Red Fort (Lal Quila): History, Architecture, Timings & Tickets 2024

Diwan-i-Aam

The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan used the Diwan-i-Aam at the Red Fort in Delhi as his meeting room. Here, the masters would talk to the people and try to solve their problems. The open front of the hall had red sandstone rooms on either side. The hall was ringed by vaulted stairs. It is a beautiful piece of architecture.

Which measures 100 feet by 60 feet and has 27 square sections formed by pillars and arches. When you go into the Diwan-i-Aam, you will be able to see how the emperor used to listen to petitioners in this grand hall. The grand arches and carved pillars of the hall create a sense of awe-inspiring opulence. Imagine an emperor sitting on a fancy marble chair and talking to the people while listening to their problems.

Diwan-i-Khas

In 1648, the architects constructed the Diwan-i-Khas, also known as the Hall of Private Audience, within the premises of the Red Fort in Delhi. At that time it served as a reception place. Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor, used it to host courtiers and dignitaries. Also referred to as the Shah Mahal, the hall had a north gate leading to the inner court named Jalau Khana. It had two enclosures, one for nobles and another for lower-ranking individuals.

They tore down the structure after the rebellion of 1857. It was 90 feet by 67 feet and had a room in the middle ringed by arches that rose from flower- and gold-decorated marble beams. The once-inlaid silver and gold ceiling was replaced in 1911. The Peacock Throne once graced this hall, as described by travelers. After the rebellion of 1857, looters reduced this hall to ruins, and it remains so today. But, the restoration efforts of the government have revived its complex pattern.

Lahori Gate

The main entrance to Delhi’s Red Fort is through the Lahori Gate, which has beautiful building features. The gate is on the western wall of the fort. Its name comes from the fact that it leads to Lahore, which is now in Pakistan. This gate is three stories tall and has curved panels on each floor. On each side, there are semi-octagonal towers with open octagonal platforms on top.

The building comprises mostly of red sandstone, but it features white stone tops on the pavilions. The battlements around the gate look like flames. Aurangzeb added a barbican that was 10.5 meters high and had an opening in the north. Since 1947, on India’s Independence Day, the Prime Minister has been delivering speeches and raising the national flag at this gate.

Delhi Gate

The Delhi Gate is an entrance to the Red Fort in Delhi. It is on the south wall of the fort. This gate, named after the city it goes to, looks a lot like the Lahori Gate. Shah Jahan had it built, and it has a 10.5-meter-high barbican that faces west. Aurangzeb added to it later. The gate has a three-level structure with square, rectangular, and rounded curved pieces made of red sandstone. Each side features semi-octagonal towers that crown open octagonal structures with roofs of white stone. Between these buildings, seven tiny chhatris with marble domes make a complex screen. Stone elephants guard the outer gates, which is a reflection of history’s echoes.

Chhatta Chowk

Behind the Lahori Gate, the Chhatta Chowk is an old covered market inside Delhi’s Red Fort. It has a broad dome that covers 32 shops that house two storeys. Chhatta Chowk dates back to the 17th century when Shah Jahan was the ruler. Expensive things like silk, cash, and gems were sold in this market to meet the needs of the rich.

This unique Mughal building wonder went against the open-air mart norms of the time. It took its inspiration from Peshawar’s covered market. People used to refer to it as market-i-Musaqaf, which means “roofed bazaar. It had beautiful arches and bright paintings on the ceiling. In the 20th century, people closed off the dome, altering their appearance. Plans are in the works to fix it up and keep this look into the past.

Rang Mahal

Explore the Rang Mahal, home to the emperor’s wives and concubines. The beautiful decorations and art in this house amaze people with their wide range of colors. You can still feel the love, desire, and beauty that once filled these rooms when you walk through them. The Rang Mahal is part of the Red Fort in Delhi. When Shah Jahan was in power, it was part of the royal palace and was a place where royal women could rest.

After the British took over in 1857, they changed it into a mess hall for a short time. They named some parts of the Taj Mahal “Sheesh Mahal” because they adorned the ceiling with mirrors. Skilled artisans decorated and painted other sections of the monument. A small stream of water that flowed through the marble palace into a carved floor bowl was one of the most interesting parts. Also, the Rang Mahal had a basement where women went to cool off in the summer.

Moti Masjid

Visit the Moti Masjid, the Pearl Mosque, located within the fort complex. This pristine white marble mosque stands as a symbol of devotion and tranquility. Its harmonious architecture and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for spiritual solace.

Hayat Bakhsh Bagh

Walk through Hayat Bakhsh Bagh, which is a beautiful garden complex inside the fort. Get lost in this paradise’s lush grass, fragrant flowers, and sparkling waterfalls. The park is a peaceful place to get away from the noise and chaos of the city. It is a nice place to sit and think.

Hira Mahal

Find out about the Hira Mahal, which is also called the Diamond Palace. It was once the emperor’s private home. Even though the castle is in ruins, it still has a sense of wonder and drama. As you look at what’s left of this once-beautiful home, let your mind roam.

Mumtaz Mahal

Mumtaz Mahal is a palace inside the fort. Emperor Shah Jahan named it after his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was the private home of the ruler and gave a glimpse into the luxurious life of the Mughal royal family. The Mumtaz Mahal is one of the six main buildings that face the Yamuna River. White marble constructs the lower walls and towers, while arched piers divide the six flats within.

The rooms, adorned with floral paintings, exude elegance. The British repurposed this section of the Zenana as a jail camp during their rule. It is now home to the Red Fort Archaeological Museum, which has things from the Mughal period. The history of the Mumtaz Mahal and how beautiful it is as a building show how grand people were back then.

Nahr-i-Behisht

You can end your journey at the Nahr-i-Behisht, also known as the “Stream of Paradise”. It is a peaceful waterway that runs through the grounds of the fort. This oasis-like feature adds to the general beauty and calmness of the Red Fort. Thereby making it a beautiful place to contemplate and enjoy the beauty of nature.