Delhi is one of those few places where one could
observe the opulence of the Mughal architecture in India. The rulers of the
Mughal dynasty had omniscient minds and were great patronages of art and
architecture. They attempted to show their valor also through the edifices
that they came up with and they were of course all successful in their
endeavour. They went to the extent of creating such an extravagance
structure like the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort.
In the mid 17th century when Mughal emperor Shah Jahan resolved to set up
the city of Shahjahanabad, he also had in mind such grand herculian a
structure as the Red Fort. It occurred to him that he should choose a site
on the banks of the Yamuna river and erect some magnificent structures from
where could flow streams of water and the terrace overlooked the river. A
site from where the emperor could rule in all his valiance and supremacy.
And that is how the Red Fort came into existence, symbolising the economic
and political power of the Mughals in India.
However, the Red Fort was not meant only for court pleasure but it served
the power base for the whole Mughal empire. The fort was not a mere
structure but it set up a whole community with its own markets, gardens and
mansions. Everywhere in its overall structure, it reflected the grandness of
the Mughals. The massive plan also included the Jama Masjid, the largest in
India.
Today, with a number of turrets and bastions, the Red Fort happens to be
one of the largest and the oldest structures in India. The fort has two
entranceways - the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate. The later stands opposite
to the Chandni Chowk. The gigantic red sandstone walls of the fort extend
over 2 kilometres and its height varies from 18 metre (on the river side) to
33 metre (on the city side). The fort houses the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of
public Audience where the king would pay heed to the problems of the local
people. The other is the Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience where
the King held his private meetings with his courtiers. The hall was
embellished with the exclusive Peacock Throne that was taken by Nadir Shah
of Iran when he raided the city in 1739.
Other worth watching section is the Hammam or the Royal Bath. The Shahi
Burj was used by emperor Shah Jahan as his private working area. The other
important site that the fort houses is the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque
that was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for his personal use. Another
interesting section is the Rang Mahal or the Palace of Colours that Shah
Jahan had built for his wifes. The palace was beautifully bedecked with
precious stones, mirrors, gold and silver. There was a marble pool in the
middle that reflected the ornate ceiling.
Locals and tourists alike flock to the fort in good numbers to enjoy the
calm and quiet of the place and to get reminded of an era that was one of
the most influential in the country. A sound and light show that is the
highlight here enlivens the Mughal history to the sightseers. And after all,
the fort is the chosen site from where the prime minister of the country
addresses to the nation on the Independence Day.
