The Red Fort (Lal Qila) in Delhi is one of India’s most iconic historical monuments. Built during the Mughal era, it has witnessed centuries of history, from royal grandeur to colonial rule and finally to India’s independence. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a symbol of power, resilience, and cultural heritage. It has been a significant factor in the political and cultural history of India, serving as a reminder of the past struggles and achievements of the nation.
Origins and Construction of Red Fort
Who Built the Red Fort?
The Red Fort was ordered by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 when he chose to relocate his capital from Agra to Delhi. He desired a magnificent fort and palace that would be the administrative and ceremonial hub of his empire. The fort was constructed by the architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the same genius who designed the Taj Mahal, and was meant to reflect the power and prosperity of the Mughal Empire.
Construction Process of Red Fort Delhi
Red sandstone was utilized in the construction of the fort, hence the title “Red Fort.” The stone came from Rajasthan and Fatehpur Sikri.
White marble was applied to certain buildings within, which was imported from Makrana, Rajasthan.
Materials used in construction:
Rajasthan limestone and marble.
Semi-precious stones from other regions of India and Persia for ornamental purposes.
Iron and wood for gates and supports.
Manpower and Resources Utilized
- The construction started on 12 May 1638 and was finished on 6 April 1648, and it took ten years to complete.
- Over 10,000 skilled craftsmen, stone-cutters, masons, and laborers were employed to construct the fort.
- Elephants and bullock carts were used extensively to move huge stone blocks.
- Horses were employed to transport light materials and accelerate construction logistics.
- Water channels and wooden scaffolding were employed to move heavy stones to high levels.
- The fort was planned in a combination of Persian, Timurid, and Indian architectural styles.
- The Yamuna River previously flowed along the side of the fort, offering a natural defense.
- The fort was encircled by a deep moat, which was linked to the Yamuna River for added security.
- The grand plan consisted of lavish gardens, fountains, intricate carvings, and elaborate palace buildings.
Red Fort Delhi Architectural Features
- Total Area: The fort occupies 254.67 acres (103.06 hectares).
- Walls: Perimeter: 2.41 km
- Height of the wall: 18 meters (60 ft) along the river, 33 meters (108 ft) along the city
- Thickness of the wall: 2.5 to 3 meters, thus proof against enemy attack.
Main Gates and Importance of Red Ford Delhi
- Lahori Gate – The principal entrance, employed for royal processions, as also for the Indian Independence Day function.
- Delhi Gate – Constructed for use by members of the royal family and officials to enter from the city.
- Turkish Gate – So named in view of Turkish architectural influence.
- Khizrabad Gate – Side gate for a smaller entrance toward the river and for private utilization.
Internal Decoration and Palace Complex Red Fort Delhi
The Red Fort was finely decorated with tasteful artwork, inlay pieces, floral arrangements, and meticulous calligraphy. The interiors glimmered in gold, silver, and half-precious stones, reflective of the vastness of the Mughal Empire.
King’s and Queen’s Halls
- Diwan-i-Aam – Public audience hall where the emperor would speak to the people and listen to their complaints.
- Diwan-i-Khas – Private audience hall, where the Peacock Throne was stored.
- Rang Mahal – Palace of royal women, adorned with multicolored paintings and fine carvings.
- Mumtaz Mahal – Section of the harem, utilized by the Mughal queens.
- Khas Mahal – Emperor’s private house.
- Moti Masjid – A private mosque constructed by Aurangzeb for personal use.
- Hammam – Marbled bathroom used by royalty, with facilities of hot and cold water.
- Shahi Burj – Emperor’s personal work area and study.
- Hayat Bakhsh Bagh – The “Life-Bestowing Garden,” with pavilions and canal-like water flowing through.
- Nahr-i-Bihisht – The “Stream of Paradise,” an artificial stream through the fort.
Number of Rooms in the Red Fort
Red Fort contained more than 300 rooms for the emperor, his relatives, and officials. The harem complex contained more than 150 rooms for queens, concubines, and servants.
How Many Soldiers Were Present at Red Fort?
The Red Fort was defended by 5,000 to 10,000 Mughal soldiers, including cavalrymen, archers, and infantrymen, at its strongest time. In subsequent years, it was used as a military headquarters by British and Indian troops.
Why Was the Canal Built Inside the Red Fort?
