Red Fort in Delhi : Maps of New Delhi
Lal Qila or Red Fort in Delhi is named so, due to its construction in red sandstone, however few structures in the interior are embellished in marble. It lies along the Yamuna River, and has a moat around the fortress complex. This splendid fortress was constructed by the Mughal Emperor, ShahJahan in 1639 AD. The architecture of the Red Fort reflects opulence and grandeur of Mughals at its pinnacle. In fact, it has been awarded the World Heritage Site Status by UNESCO in the year 2007.
The Red Fort that is a focal point of the medieval splendour of Shahjahanbad city was so designed as to retain the Salimgarh Fort. Red Fort is the largest monument situated in the Old Delhi. This fortress at one time could accommodate up to 3000 individuals within its premises. The entire complex comprises of several of structures, some of them added after ShahJahan.
Structures included in the Red Fort Complex in Delhi are enlisted as:
- Diwan-i-Khas(Private Hall)
- Diwan-i-Aam(Public Hall)
- Lahore Gate( entrance gate to this complex)
- British Barracks(later editions to the complex)
- Zenana (Women quarters)
- Naqqar Khana(Drum House)
- Moti Masjid(addition by Aurangzeb)
- Swantantrata Sangram Sangralaya (Museum with memoirs of the Indian Struggle for Independence)
Tourists can enchant themselves with the historical memory down of Delhi at ‘The Sound and Light Show’ at Red Fort that is held in both Hindi and English versions on all days except Monday. The ticket for this show can be purchased at the counters within the premises.
Red Fort was a witness of the First Indian National Struggle for Independence, and later on became the headquarters of British Indian Army. Each year on the 15th of August, celebrated as Independence Day of India, the Prime Minister addresses the nation and hoists the National Flag from Red Fort.
