The Structures inside the Red Fort: Lal Qila Interesting facts for Tourists

Built in the 17th Century, the Red Fort or the Lal Quila is a magnificent octagonal shaped Islamic construction, which has witnessed countless scandals and battles. The fort was built in 1638 by then Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Though the foundation stone for the fort was laid in the year 1618, the actual construction started only in 1638 and completed in the year 1647.

It is widely mentioned that this foundation was laid only after the Emperor decided to move his capital from Agra to Shahjahanbad (Delhi). The fort was originally named as the 'Quila-i-Mubarak', as it was the prime residence of the royal family. But later on it became famous by the name, 'Lal Quila' due to the extensive use of the Redstone in the making of the huge and massive walls of the fort.

The massive walls of the fort measure around 33 meters towards the town side and around 18 meters towards the river side. To the eastern side of the fort used to flow one of the main rivers in India, the Yamuna. However, since the river has been moved down from here, the place remains empty.

The construction of the Red Fort showcases the richness and the creativity of the Mughal mastery. The fort has in all, around 14 gates. But the two main gates namely the Lahori Gate and the Delhi Gate have acquired prime importance. They are named so for the way they face the areas respectively. Each of these two gates is three storeys high.

Lahori Gate is the main entrance to the Lal Quila. This gate has a roofed passage known as the Chatta Chowk which houses various apartments now turned into shops of jewelry, carpets and miniature paintings inside the fort.

The fort has many other structures built inside including the Diwan-i-Am which was said to have been studded with precious stones and other ornaments. But during the Revolution of 1857, these precious stones were looted. Diwan-i-Khas, another construction inside the fort once was the home of the famous Peacock throne, which was stolen by Nadir Shah in 1739.

The Red Fort, one of the oldest and huge monuments of India, is a house to some of the most fascinating structures that showcase the intrinsic and detailed mastery of the artisans during the Mughal Era. Red Fort is one of the huge and massive palaces built in India. It is found listed in the World Heritage Sites.

Here's a list of few important structures and buildings present inside the Red Fort.

1. Diwan-i-Am: Diwan-i-Am, i.e. 'Hall of Public Audiences' is a rectangular hall with a façade of beautifully carved nine arches. This is the place where the Emperor used to hear the grievances and complaints of the common people. This hall was heavily decorated by curtains and ornaments. At The back of the hall stood the emperor's throne and just below the throne laid a precious stone studded dais, which was used as a sitting place by the Prime minister.

2. Diwan-i-Khas – Diwan-i-Khas, i.e. 'the hall of private audience' is a rectangular chamber smaller than the Diwan-i-Am. This chamber was encompassed by the aisles of arches and decorated heavily with floral designs. The four corners are studded with pillared chatris, which add to its beauty. It was here in Diwan-i-Khas, the famous Peacock throne stood, which was later on looted by Nadir Shah in the year 1739. This hall, as the name suggests, was used for attending private audiences and visitors.

3. Mumtaz Mahal – Mumtaz Mahal is located on the southern end of the palace. It was built with marble and was originally painted on the interior side. Mumtaz Mahal consists of six big apartments and currently, it houses the Archaeological museum.

4. Rang Mahal – Rang Mahal, as the name suggests is the 'Palace of Colors'. It is divided into six apartments and over the walls and the ceilings of these apartments one finds tiny pieces of glasses embedded. Being a part of the imperial seraglio, there was a fountain bed right in the center of the Rang Mahal which was made of ivory.

5. Hammam – Hammam is situated to the northern side of Diwan-i-Khas. It consists of three apartments, laid with marble and other colorful stones. Out of the three apartments, two were known to be used as place for Royal Bath. One of the apartments was used as a dressing room.

6. Moti Masjid – Moti Masjid was built by Emperor Aurangzeb for his own personal use. It is located to the western side of the Hammam and is originally a small mosque. It has a small prayer hall which is crowned by three domes.