The Nahr-i-Bihisht (Stream of Paradise) was an advanced water system designed to cool the interiors and provide a visual and sensory pleasure. It was inspired by Persian architectural traditions. The water flowed from the Yamuna River into a series of fountains, pools, and gardens, making the fort more comfortable, especially during Delhi’s hot summers. The canal added to the beauty and grandeur of the Mughal palaces, reflecting their love for symmetry and nature.
Wars and Battles at Red Fort
The Red Fort has witnessed many battles, invasions, and revolts throughout history. Some of the major battles are:
How Many Times Was Red Fort Attacked?
- Red Fort was attacked several times, bombed, and shelled, including:
- 1739 – Invasion of Nadir Shah, pillage of Peacock Throne and Kohinoor diamond.
- 1758 – The Marathas captured Delhi and took possession of the fort.
- 1803 – British defeated Marathas and captured the fort.
- 1857 – Indian Rebellion, British troops shelled the fort and took captive the last Mughal emperor.
- 1942 – Japanese bombing slightly damaged the fort in World War II.
- 1947 – Partition violence resulted in turbulence near the fort.
- 2000 – Terrorist strike near the Red Fort complex.
Red Fort After 1947
The fort was made the venue for India’s Independence Day celebrations, with the Prime Minister raising the national flag every year.
1993 – It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2003 – The Indian government initiated large-scale restoration work to maintain its heritage.
2021 – Large-scale renovations were completed, including LED lighting, sound shows, and enhanced visitor facilities.
Today, the fort is a museum and a cultural events venue, attracting millions of visitors every year.
The Red Fort is not only a monument; it is a witness to India’s rich heritage, strength, and struggle for independence. From the Mughal emperors to the British regime and eventually Indian independence, it has seen the rise and fall of empires. Today, it stands tall as a symbol of India’s glorious history and dynamic present, drawing people from across the globe to experience its magnificence.
Independence Day Celebrations at Red Fort, Delhi (1947 – Present)
Red Fort Delhi has been the focal point for India’s Independence Day celebrations since August 15, 1947. Every year, the Indian Prime Minister unfurls the Indian national flag at the Lahori Gate of the fort and addresses the nation. This practice represents India’s independence, unity, and development.
Historical Background of Independence Day at Red Fort
When India became independent from British authorities in 1947, the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the tricolor for the first time at Red Fort Delhi and gave his now-famous “Tryst with Destiny” speech. Ever since, this custom has been followed, with each Prime Minister thereafter speaking to the nation from this historic spot.
The Red Fort Independence Day ceremony involves:
Flag hoisting by the Prime Minister
- A 21-gun salute
- National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana)
- A speech by the Prime Minister, emphasizing the country’s success, challenges, and future initiatives
- A grand cultural parade of India’s diversity
- List of Prime Ministers Who Gave Independence Day Speeches from Red Fort (1947 – Present)
- Below is an exhaustive list of all Indian Prime Ministers who have spoken to the nation from the Red Fort Delhi on Independence Day:
1 -Jawaharlal Nehru (15 August 1947 – 27 May 1964)
Slogan: “Aaram haram hai” (Rest is sinful)
2 -Gulzarilal Nanda (27 May 1964 – 9 June 1964, 11 January 1966 – 24 January 1966) (Acting PM)
3 Lal Bahadur Shastri (9 June 1964 – 11 January 1966)
Slogan: “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer)
4 -Indira Gandhi (24 January 1966 – 24 March 1977, 14 January 1980 – 31 October 1984)
Slogan: “Garibi Hatao” (Remove Poverty)
5 -Morarji Desai (24 March 1977 – 28 July 1979)
6 -Charan Singh (28 July 1979 – 14 January 1980)
7 -Rajiv Gandhi (31 October 1984 – 2 December 1989)
Slogan: “Mera Bharat Mahaan” (My India is Great)
8 -Vishwanath Pratap Singh (2 December 1989 – 10 November 1990)
(No famous slogan, but known for social justice policies and Mandal Commission implementation)
9 -Chandra Shekhar (10 November 1990 – 21 June 1991)
10 -P V Narasimha Rao (21 June 1991 – 16 May 1996)
(No famous slogan, but known for liberalization: “Economic Reforms and Globalization”)
11 -Atal Bihari Vajpayee (16 May 1996 – 1 June 1996, 19 March 1998 – 22 May 2004)
Slogan: “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan” (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer, Hail Science)
12 -H D Deve Gowda (1 June 1996 – 21 April 1997)
13 -Inder Kumar Gujral (21 April 1997 – 19 March 1998)
(No famous slogan, but promoted the “Gujral Doctrine” in foreign policy)
14 -Manmohan Singh (22 May 2004 – 26 May 2014)
Slogan: “Inclusive Growth and Development” (No direct slogan, but known for economic reforms and “India Shining” was a political campaign during his time)
15 -Narendra Modi (26 May 2014 – Present)
Slogans:
- Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with All, Development for All)
- Make in India” (Encouraging manufacturing in India)
- Digital India” (Promoting digital transformation)
- Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India)
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child)
List of Indian Presidents Who Delivered Republic Day Speeches (1950 – Present)
- Republic Day falls on 26th January annually as a reminder of the country’s adoption of the Indian Constitution on that date in 1950. Celebrations are with fanfare in terms of having a military procession, cultural programs, and being addressed by the President of India.
