Red fort
Emperor Shah Jahan (1628-58) ordered construction of this expansive fortress in 1638 as part of his intent to move the capital of the Mughal Empire from Agra back to Delhi. The fort’s architect was the same Ustad Ahmad Lahori who designed and supervised construction of the Taj Mahal and he completed the massive project in 1648. The site chosen was that of a much older stepwell, ensuring the garrison would always have access to fresh water in case of a siege. The fortress was intended—much like Agra Fort—to function as both a defensive bastion and as the seat of Mughal government, complete with its own palace complex and garden. The last Mughal Emperor to inhabit Red Fort was Bahadur Shah Zafar (1837-57) and when the British East India Company established control over India in 1803, they too used Red Fort as a center for administrative and military control, adding their own Victorian style buildings to the medieval fortress.
The incredible curb appeal of Delhi’s Red Fort makes it one of the most visited of tourist destinations in the city. This is Lahore Gate and is the single most recognizable view of Red Fort.
The walls of Red Fort are beautiful examples of Mughal fortification.
Passing through the Lahore Gate complex the usual imposing edifices greet any visitor.
Just inside Lahore Gate, however, we were surprised to find an indoor bazaar—called Chhatta Chowk—with a lineage stretching back to the Mughal era. If looking for souvenirs, this is a good spot as access is limited by the entrance fee to get into the fortress making it much less crowded than other markets we encountered.
The Naubat Khana served as the waiting hall where music was played for guests and supplicants of the Mughal emperor. At least two emperors are thought to have been assassinated here, Jahandar Shah (1712–1713) and Farrukhsiyar (1713–1719). Interestingly, the facade facing Lahore Gate is done in white marble while the side facing the palace and reception hall are done in red stone.
The other side of the Naubat Khana and surrounding grounds. This walkway leads to the reception hall or Diwan-i-Aam.
Naubat Khana framed by the portico of the Diwan-i-Aam.
The reception hall is reminiscent of the one inside Agra Fort and would have been designed to impress upon visitors the power and wealth of the Mughal emperor.
The emperor’s would have met subjects and envoys from this carved, marble perch.
Most of the palace buildings were destroyed during the period of British rule though restoration efforts for the remaining structures have successfully provided a peek into Mughal royal life.
The Diwan-i-Khaas was the emperor’s private audience hall and is rendered as at Agra Fort with white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones.
The scars left by the burning of the private audience hall are still visible in the ceiling, but the grandeur of Mughal imperial furnishings remain impressive still today.
The massive garden complex centers on a large pond fed by smaller ponds radiating outward from it. In the center of what would have been a lush, imperial paradise, was the Hayat Bakhsh Bagh, an island pleasure pavilion.
Another view of the Hayat Bakhsh Bagh highlighting the retaining walls for the artificial pond within which the pavilion sat. Access to the pavilion was apparently by a temporary causeway.
The stepwell at Red Fort predates the fortification and is unique in that it has two stepped points of entry that meet at the bottom. The stepwell’s origin continues to be debated but is thought to have been constructed in the early to mid-14th Century, during the Tughlaq Dyanasty.
A shot of the inner defensive works at Red Fort. Note the odd step arrangement leading up the ramp. This facilitated men pushing cannon up onto the parapet. Those Empire: Total War fans out there should recognize the feature!
This wall section caught my attention . . . not sure why!
The Hayat Bakhsh Bagh as viewed between a pair of British barracks. Those Victorian Era constructions reminded me so much of the older cadet barracks at West Point…
As with other Mughal fortresses, the external walls of Red Fort are surrounded by a fairly deep moat.
One last, parting shot of Lahore Gate from a sexier angle (and with better light). All-in-all, a highly recommended destination in Delhi!