red fort full history

 

Red Fort (Lal Qila) – Full History, Story..



 Introduction

The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is one of India’s most famous historical monuments. It is located in Old Delhi and is made of red sandstone, which gives it its name. The fort represents the power and richness of the Mughal Empire and is a symbol of India’s history, culture, and independence.

 Origin and Construction

Who built it?

The Red Fort was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the same emperor who built the Taj Mahal.

When was it built?

  • Construction started: 1638

  • Completed: 1648

  • Total time taken: 10 years

 Why was it built?

Shah Jahan decided to move his capital from Agra to Delhi and created a new city called Shahjahanabad.
The Red Fort was the heart of this new city and served as the main royal palace.

 Architecture and Design

The Red Fort is a perfect example of Mughal architecture, which blends:

  • Persian style

  • Indian style

  • Timurid style

Key Architectural Features

  • High red sandstone walls (up to 33 meters tall)

  • Two main gates:

    • Lahori Gate (main entrance)

    • Delhi Gate

  • Beautiful buildings inside the fort:

    • Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience)

    • Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience)

    • Rang Mahal (Palace of Colors)

    • Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque)

    • Hammams (royal baths)

  • The original fort also had:

    • Fountains

    • Flower gardens

    • Water channels known as Nahar-i-Bihisht (“Stream of Paradise”)

 Important Historical Events

 Mughal Era

  • From 1648 to 1857, the Red Fort was the official residence of Mughal emperors.

  • Many famous rulers lived here, including:

    • Shah Jahan

    • Aurangzeb

    • Bahadur Shah Zafar (last Mughal emperor)

  • The fort was a center of politics, culture, poetry, music, and royal ceremonies.

 End of the Mughal Empire (1857 Revolt)

  • The First War of Independence happened in 1857.

  • After the revolt failed:

    • The British captured the Red Fort.

    • Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled.

    • Many buildings inside the fort were damaged or destroyed.

  • The British used the fort as a military camp for many years.

 Indian Freedom Struggle

  • The Red Fort became a symbol of resistance.

  • During World War II, the Indian National Army (INA) officers were tried in the Red Fort trials (1945–46).

  • This increased patriotic feelings across India.

 After Independence (Post 1947)

  • On 15 August 1947, India got independence.

  • Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the Indian flag at the Red Fort and gave his famous speech.

  • Since then, every year on Independence Day, the Prime Minister of India:

    • Hoists the national flag

    • Addresses the nation from the Lahori Gate

 Cultural Importance

  • The Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (declared in 2007).

  • It is one of India’s most visited tourist places.

  • Light and sound shows are held every evening to narrate the fort’s history.

  • It represents:

    • Freedom

    • Heritage

    • Unity

    • Cultural pride

 Conclusion

The Red Fort is not just a historical building.
It is a symbol of:

  • Mughal glory

  • India’s struggle for freedom

  • India’s national identity

Its grand walls, beautiful architecture, and rich historical events make it one of the most important monuments in Indian history.

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