- Important Republic Day Celebration Highlights
- Rajpath (now Kartavya Path) military strength showcase parade
- Military states tableau featuring distinctive state culture
- Award winners of bravery awarded in token felicitations
- President’s Address to the Nation on Republic Day eve
- List of Presidents Who Have Made Republic Day Speeches
1-Dr Rajendra Prasad (1950 – 1962)
First President of India to address the nation on January 26, 1950
Played a key role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution
Spoke about India’s new beginning as a sovereign republic
2-Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1962 – 1967)
Focused on education, democracy, and international relations
Advocated for scientific and industrial growth
3-Dr Zakir Husain (1967 – 1969)
Stressed the importance of national unity and cultural diversity
4-V V Giri (1969 – 1974)
Addressed economic development and social welfare
5-Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1974 – 1977)
Spoke on agricultural development and rural empowerment
6-Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (1977 – 1982)
First President elected unopposed
Addressed the importance of democratic values and governance
7-Giani Zail Singh (1982 – 1987)
Focused on India’s defense and security challenges
8-R Venkataraman (1987 – 1992)
Emphasized economic reforms and industrial development
9-Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma (1992 – 1997)
Spoke about India’s technological advancements
10-K R Narayanan (1997 – 2002)
First Dalit President
Addressed issues of social justice and poverty alleviation
Delivered speeches on science, technology, and national progress
11-Dr A P J Abdul Kalam (2002 – 2007)
Known as the “Missile Man of India”
12-Pratibha Patil (2007 – 2012)
India’s first female President
Advocated for women empowerment and economic growth
13-Pranab Mukherjee (2012 – 2017)
Spoke on diplomatic relations and global economic policies
14-Ram Nath Kovind (2017 – 2022)
Focused on digital transformation and economic reforms
15-Droupadi Murmu (2022 – Present)
First tribal woman President of India
Advocated for inclusive development and sustainability
Significance of Red Fort in National Celebrations
Red Fort Delhi is selected as the focal point of these festivities because of its historical and symbolic significance:
1-Symbol of India’s Freedom Struggle
The fort was a central location during the 1857 Revolt, the first war of independence.
It was also where the trials of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) were held.
2-Architectural Grandeur and Heritage
Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648
Constructed using red sandstone from Rajasthan
Built with elephants, horses, and a huge workforce of laborers
3-Fort’s Structure and Features
Walls: 2.5 km in length, 18m high on the river side and 33m high on the city side
Main Gates: Lahori Gate, Delhi Gate, Water Gate (all named according to direction & purpose)
Royal Halls: Diwan-i-Aam (Public Hall) and Diwan-i-Khas (Private Hall)
Queen’s Palace: Rang Mahal, accommodates Mughal queens
Rooms for Kings & Queens: More than 1000 rooms, ornamented in gold, silver, and valuable stones
4-Defense Mechanism of Red Fort
Moats: External water trenches used for defense
Strong Walls: Were constructed to take artillery fire
Watchtowers & Cannons: Employed in defense during the Mughal era
5-Water Channel (Nahr-i-Behisht)
Why was it constructed?
This artificial channel within the Red Fort was utilized for cooling down the palace, irrigation, as well as adorning.
