Red Fort: Zenith of Creative Architecture
Located at the heart of Delhi, Red Fort is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India. Originally built as the fortified palace of the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the red sandstone structure is an epitome embodying a fusion of Islamic, Persian, Hindu and Timurid architecture.
Occupying a humongous area of 254.67 acres, Red Fort is an iconic symbol of our country. Every year, hoisting of the Tiranga by the prime minister at the ramparts of Red Fort is a view worth watching. Some parts of the fort have their beautiful architecture intact whereas the decorative elements of some other parts have been disturbed or removed by the looters.
The fort is octagonal in shape. One can identify the Mughal architectural features by its domes and marble floorings. Intricate ornamentation is done on the walls and floors showcasing the zenith of creativity. Expressions of rich colours, forms and patterns add to the grandeur of the Red Fort.
Some of the major structures that stand as architectural masterpieces within the Red Fort complex are:
Diwan-i-Aam
The Diwan-i-Aam used to be the Public Audience Hall. It has engrailed columns and halls, the walls of which have been decorated with white stucco. The patterns illustrate fine craftsmanship and the courtyard at the back of Diwan-i-Aam opens into the imperial apartments.
Diwan-i-Khas
While Diwan-i-Aam was the hall for the public, the Diwan-i-Khas was meant for the private audience. Constructed with white marble, the embellishments of precious stones define the exclusivity of the hall. The ceiling was once silver, but now it has been restored in wood. The ends of the hall have inscriptions written by Amir Khusrow:
“If heaven be on the face of Earth, it is this, it is this, it is this.”
Naubat Khana
Naubat Khana, also known as Naqqar Khana, used to be the drum house during the reign of Shah Jahan. Constructed with red sandstone, it has been surfaced with white chunam. It appears that the floral designs carved on its walls were originally painted in gold.
Nahr-i-Behisht
Along the eastern brink of the fort runs a row of pavilions that are connected by a canal known as the Nahr-i-Behisht (Stream of Paradise) . It flows through the centre of the pavilions that lead to the Imperial Apartments. It has been designed as to emulate the definition of paradise as given in the Holy Quran.
Rang Mahal
Painted and decorated with bright colours, the Rang Mahal used to be the place for the emperor's wives. Some of its apartments have also been ornamented with tiny pieces of mirrors and are called Sheesh Mahal.
Hammam
Hammam, located towards the north of Diwan-i-Khas, was the bath of the emperor. It consists of three apartments that are separated by corridors and was lighted with the coloured glass skylight. The whole interior has been richly decorated with floral white marble patterns.
Other structural masterworks within the Red Fort include the Moti Masjid, Mumtaz Mahal, Chhatta Chowk, Lahori Gate, Delhi Gate, Shahi Burj and Hayat Bakhsh Bagh. The Red Fort Complex, along with the Salimgarh Fort, was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2007.
In the evenings, a sound and light show is organized describing the Mughal History and the Red Fort boasts of its grandeur as one of the most enticing architectural masterpieces of the world.