012 Restoring the lost glory of Red Fort Times of India 23 February 2003 Retrieved 12 April 2020 External links Edit nbsp Media related to Red Fort at Wikimedia Commons Delhi Tourism Red Fort Dil Udaan Red Fort Blog nbsp Geographic data related to Red Fort at OpenStreetMap Portals nbsp India nbsp Monarchy nbsp History nbsp Architecture Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Red Fort amp oldid 1178700743, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.