Old Delhi - Red Fort

(Local Name: Lal Qila) The Red Fort or Lal Qila was started in 1638 by Shah Jahan and completed in 1648. The Red Fort was the seat of Mughal power from 1639 to 1857.

The red sandstone walls of the fort vary from 18m to 33m and the fort covers over 2 kilometers. The entire fort is a crescent shape surrounded by a moat.

The main entance to the Red Fort is the Lahore Gate, named for the fact that it faces towards Lahore in Pakistan. Delhi Gate is similar to Lahore but grander in design and the gate was used by the emperor, every Friday, for ceremonial processions to the Jama Masjid.

Once entering through the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort, visitors reach the Covered Bazaar also known as Chatta Chowk. The Chatta Chowk was one of the first covered bazaars of the 17th C and items sold include silks, jewelry, gems, silver ware and other artistic objects. Today the bazaar carries souvenirs and food items. The Naubat Khana, within the Red Fort, housed the musicians who played for the emperor each day. The galleries contain large musical instruments like kettledrums, hautboys (shehnai) and cymbals.

Diwan-i-Am is the Hall of Public Audiences where the emperor would receive his subjects and listen to complaints or disputes. The Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience was built with white marble and used for private audiences with the emperor.