Red Fort
Delhi, India
The Creation of the Red Fort
The red fort was built by the emperor Shah Jahan. He built this masterpiece in the mid 17th century. This now very popular tourist attraction started being built in 1639 and was finished in 1648. The fort was built with two main gates out of a total of 14, one being the Lahori Gate and the other the Delhi Gate. Other well known entrances include the Mori, AJmeri, Turkman, and Kashmiri, yet some of these are no longer existent. The Lahori Gate is currently being used as the main door. If you are to see the fort from an above view it will appear to be an irregular octagon since its eight sides are not all the same length, two are longer than the rest. It was also built to represent Shan Jahan's new capitol, Shanjahanabad, and make a daring statement after switching from Agra to Delhi. The completion shows architectural progress in the passing years.
Did you Know?
Though this fort seems so glorious and built for monumental purposes along high living standards for India's royal family, it also plays the role of a large defending base in Delhi.
Throughout the entire building there is spectacular art work and architecture. The art represented is a cultural mix of Indian art, Persian, European and this type of design shows wealth which links back to the fact that the royal family lives here.
Front view of the Red Fort
Beautiful architectural detail
Side or back view of the building
Events at the Red Fort
In Delhi, India there is and Independence day rally and it is held by the prime minister at the Red Fort. India was finally pronounced an independent nation on August 15, 1947 and it was at the Red Fort that they raised their flag for the first time without being under British rule. In the earlier years of the Red Fort usage the Emperor would sit under a beautifully crafted stone canopy and speak to his daily visitors.
According to the Britannica encyclopedia, "The fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007."
Rooms and usage in the Fort
Some rooms had a specific daily purpose. For example the Lahore gate brings you into a "bazaar" which is another name for a market where things used to be vended (jewels, textiles, etc.). As you continue you will find yourself in the "Naqqar Khana" a space used for ceremonial music to be played 3 times a day. The Diwan-i-khas is the largest pavilion located inside and has a special marble balcony for the king to observe over large audiences. Red Fort is also a building much like the white house in the fact that it becomes the home of the royal or imperial family.
Works Cited
www.mapsofworld.com/travel-destinations/red-fort.html Article: Red Fort, Delhi
http://www.britannica.com/search?query=red%20fort%20india Article: Red Fort (fort,Delhi,India)
http://www.remarkableindia.com/fort_red.php Article: Red Fort
Dalal, Roshen et al Eyewitness Travel: India. London: Dorling Kindersely, Limited, 2002. Pages: 85,86,87