Red Fort, Uddham Singh Nagar

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).