Knowledge about historical monuments of India Part – 2 THE RED FORT

 Knowledge about historical monuments of India

Part – 2

THE RED FORT

The Red Fort in Delhi, India is a historic fort complex that is a major tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site:

●History

The Red Fort was built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1639 and 1648 as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad, the new capital of the Mughal Empire. It was the primary residence of the Mughal emperors and their families for almost 150 years.

●Architecture

The Red Fort is a complex of palaces, entertainment halls, gardens, and more, built from red sandstone and featuring a blend of Islamic, Persian, Timurid, and Hindu architectural traditions. Some of the most famous structures include the Pearl Mosque (Moti Masjid), the Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-ʿAm), and the Hall of Private Audience (Diwan-i-Khas).

●Significance

The Red Fort is a national symbol of India and a major ceremonial site. The Indian national flag is raised over the Lahore Gate on August 15, 1947, the anniversary of India’s independence, and the Prime Minister delivers a nationally broadcast address from the fort.

●Other facts

The Red Fort is adjacent to the Salimgarh fort, which was built in 1546. The fort’s walls are over 2 meters thick and 18–20 meters high. The fort’s architecture includes features like the Damaaga, a helmet-like structure, arrow slits, the Pishtaq, a shelf-like niche, and the Chadar, a stone slope for a water channel.