Essays

The Red Fort in Delhi, more commonly known as the Lal Qila, is one of the favourite places of the tourists from all over the country as well as the world. Before the mutiny of 1857, the fort was a small city in itself with palaces, offices, workshops and halls which had the capacity of about 3,000 people to lodge in.

There are two separate structures within the huge fort from Lahore Gate to Moti Masjid. The Lahore Gate of the palace is covered by the barbican added to it by Aurangzeb. This is the gate from where the Prime Minister addresses the nation and unfurls the Tiranga every year on the Independence Day, August 15. The path leads through d long covered Bazaar called Chatta Chowk which leads to the Drum Room popularly known as the Naqqar Khana also called Naubat Khana or the Welcome Room. This, in fact, was formerly a part of the square enclosure which had apartments for the Nobles on duty to reside. Ahead is the magnificent Diwan-o-Aam (Hall for public) where the king used to hold his court and dole out justice, The Naqqar Khana is 49 feet high with an open arched hall at the top which served as a musical place where music was played to welcome the emperor- The Diwan-e-Aam is made of red stone and the corners are decorated with small umbrella like chhattris.

After the mutiny, a decorative panel showing orphans was brought down but it was restored by Lord Curzon- The Diwan-e-Aam was originally built with elaborate stucco work but today nothing much is left. And a scenic view of Yamuna along the eastern wall adds extra beauty to the grandeur and loftiness of the palace. In those days there were many palaces formerly known as Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal, Khas Mahdl and Diwan-e-Khas. There was also a Hammam and the Shah Bur] from where originated the Nakar-e-Bishist or the Canal of Paradise.

The Museum is at the Mumtaz Mahal. The Rang Mahal is named so because of its colourfully painted interior. The northern and the southern parts were called Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors) built delicately with a tine marble screen on which is carved the symbol of justice.

There used to be an elegant balcony made of marble over the Yamuna where the royalty used to appear for public view. The most beautiful part is naturally the Diwan-e-Khas which was for special quests of the King. In 1739, Mohammed Shah took away the famous Peacock Throne. Then again during the Mutiny of 1857, the soldiers declared Bahadur Shah Zafar as the Emperor of India and marched towards the Lal Qila shouting the slogan 'Dilli Chalo.’

The Peacock Throne was placed on an impressive stage with arches supporting its ceiling and was gilded with silver and had one of the finest engravings and paintings. On the corner arches are inscribed the couplets of Firdausi, the poet at Shah Jahan's court. The Hammam has 3 bathing chambers with a fountain in the middle of the central chamber. Shah Bur] was the place where the Kings held private meetings. Here they also relaxed and enjoyed the privacy. The Moti Masjid was a private Mosque later added by the emperor Aurangzeb. To its north is the Hayat Baksh, a beautiful Mughal Garden built by Shah Jahan. There is a Zafar Mahal too.

The Red Fort, which had served as the centre of Mughal Grandeur, is one of the greatest monuments of India. It is a symbol of India's glorious past and rich history.