Red Fort, New Delhi

The Red Fort also known as Lal Quila stands majestically at the Netaji Subash Marg of the Old Delhi. It is also known as Qila-E-Mubarak since it is looked upon as a monument of blessings. Influenced by Mughal as well as Persian design, the Red Fort gets its name from the most prominent feature of its architectural design, the huge red sandstone. The huge walls of Red Fort extend to almost 2 Kilometers, that cannot be camouflaged, no matter where you stand in Chandni Chowk.

Red Fort is yet another contribution of Shah Jahan, built in the 17th century when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jahan used to perform all his administrative duties at this fort. Red Fort is also listed in the World Heritage Site by the UNESCO authorities. The controversial Kohinoor diamond used to reside here, before it was displaced. Whether the diamond was stolen or given away is yet a controversial issue. The Lahori Gate is the main gate to the palace. Flag hoisting takes place right up head this gate, with hundreds of spectators as the Prime Minister proudly hoist the flag on Independence day. 

The Red Fort gives a peek of the Royal lifestyle led by the Mughals, with well-maintained gardens and many other smaller mahals that are encapsulated in the Red Fort including Mumtaz Mahal, Khas Mahal, and Rang Mahal. Our Multilingual Guide narrates the rich history behind the spectacular views on tour.

The most iconic attraction of Delhi, the Red Fort is another splendid piece of architecture built by Shahjahan. Completed in the year 1648, it nearly took 8 years to complete this majestic structure. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was the site for various conquests by several dynasties including the Mughals, Afghans, Marathas and the British. Standing upon an area of 255 acres of land, the fort has huge walls towering at a height between 59 to 108 feet. A fine example of Mughal architecture it housed various ornaments, jewels, lushful gardens, palaces which were devastated by invading forces.

 The essence of the tour could be taken back with the tourists in the form of trinkets and souvenirs sold at the local market surrounding the Red Fort. The uniqueness in the combination of spices can also be felt in the culinary with its spectrum extending from small fast food trucks and shops to multi-starred restaurants and hotels situated nearby. The moderate weather condition starting from October to March offers the most convenient trip duration. With Delhi as the capital of the country, getting to places is easy. With metros to reach the Chandni Chowk station that is at a walking distance from the monument, cabs routes between the airports and monument site, buses, auto-rickshaw, and International Airports to connect the major countries.

Tourists are allowed to walk around this ancient monument to witness the glory with which the Mughals lived and ruled. With inscriptions, Drum House, the Hall of Public Audience, the White Marble Hall for Superiors, a Palace of Color and Royal Bath; The Red Fort has indeed a lot of history to mirror. Evening Sound and Light show offer a musical and dramatic sequence before you can once again get on with the touring. The Red Fort is also Specially abled friendly and promises a memorable trip to everyone. 

The Red Fort is a historic fort in the city of Delhi in India, which served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors. Every year on the Independence day of India (15 August), the Prime Minister hoists the Indian "tricolour flag" at the main gate of the fort and delivers a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts.On 15 August 1947, the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian national flag above the Lahore Gate. On each subsequent Independence Day, the prime minister has raised the flag and given a speech that is broadcast nationally.

History

Today

Every year on India's Independence Day (15 August), the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and delivers a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts. The Red Fort, the largest monument in Delhi, is one of its most popular tourist destinations and attracts thousands of visitors every year. A sound and light show describing Mughal history is a tourist attraction in the evenings. 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 hamam 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. The Red fort appears on the back of the ₹500 note of the Mahatma Gandhi New Series of the Indian rupee.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. The memorandum of understanding was signed with the ministries of tourism, and culture and the Archaeological Survey of India (A.S.I.). Following the deal, Dalmia took over control of the light and sound show at the fort. Under the contract, Dalmia will also have to engage in development by restoring, landscaping, providing basic amenities, arranging for battery operated cars, amongst others. It can charge visitors following clearances from the ministries, the revenue from which will go towards the fort's maintenance and development. Dalmia is not to be held liable under the contract if the A.S.I. or the Delhi district collector pursued claims against its work on the monument. Dalmia's brand is also to get visibility under the contract as it could have its name on souvenirs sold and on banners during events at the fort.The adoption of the fort by a private group such as Dalmia, under the government's scheme, left people divided and drew criticism from general public, political parties in opposition, and historians. It also led to the #IndiaOnSale hashtag on Twitter. In May 2018, the Indian Historical Congress called for the deal to be suspended until there happens a "impartial review" of the deal "by the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology or any other recognised body of experts”.

Architecture

The Red Fort has an area of 254.67 acres (103.06 ha) enclosed by 2.41 kilometres (1.50 mi) of defensive walls, punctuated by turrets and bastions and varying 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 double domes in the fort's buildings exemplify later Mughal architecture.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. The Lahori Gate is the main entrance, leading to a domed shopping area known as the Chatta Chowk (covered bazaar).