Delhi’s Red Fort

As India’s second largest city, Delhi has a lot to offer visitors to its ancient streets. In addition to the world reknown historical and spiritual sites, the city is famous for its beautiful architecture and wonderful food. Shopping is another important part of the Delhi experience, with markets and bazaars positioned throughout the city. Visitors staying at any of the Delhi five star hotels will find no shortage of landmarks, shopping, and great eateries within easy distance of their lodgings.

The Red Fort is Delhi’s most popular historic landmark. Built as the royal residence of the Mughal Emperor Sha Jahan, the Red Fort is one of three World Heritage Sites in Delhi. The red sandstone complex was completed in 1648 and contains a number of interior palaces that are famous in their own right as well as lush gardens and the “Chatta Chowk” or “Covered Bazaar.” Visitors enter the Fort through the Lahore Gate and pass through the Chatta Chowk on their way to fort proper.

There are two halls where the Emperor could hold audiences. The Diwan-i-Am or “Hall of Public Audience” boasts a marble platform where the throne of th Emperor was placed. It served to separate the inner court from the outer court. The Diwan-i-Khas was the “Hall of Private Audience.” The Emperor used this building for the reception of special visitors and the entire building is constructed of marble.

The main residence of the Emperor was the Khas Mahal. The Emperor would appear each morning to the public from the Mussaman Burj tower, and octogonal structure overlooking the Yamuna River. The main wife of the Sultan resided in the Rang Mahal or “Colour Palace.” It was part of the zenana, which were five pavilions built into the complex as women’s quarters. The Daawat Khana was the prince’s residence and is located at the Fort’s north end. The British converted this minor palace into a tea house and it serves as such to this day, offering meals and beverages to visitors.

The Red Fort houses several museums. The Jewel Palace or Mumtaz Mahal features a collection of court weapons, carpets, textiles, and other objects. Mumtaz Mahal was designed for the Sultan’s harem, consisting of six individual apartments. Swatrantra Sangrama Sangrahalaya is the Museum of the Independence Movement. It features exhibits charting India’s independence activism from 1857 through Gandhi.

Related posts:

  1. Newcastle and the Palace Theatre The Palace Theatre of Newcastle, England was a unique building....
  2. Mountain Foothills Fort Collins There are some beautiful hotels nestled around Fort Collins Colorado...
  3. Fort Lauderdale for Thanksgiving This year Thanksgiving will be spent with the folks in...
  4. Hot Tubs and Roman Baths Most people don’t need to be convinced about the benefits...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Leave a Comment

Please note: Comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment.