Almost everyone in the National Capital and many beyond it have been enchanted by the stunning Red Fort that is popularly known as the Lal Qila. The esteemed fort that was dubbed as the Qila-i-Mubarak in the Mughal times is the only structure of its kind in the capital. Built to impress everyone who sets their sights on it, the Qila-i-Mubarak is an example of stellar architecture and a rich history.
Interestingly, there still remain a lot of intriguing details about the Lal Qila that have been hitherto unknown to a lot of people. Read on to get acquainted with some of these facts about the marvelous structure.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MARVEL
Upon Delhi’s conversion to being India’s capital city by the Mughal royal leader Shah Jahan, he wished to construct an imposing yet remarkable fort in the capital, as its distinguishing factor. Thus the Lal Qila came into being in all its glory. Although, the workers broke ground on the 13th of May, 1638 during Muharran, the structure was completed a decade later in 1648.
Since most of the fort’s exterior wall has been painstakingly crafted from red sand stone; it is referred to as the red fort.
ARCHITECHTS BEHIND THE DESIGN
The famed architects who were involved in every step of the planning and execution of the illustrious fort were Ustad Ahmad and Ustad Hamid. They designed the Qila-i-Mubarak as an octagonal structure spread over a sprawling 256 acres.
ITS LOCATION AND DEFENSES
Built next to the river Yamuna, the fort was designed to provide the Mughals with a strategic advantage. There is an enormously strong wall that is built all around the Qila to fortify its defenses and stand strong against external attackers.
BUILDINGS WITHIN THE COMPLEX
Flanked by the Lahore gate and the Delhi gate, the interiors of the Qila were beautiful with several buildings and chambers. It is believed that every building within the complex was designed to house certain residents along with being planned to perform certain functions.
THE DAZZLING RANG MAHAL
One of the most famous buildings within the complex is the Rang Mahal. Bejeweled by its signature lotus fountain that was crafted from one large piece of stone; the Palace of Colors always held a special place in people’s hearts. It was where the Emperor’s many wives lived along with his mistresses. The ladies chambers were heavily guarded to be entered by only the emperor, besides the princes.
It was merely eunuchs who were permitted to enter the Rang Mahal and deliver messages to the wives and mistresses.
THE EMINENT DIWAN-I-KHAS
The throne room or the Diwan-i-Khas was where Shah Jahan’s throne was placed. Crafted to have a pure gold casing, the throne was bedazzled with scores of valuable gems that included the Kohinoor. Other prized gems like pearls, blood-red rubies, striking emeralds and sparkling diamonds were also a part of the stunning royal seat.
The emperor’s hall was built to entertain a distinguished audience who could look upon the beauty of the throne and marvel.
THE PUBLIC DIWAN-E-AAM
This was the emperor’s court where he conducted matters of public attendance. Quite the opposite of Diwan-i-Khas, this was designed to hold locals and deal with their day to day ordinance issues.
TRUTH IN THE CONJECTURE THAT THE LAL QILA WAS FORMERLY WHITE
Although a lot of people believe that the Red Fort was formerly white, it was in fact just a few buildings of the complex that were white. The Archaeological Survey of India discovered areas of the fort that showed signs of Mughal lime wash being used. This plaster is marble powder in a combination of lime, gum and the Bael fruit. The British have seemingly painted over the Mughal lime plaster.
PILFERAGE AND SUBSEQUENT RESTORATION BY THE BRITISH
The 7th of October, 1858 was when the last of the Mughal leaders fell, and the fort was captured by the British. This was when the beautiful Qila was stripped bare of all its precious gems and ornaments. The British brutally ravaged the fort and damaged a lot of its internal buildings in 1863, when they converted the monument into merely a place of military importance. This is when they painted over some of the buildings in the Qila in the process of reinstating it.
FACTS ABOUT RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The stunning structure was recognized for its historical importance and declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in the year 2007. The flag hoisting for India’s independence from the tyranny of the British reign takes place annually on the 15th of August at the Qila-i-Mubarak. It is hosted by our Prime Minister who then proceeds to address the nation from the Red Fort in a speech that is broadcasted all over Indian television.
In the present day, the Lal Qila is quite a prominent tourist attraction in Old Delhi. It is visited by scores of people each year from all over the world, who wish to behold the monument where history took place.
