Red Fort – Diving Into The Mughal Fort In 2024
Are you a history enthusiast? Do you love exploring the culture and history of a place? Old Delhi has one of the most historic and monumental structures in the history of India – the Red Fort.The fort’s massive red sandstone walls enclose a complex of palaces and majestic halls with projecting balconies and gardens as well as a mosque. One of the best places to visit in Delhi, the Red Fort holds a rich history among the Indians.
History of Red Fort and its significance
The most significant aspect of the Red Fort is the history associated with it, as it portrays the importance and the rich culture that had been passed through the ages from rulers and emperors.
The Red Fort in Old Delhi was constructed during Shah Jahan’s Mughal reign when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1638. The structure was completed after 10 years in the year 1648.
The architect of the fort was a Persian architect named Ahmad Lahori. If you have visited the Agra Fort, you can see the similarities between the two as Shah Jahan modeled the Red Fort after the Agra Fort.
Aurangzeb seized the throne in 1658 and Shah Jahan was imprisoned in Agra Fort. The Red Fort’s splendor declined with the Mughal rule as the Fort was plundered by the Persian ruler Emperor Nadir Shah in 1739.
The weakened Mughals had to submit to the Marathas in 1752 and the fort lost more riches when the Marathas decided to melt the silver ceiling of the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Audience) to defend Delhi from the invasion of Emperor Ahmed Shah from Afghanistan.
The Mughals were completely depleted of their riches and power and Emperor Shah Alam II, the Mughal ruler in 1772 was subjected to a lot of wars and raids from the Sikhs, who had successfully captured the fort for a while.
The British East India Company removed the Marathas from the Fort after the second Anglo-Maratha War in 1803.
Until 1857 the Mughals were living in the Fort supported by the British, but a dramatic turn of events (the famous rebellion of 1857) led to the British removing the Mughals from the Red Fort and started looting the riches and destroying the structure. The British converted the Red Fort into a garrison and hoisted their flag on it.
The Indian National Army faced trial by the British at the Red Fort in the years 1945 and 1946.
When India finally gained independence in 1947, the Red Fort became the main site for public celebration. The Fort became a symbol of freedom and the first Prime Minister of India hoisted the Indian flag there.
Every year on Independence Day, August 15, the Prime Minister raises the National Flag and makes the National Address in the Red Fort. The story of Red Fort is something read in history books now due to its massive importance to Indian people.
Things to see at the Red Fort
The Red Fort, with its red sandstone walls, encloses an area of about 225 acres and is located near the western banks of the Yamuna River. Although the structure may look old it still holds some of the most historical memorabilia.
As you enter through the Lahore Gate – the front entrance – you reach the Meena Bazaar where they sell souvenirs and handicrafts – a great place for shopping in Red Fort. The area has been renovated to give it a more authentic Mughal look.
Inside the Fort, beyond the Bazaar, you can visit the Naubat Khana – an area where the royal musicians played on special occasions and sometimes the arrival of royalty. A section of the area was converted into a War Memorial Museum with a display of ancient war artifacts.
The famous pillared Diwan-i-am, where the king used to hear grievances from his subjects is beyond the Naubat Khana.
The Mumtaz Mahal (palace of Shah Jahan’s wife) also lies inside the Fort. It is now the Red Fort Archaeological Museum which houses artifacts from the Mughal era.
The Rang Mahal – an area where the emperor’s harem lived is also located inside the Fort.
There were four new museums inaugurated in the Red Fort in January 2019. The Kranti Mandir is a museum complex made in tribute to the Indian freedom fighters.
Location, Timings, and Accommodation near Red Fort
Red Fort is located near Chandni Chowk in Delhi, and a few miles north of Connaught Palace and Paharganj. One of the interesting facts about Chandni Chowk is that some of the best street food in Delhi is found here.
The Red Fort opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm. It opens from Tuesday till Sunday and remains closed on Mondays.
The ticket prices of Red Fort vary from the places you intend to visit. The entry fee for Indians is INR 35 and for foreigners is INR 500. If you want to visit the museum as well, you have to pay INR 56 and INR 870 for foreigners. An additional INR 15 is included for carrying a video camera.
There are separate prices for going to the “Light and Sound” show held in the evenings in the Red Fort.
Some of the reasonable places to stay near the Red Fort are:
- Homestay Ac Dormitory
- Gostops Delhi
- Kastle Guest House
A Nod to the Fallen
The historical importance of Red Fort cannot be stated enough. As an Indian, pride must be taken in admiring the beauty and significance of the place in the struggle for freedom. As an outsider, you can immerse yourself in the rich Indian culture by visiting one of the best and most important places in India.
What is the historical significance of the Red Fort?
The Red Fort in Old Delhi was the first place where Indian Independence was celebrated from British Rule. It is a place that symbolizes a place of power since the reign of Shah Jahan and has witnessed a change in history.
If you are making an Indian trip, and are staying in Delhi, be sure to check out this historical monument.
What are the main attractions within the Red Fort?
The Red Fort may not have the charm that it used to but it is going through some renovations. Some of the main attractions in and around Red Fort are the, Meena Bazaar – a small market area selling souvenirs and handcrafts, The Naubat Khana – an area where the royal musicians used to perform during special events, Diwan-i-Am, the Musaman Burj, Mumtaz Mahal – the famous palace of Emperor Shah Jahan’s wife and the Diwan-i-Khas.
When is the best time to visit the Red Fort, and what are the visiting hours?
The best time to visit the Red Fort is from the period of October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. Delhi during the summer is very hot. If you go in the evening, you will enjoy the light and sound show.
The Red Fort is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
Are there any tips for visitors planning to explore the Red Fort?
You can enjoy the Red Fort within a maximum time of 2 hrs. If you are planning to visit during the summer then be prepared with appropriate summer wear – wear a cap or a hat, sunglasses, and umbrellas to protect you from the sun.
If you are a foreigner then you should be cautious of large crowds and take care of your belongings. The markets are huge and be sure not to get scammed. Take a guide to help you navigate the busy streets and people in front of the Red Fort.
