Red Fort (Lal Quila)

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History
Emperor Shah Jahan, the grand Mughal mastermind of many glorious monuments of India,was unfortunate enough to not enjoy his much beloved creation for long. The massive Red Fort was ushered in a much fanfare in the year 1648 AD. The citadel epitomized Mughal power and great architectural sense and its grandeur spellbound many. The majestic Red Fort witnessed the peak of Mughal power. However, Mughal reign in Delhi was a short one, Red Fort was last ruled by Shah Jahan's son and iconoclast Emperor Aurangzeb.

Over 200 years later, when India's First War Of Independence broke out, the massive Red Fort mutely witnessed the brutal bloodshed between Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II and Britishers. Most of the part of Red Fort was destroyed at that time when sepoys(soldiers) of mutinying regiments at Meerut arrived in Delhi and took shelter inside the citadel. The citadel symbolized the power of Mughals as well as the British Emperor in India. The British occupied the Red Fort till independence of India (August 1947),after which it was converted into military garrison of Indian army. The famous Indian National Army trial in 1945 and dramatic speech of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Red Fort saw all.

In December 2003, Indian army handed it over to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The place is now a popular tourist attraction and recently in 2007 UNESCO has granted it as a World Heritage Site. The signature architecture of Mughals and a symbol of free India invokes a sense of gratification and admiration countless time, bears testimony to another era,another world.

Not To Miss
Chatta Chowk
When you enter via massive three story Lahore Gate, one of the six impressive gateways, you will find yourself in the midst of quaint market place. The place is Chatta Chowk where shops sells cheap mementos. Hand made bags, exquisite artifacts, weapons, jeweleries and many more are the attractions. Remember you have to bargain hard.
Diwan-I-Aam
After arriving at Naqqar Khana, the place was a big hall for music and amusement. From here you look upto to Diwan-I-Aam, the huge hall for public audience where Emperor Shah Jahan sat cross-legged on the beautifully carved throne and took heed of inquiries. The 60 pillared hall was beautifully carved in different precious stones but now only designs are left.

Khas Mahal
It was the royal pavilion of Emperor that house imperial quarters. The place is not so big and marked in a four parts. On the south there was Rang Mahal or sitting room, which was painted in milky white and decorated in floral patterns. Bedroom Khwabgah was made out of three chamber. Mussam Burj or Burj-I-Tila is an octagonal tower on the eastern side from where Shah Jahan used to look upon daily ritual of his subjects.

Diwane- I- Khas
The place was reserved for Emperor ministers and exclusive members. Emperor Shah Jahan used to sit on the much glorified Peacock Throne and discussed on political matters. The renowned jewel crusted Peacock Throne was captured and taken to Persia by Notorious Persian invader Nadir Shah in 1739.

'Son- Et- Lumiere'
Every evening light and sound animates the Mughal era in an astonishing way. Vibrant sound of horse tap, elephant roar and animated conversation of emperor solving intricate political puzzle in flashy light is worth watching. The show is in both English and Hindi language and there is separate ticket for light and sound show.

Red Fort Archaeological Museum
Archaeological museum preserves some of the rare Mughal relics. The museum is located in the Mumtaz Mahal of the Red Fort and houses Mughal era's swords,hookahs,chess sets, paintings and manuscripts and other historical chronicles. One part of the museum is devoted to Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar and preserve some of the personal properties.