3.
The Red Fort derives its name from the extensive use of red
sandstone on the massive walls that surround the fort.[7] Shah
Jahan commissioned the construction of the Red Fort in 1638 when he
decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. Ustad Ahmad was chosen
as the architect for construction of the royal palace. Construction began
in the auspicious month ofMuharram on 13 May 1638.[8]:01 Construction
of the fort was supervised by Shah Jahan himself and was completed in
1648.[9][10] The Red Fort was originally referred to as "Qila-i-Mubarak"
(the blessed fort), because it was the residence of the royal
family.[11][12] Unlike the other Mughal forts, layout of the boundary walls
of the Red Fort is not symmetrical so as to retain and integrate the
older Salimgarh Fort.[8]:04 The fortress palace was an important focal
point of the medieval city of Shahjahanabad (present day Old Delhi). The
planning and aesthetics of the Red Fort represent the zenith of Mughal
creativity which prevailed during the reign of emperor Shah
Jahan. Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan's successor, added the Moti Masjid to the
emperor's private quarters and constructed barbicans in front of the two
main gates, which made the entrance route to the palace more
circuitous.[8]:08
4.
The Red Fort covers a total area of about 254.67 acres enclosed
within 2.4 kilometres of defence walls.[1] The walls are
punctuated by turrets and bastions. They vary in height from 18
m on the river side to 33 m on the city side. The fort is shaped
like an octagon with the north-south axis longer than the eastwest axis. The use of marble, floral decorations, double domes in
the buildings inside the fort exemplifies the later phase of
Mughal architecture.[26]
It showcases a very high level of art form and ornamental work.
It is believed that theKohinoor diamond was a part of the
furniture. The art work in the Fort is a synthesis of Persian,
European and Indian art which resulted in the development of
unique Shahjahani style which is very rich in form, expression
and colour. Red Fort is one of the important building complexes
of India which encapsulates a long period of Indian history and
its arts. Even before its notification as a monument of national
importance in the year 1913, efforts were made to preserve and
conserve the Red
5.
Every year on 15 August, the day India achieved independence
from the British, Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the
Red Fort, followed by a nationally broadcast speech from
its ramparts.[36] The Red Fort is one of the most popular tourist
destinations in Old Delhi,[37] attracting thousands of visitors
every year.[38] It also happens to be the largest monument in Old
Delhi.[39]
Today, a sound and light show describing Mughal history is a
tourist attraction in the evenings. The general condition of the
major architectural features is mixed. None of the water features,
which are extensive, contain water. Some of the buildings are in
fairly good condition and have their decorative elements
undisturbed. In others, the marble inlay flowers have been
removed by looters and vandals. The tea house, though not in its
historical state, is a functioning restaurant. The mosque and
hamam are closed to the public, though one can catch peeks
through the glass windows or marble lattice work. Walkways are
left mostly in a crumbling state. Public toilets are available
6.
To prevent terrorist attacks, security is especially
tightened around the Red Fort on the eve
of Indian Independence Day. Delhi Policeand
paramilitary personnel keep a vigil on the
neighbourhoods around the fort. Sharpshooters
of the National Security Guard are deployed on
high rises near the Red Fort.[40][41] The aerial
space around the fort is declared a no-fly
zone during the celebration to prevent aerial
attacks,[42] Safe houses are picked in nearby areas
where the Prime Minister and other Indian
leaders can be rushed to in case of an attack.[40]
