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RED FORT

INTRODUCTION

The Red Fort or the Lal Quila is the largest of the monuments in old Delhi which has withstood the vagaries of time and nature for centuries. Despite being attacked twice, this Red Fort stands tall as one of the most majestic testimony to the Mughul opulence.

HISTORY OF RED FORT

Built by Emperor Shah Jahan, the construction of this massive Red fort in Delhi ended in 1648 and has been since then a place of tremendous historical importance. Built of red sandstone, this royal fort contains all the trapping s of the Mughul Government, private and public halls, arched marble palaces, grand beautifully made gardens, posh apartments and a mosque. During the British rule, a number of changes wee made when the red fort became their army headquarters. Later, during independence, it was here that Prime Minister Nehru hoisted the Indian flag of independence.

DESCRIPTION OF RED FORT

The fort is octagonal in shape, like most Islamic buildings in India. The north of the fort is connected to the smaller Salimgarh fort. The Red Fort is an intimidating structure. It measures 900m by 550m, with its rampart walls covering a perimeter of 2.41km. It towers at a height of 33.5m.

The entrance to the red fort is through Lahore gate, which faces Lahore in Pakistan. Beyond the main entrance is the Chatta Chowk that used to be the place for the skilful jewelers of Delhi. Beyond this is the Naubat Khana, the heart of the fort, also called the Drum House. There is Diwan-i-AAM, the hall for public Audiences and Diwan-i-Khas for Private audiences. The Diwan –i-Khas still has the famous Persian Couplet inscribed on its walls that says “If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here" Other attractions of the Red Fort includes hammams or the Royal Baths, the Shahi Burj (Royal Pavilion), Shahjahan's private working area, and the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, built by Aurangzeb .The Rang Mahalor the 'Palace of Colors' , the Sheesh Mahal or the palace of mirrors, Nahr-i-Bihisht or the stream of paradise flows between the gardens and the palaces are also places worth watching. The Mumtaz Mahal on the extreme south is the Red Fort Museum of Archaeology now.Every evening there is a sound and light show that recreates the Red fort's history, tickets of which can be obtained at the fort itself.

Lal Quila is now a busy market place called the 'Meena Bazaar'. This bazaar has an excellent collection of antiques, miniature paintings and skillfully crafted fake ivory jewellery. The bazaar also sells some fabulous carpets beautifully woven.

Even today, the Lal Quila is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal era, and its magnificence simply leaves one awestruck. 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 realm of existence.

HOW TO REACH RED FORT

Air- Delhi has an international Airport, the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Taxi and Coach Transfer, pre paid taxis, air conditioned and non A/C coaches all can take you to the Red Fort from the Airport.

Rail- Delhi is also the hub of Indian railways Network with trains running to and from all parts of the country.

Road- Buses from all the major places in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are available for getting to Delhi. During the summer months, air-conditioned coaches are recommended. Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates special services from railway stations to different parts of the city.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

October to March

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