Red Fort

Source: NDTV

Subject: Art and culture

Context: A blast occurred near Delhi’s Red Fort, resulting in several injuries and reported deaths. Union Home Minister informed that a comprehensive investigation is underway by the Delhi Police, NIA, NSG, and FSL to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

About Red Fort (Lal Qila):

• What it is? The Red Fort is a historic Mughal fort and palace complex located in Old Delhi, serving as the main residence of Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. It represents the zenith of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Timurid, and Indian styles.

• The Red Fort is a historic Mughal fort and palace complex located in Old Delhi, serving as the main residence of Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years.

• It represents the zenith of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Timurid, and Indian styles.

• Built in: Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 and completed in 1648, following his decision to shift the capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad (Delhi). The fort’s design was prepared by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the architect of the Taj Mahal.

• Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 and completed in 1648, following his decision to shift the capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad (Delhi).

• The fort’s design was prepared by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the architect of the Taj Mahal.

• History: The Red Fort was plundered during Nadir Shah’s invasion (1739) and later used as a British military garrison after the 1857 Revolt. It witnessed the decline of Mughal power, British colonial rule, and later became a symbol of India’s freedom.

• The Red Fort was plundered during Nadir Shah’s invasion (1739) and later used as a British military garrison after the 1857 Revolt.

• It witnessed the decline of Mughal power, British colonial rule, and later became a symbol of India’s freedom.

• Characteristics of the Fort: Constructed mainly from red sandstone, symbolizing power and grandeur. Enclosed by 2.5 km-long massive defensive walls along the Yamuna River. Features architectural marvels like Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Moti Masjid, and the Nahr-i-Behisht (Stream of Paradise) water channel connecting royal pavilions. The layout reflects Islamic Garden aesthetics (Charbagh concept) infused with Hindu design motifs.

• Constructed mainly from red sandstone, symbolizing power and grandeur.

• Enclosed by 2.5 km-long massive defensive walls along the Yamuna River.

• Features architectural marvels like Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Moti Masjid, and the Nahr-i-Behisht (Stream of Paradise) water channel connecting royal pavilions.

• The layout reflects Islamic Garden aesthetics (Charbagh concept) infused with Hindu design motifs.

• Important Events in History at Red Fort:

• 1739: Plundered by Nadir Shah, who looted the Peacock Throne and other treasures.

• 1857: Became a key site during the First War of Independence; Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured and tried here.

• 1945–46: Venue for the Indian National Army (INA) trials, symbolizing the final phase of India’s freedom struggle.

• 15 August 1947: Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag at the Lahori Gate, marking India’s independence.

• 2007: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and architectural significance.