Red Fort at Delhi in India: One of the Most Vital Historical Monument of Mogul Kingdom in India

Delhi is the most important and historical capital city of India. Delhi has been the capital of India since the Mogul empire and the British rule all through out. There are many historical monuments situated in Delhi that brings the memory of old days alive. Many visitors from abroad visit this city and are very eager to learn about famous historical monuments of Mogul times. Red fort, situated in old Delhi is one of such most impressive historical monuments of all.

Red fort was built by Mogul king Shahjhan with red stones in the year 1638 to 1648. This royal fort is situated at the bank of river Yamuna. The fort is 2kms wide and is having variable height in all directions. It has a height of 18 meters on river side and 33 meters on the city side. This fort was a small city in itself and around 5000 people were staying around the year 1857. Even today, 10000 visitors come daily to see this royal fort. Only one fourth of the portion is now open to visitors and the remaining parts are occupied by Indian army. Let us now enter the fort through its main gate, known as Lahori gate. This gate is facing towards Lahore of Pakistan. The prime minister of India delivers his historical Independence Day speech on 15 th August every year from the top of this gate. Once you pass this gate, you will enter in Chattachalk. There were small shops on both sides selling gold and silver ornaments, suitable to royal Mogul families. This market was known as Mina Bazaar in old days and the ladies of Mogul royal family were coming here for shopping on every Thursday. The bazaar was kept closed on Thursdays for the males in those days. There is a museum, run by archeological survey of India at this place that has ancient photographs, art pieces, pictures, and the maps. Next to this bazaar, comes Nobat Darwaza, or Elephant gate. This gate is having 4 stories and is fully decorated with flowers. The music was being played from the top of this gate for the entertainment of Mogul king and royal families when they entered the fort. Once you pass through this gate, you enter Diwane aam. This is the place that was used for all common people to sit. The king was attending the complaints of the common people here. The royal seat of this hall is made of smooth, white marble. In spite of so many pillars provided in this hall, the arrangement is made in such a way that everybody sitting in this big hall was able to see the king without any obstruction.

Diwane Khas is the next place. This was the hall where the special people were sitting with the king. It is said that famous Navratna of the king Akbar were also sitting in this hall. The famous royal seat, known as Mayurasan was kept in this hall till Nadir shah robbed away this seat. The beauty of this hall is really remarkable, even today.There are the palaces of the king in south of this hall. There is a Rangmahal, where the main queen was staying and the king was taking his royal lunch here. A specially designed swimming pool supplying cold and hot water is also worth seeing. There is a Royal tower of three stories, which was the most favorite palace of King Shahjahan. This place provides a very good view of the heaven stream, and the gorgeous river Yamuna. The shishmahals having multiple mirrors near this palace is also not to be missed. There is a Moti masjid located, which was used for the prayer by all. The most beautiful gardens, water fountains with light decoration presents all with a view of heaven in the early evening hours. Though its original beauty is not present, we can surely visualize the great past of these gardens.

There are special sound and light shows arranged in the fort in the evening hours, explaining the history and importance of this fort. These shows are really marvelous and should not be missed at any cost. The total Mogul atmosphere is created before your eyes and ears in these shows. These shows are in two languages, Hindi and English. It is suggested to see this show in Hindi if you can understand Hindi. Hindi language takes you closer to the Mogul atmosphere. Make sure to buy the tickets for this show, when you enter the fort. Also, take your seat at least 15 minutes in advance so that you can get good seats. The ticket for this show is Rs.30 per head and the show timings are varying based on the season.

You will need around 4 to 5 hours to enjoy this historical monument in details. So, best time is to enter the fort at around 3 pm and come out at about 7 pm after viewing the sound and light show in the evening. None of the tourists leave Delhi without visiting this great historical monument of Mogul times.