The Red Fort Delhi is a historical fort located in the Old Delhi area of the city of Delhi, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a palace for his capital city, Shahjahanabad (now Old Delhi). The fort gets its name from the red sandstone used in its construction, which gives it a distinct reddish hue. The octagonal-shaped fort is spread over an area of 254 acres.
The Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular tourist attraction in Delhi. It is known for its impressive architecture, which combines Mughal, Persian, and Hindu styles. Some of the key features of the fort include its massive walls and ramparts, the stunning Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and the iconic Nahr-i-Behisht (Stream of Paradise) garden.
The Red Fort is also famous for its annual Independence Day celebrations, where the Indian Prime Minister hoists the national flag and delivers a speech from the ramparts of the fort. The fort is open to visitors throughout the year, and there is also a sound and light show in the evenings that narrates the history of the fort and the city of Delhi.
Red Fort Delhi timings, location, entry fee, nearest metro station, parking and events
| Location | Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, Delhi 110006. Location on Google Map |
| Timing | The entry fee for Indian citizens is Rs.35 while the same for foreigners is Rs.500. Tickets for international visitors will cover museum entrance fees also. |
| Entry Fee | The Red Fort parking lot is near Jama Masjid, which is opposite side of the Red Fort. Car parking is an issue. The traffic on the connecting roads makes it difficult for visitors to cross the roads. It is advisable to travel by taxi for this place. |
| Nearest metro station | Chawri Bazaar |
| Car Parking | The Red Fort parking lot is near Jama Masjid, which is opposite side of the Red Fort. Car parking is an issue. The traffic on the connecting roads makes it difficult for visitors to cross the roads. It is advisable to travel by taxi for this place. |
| Events | The Red Fort in Delhi is a popular venue for several events throughout the year. Here are some of the major events that take place at the Red Fort: Independence Day Celebrations: Every year on 15th August, the Red Fort serves as the venue for India’s Independence Day celebrations. The Indian Prime Minister hoists the national flag and delivers a speech from the ramparts of the fort, and there is a parade by the Indian Armed Forces. Republic Day Parade: The Red Fort is also a part of the route for India’s Republic Day parade, which takes place on 26th January every year. The parade features a display of India’s cultural and military diversity. Sound and Light Show: The Red Fort hosts a popular sound and light show in the evenings, which narrates the history of the fort and the city of Delhi. The show features a combination of light effects, music, and narration in both English and Hindi. Cultural Events: The Red Fort also serves as a venue for several cultural events throughout the year, including music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and food festivals. Heritage Walks: The Red Fort is also a part of several heritage walks and tours of Old Delhi, where visitors can explore the rich history and architecture of the fort and the surrounding area. |
Here are some interesting facts about the Red Fort Delhi:
- The Red Fort was constructed in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who is also known for building the Taj Mahal in Agra.
- The Red Fort was originally known as “Qila-e-Mubarak,” which means the blessed fort. It was later renamed “Lal Qila” or Red Fort because of the red sandstone used in its construction.
- The fort covers an area of around 254 acres and is enclosed by a high red sandstone wall that is 2.5 kilometers long.
- The fort was once home to the Mughal emperors of India, who used it as their residence and seat of power. It was also the site of many important historical events, such as the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- The Red Fort has two main entrances, the Lahore Gate and the Delhi Gate. The Lahore Gate is the main entrance and is famous for its intricate carvings and decorations.
- The Red Fort has several important structures within its walls, including the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and the Rang Mahal (Palace of Colors).
- The Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors every year, especially during India’s Independence Day celebrations.
- The fort has been the site of many Bollywood films, including the famous song sequence from the movie “Rang De Basanti.”
- The Red Fort was originally decorated with precious stones and metals, including gold and silver, but most of these have been stolen or looted over time.
- The Red Fort’s sound and light show is a popular attraction for tourists, where the history of the fort is narrated through light effects, music, and narration in both English and Hindi.
- The Red Fort was built using red sandstone, which was brought from the nearby regions of Rajasthan and Punjab.
- The construction of the Red Fort began in 1638 and took almost 10 years to complete.
- The Red Fort was originally constructed to serve as the Mughal Emperor’s palace, but it was later used as a military barracks and a British garrison.
- The architecture of the Red Fort is a blend of Mughal, Persian, and Hindu styles, which makes it a unique example of Indian architecture.
- The Red Fort has been the site of several historic events, including the coronation of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, in 1837.
- The Red Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
- The Red Fort has been the site of several military attacks, including the attack by the British forces during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- The Red Fort has been the venue for several important national events, including India’s Independence Day celebrations.
- The Red Fort was used as a backdrop for many iconic films, including the movie “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” and the Hollywood movie “The Dark Knight Rises.”
- The Red Fort is known for its beautiful gardens and fountains, which are designed to reflect the symmetry and beauty of Islamic architecture.
FAQ
What is Red Fort famous for?
Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a historic fortress located in Old Delhi, India. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century and served as the residence of the Mughal emperors for over 200 years. Red Fort is famous for its stunning red sandstone architecture, intricate carvings, and historical significance. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts tourists from all over the world who come to admire its beauty and learn about its rich history. Red Fort is also famous for being the site where India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, unfurled the Indian flag on 15th August 1947, marking India’s independence from British rule. Today, Red Fort is the site of the annual Independence Day celebrations and is a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage and national pride.
What is under Red Fort?
There are several structures and spaces located underneath the Red Fort, which are not accessible to the general public. Some of the known underground structures include:
1. The Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience): This was the place where the Mughal emperors used to hold court and listen to the grievances of the common people. The hall is located underneath the Naubat Khana and is accessible through a staircase.
2. The Hammam (Bathhouse): The Hammam was a part of the Red Fort’s private apartments and was used by the Mughal emperors for their daily baths. It consists of three chambers, each with a separate purpose – a hot chamber, a warm chamber, and a cold chamber. The Hammam is located behind the Diwani-Khas and is accessible through a staircase.
3. The Mumtaz Mahal: This is a small palace located in the northern part of the Red Fort, which was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The palace is accessible through a narrow staircase.
4. The Shahi Burj: This is a small octagonal tower located on the northeastern corner of the Red Fort. It was used as a private residence by the Mughal emperors and is accessible through a narrow staircase.
These underground structures are not open to the public due to preservation concerns and security reasons. However, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducts periodic surveys and excavations to study these structures and preserve them for future generations.
Who sold Red Fort in India?
Red Fort was not sold by anyone in India. It has been a part of India’s heritage and history for centuries and has been under the ownership and control of various Indian rulers and governments over the years. The fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century and served as the residence of the Mughal emperors for over 200 years. After the British East India Company took control of India in the mid-19th century, the Red Fort was used as a military barracks and a political prison. After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, Red Fort came under the control of the Indian government and has been maintained and preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It is now a popular tourist destination and an important symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage and national pride.
Why are 22 doors closed in the Taj Mahal?
There are no 22 doors closed in the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal has four main entrances, one on each side of the monument, and they are always open for visitors. However, there are some closed gates on the sides of the Taj Mahal complex which were used in the past for specific purposes. For example, the Delhi Gate, located on the southern side of the complex, was used as the main entrance for the Mughal royalty and their guests. The gate on the eastern side of the complex was used as the entrance for laborers and workers. These gates are no longer in use and are closed to the general public. However, visitors can still see them from a distance as they walk around the complex.
