Published By: Sayan Paul

12 interesting facts about Red Fort

Red Fort is a famous historic monument located in the heart of Delhi.

Red Fort or Lal Qila, originally known as Qila-i-Mubarak, is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Old Delhi. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in 1648. The fort is historically very significant as it once served as the main residence of the Mughal Dynasty for over 200 years. The complex, spreading over an area of 256 acres, houses several structures such as Diwan-i-ʿAm, Diwan-i-Khas, Naubhat Khana, Rang Mahal, Khas Mahal, Moti Masjid etc. and a number of museums that offer an insight into the rich history of the country. Also, the Prime Minister of India hoists India's national flag every year on Independence Day at this fort.

Here are some interesting yet lesser-known facts about the Red Fort:

Mughal Emperor Shahjahan commissioned the construction when he shifted his empire from Agra to Delhi (known as Shahjahanabad at that time).

The Red Fort got the name from its massive boundary walls made of red sandstone.

The fort was originally white, not red. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, several parts of the structure were made of lime stones. As these white stones began chipping off over time, the British painted them with red color.

It took 10 years to build the entire structure. The construction process started in 1638 and completed in 1648.

The leading architects behind the construction of Red Fort were Ustad Hamid and Ustad Ahmed.

The fort possesses two entry gates: Lahori Gate and Delhi Gate. Lahori Gate, facing towards the Lahore City, is the main entrance.

The shape of the entire structure is octagonal.

The Rang Mahal (In English: The Palace of Color) is one of the most important palaces inside the fort complex. It served as the residence of the queens, mistresses and maids. No-one (except the emperor and the princes) were allowed to enter the Rang Mahal.

There's another palace named Khas Mahal (where the emperors used to spend some quality time with their wives) located near the Rang Mahal.

The spectacular Kohinoor diamond actually belonged to Shahjahan's throne located in Diwan-i-Khas, Red Fort. The Persian king Nadir Shah looted the stone from the fort. The priceless stone now belongs to the Royal Collection of England.

Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal Emperor, was tried on charges of treason at the Red Fort. He was later exiled to Rangoon (present-day Myanmar).

The British, after gaining control over the Red Fort, demolished several parts of it. Also, they robbed most of the valuables from the fort and sold them outside.