Did you know that India has nearly 3,700 historic monuments, including 31 UNESCO world heritage sites. Among them is the Red Fort, the largest historical structure in Old Delhi and one of the most popular tourist destinations. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
The Red Fort complex, which consists of Shah Jahan’s palace and the adjacent Salimgarh fort built in 1546 AD by the legendary architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, who is believed to have built the world famous Taj Mahal.
The fort is octagonal in shape and covers 254 acres of land covering 2.4 km. It is made of Delhi Quartz, while outer wall is dressed with Red Sandstone (which gave it its modern name). Inner buildings are covered with lime plaster or with white marble.
The Red Fort is a symbol of power. Close to the hearts of Indian pride, it is a symbol of independence from British rule. It is also a symbol of creativity that thrived under the Mughal Empire.
The Red Fort has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007 for its historical as well as cultural importance.
The Complex consists of:
Red Fort, with:
- Walls, bastions and gates
- Chhatta Chowk, palace market
- Naubat Khana or Naqqarkhana Drum House
- Diwan-i-Am, Hall of Public Audience
- Palace pavilions and the Nah-i-Bihisht, Stream of Paradise
- Diwan-i-Khas, Hall of Private Audience
- Hammam Baths
- Moti Masjid, Pearl Mosque
- Hayat-Baksh Bagh, Lifegiving Garden
- British period buildings
Today, the Red Fort continues to be well-loved, and a prime site for India's Aug 15 Independence Day celebrations. Flocks of tourists also visit this top attraction in Delhi every year.
With its gates, palaces, bazaars, gardens, fountains and pavilions its and eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mugal era and its magnificence simply leaves one awestruck.
It’s a calm haven of peace which helps one to break away from noisy and busy life outside the walls of the Fort, and transports the visitor to another realm of existence.