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Red Fort

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The Red Fort is a famous historic site in Old Delhi, India.

Red Fort in Delhi 03-2016 img1
Red Fort in Delhi 03-2016 img1

Its name comes from the red sandstone used for its large walls. In Hindi, the name is Lal Qila. This fort once served as the main home for the Mughal emperors. It was the center of a city called Shahjahanabad. Today, it is a very important part of India's history.

Red Fort, New Delhi Inside Map
Red Fort, New Delhi Inside Map

The site is even recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The fort's design is a mix of Persian and Indian styles.

Diwan-i-Aam across lawn
Diwan-i-Aam across lawn

An architect named Ustad Ahmad Lahori designed the buildings. He is also famous for designing the Taj Mahal. The fort sits next to the Yamuna River. Long ago, the river helped fill the moats around the walls. The walls are not perfectly even on all sides. This was done to include an older fort called Salimgarh. Emperor Aurangzeb later added the Moti Masjid, which is a pearl mosque.

Emperor Shah Jahan began this huge project in 1639.

Red Fort Baoli
Red Fort Baoli

He decided to move the capital from Agra to Delhi. Construction officially started on May 13, 1638. The work lasted for many years. It was finally finished on April 6, 1648. The fort was originally decorated in both red and white colors. It was once called the "Blessed Fort" by the imperial family.

Many different groups fought for control of the fort over time.

Ghulam Ali Khan 013
Ghulam Ali Khan 013

In 1739, Nadir Shah from the Afsharid Empire invaded the fort. He took many treasures, including the famous Peacock Throne. Later, the British took control of the area. After the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British destroyed many parts of the fort. They demolished about 80% of the original structures. They built stone barracks for soldiers where gardens used to be. Only some marble buildings on the east side were saved.

The Red Fort is still a symbol of freedom today.

PM Nehru addresses the nation from the Red Fort on 15 August 1947
PM Nehru addresses the nation from the Red Fort on 15 August 1947

On August 15, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian flag at the Lahori Gate. This happened on India's first Independence Day. Every year on that date, the Prime Minister raises the flag again. He then gives a speech to the whole nation from the fort walls.

You can even see the fort on a 500 rupee note.

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🖼️ Images & Media (18)
File:Red Fort as seen from Jama Masjid's tower.jpg
Red Fort as seen from Jama Masjid's tower.jpg
File:PM Nehru addresses the nation from the Red Fort on 15 August 1947.jpg
PM Nehru addresses the nation from the...
File:Diwan-e-Khas-2022.jpg
Diwan-e-Khas-2022.jpg
File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Nation on the occasion of 76th Independence Day from the ramparts of Red Fort, in Delhi on August 15, 2022 (6).jpg
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi...
File:Covered market past the Lahore gate entrance in Red Fort.jpg
Covered market past the Lahore gate...
File:Red Fort, New Delhi Inside Map.jpg
Red Fort, New Delhi Inside Map.jpg
File:Red Fort in Delhi 03-2016 img1.jpg
Red Fort in Delhi 03-2016 img1.jpg
File:Naubat Khana Red Fort 1857.jpg
Naubat Khana Red Fort 1857.jpg
File:20191203 Naubat Khana, Red Fort, Delhi 0453 6340 DxO.jpg
20191203 Naubat Khana, Red Fort, Delhi...
File:Diwan-i-Aam across lawn.jpg
Diwan-i-Aam across lawn.jpg
File:Ghulam Ali Khan 007.jpg
Ghulam Ali Khan 007.jpg
File:Red Fort 8.JPG
Red Fort 8.JPG

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