Lal Qila or the Red Fort was built by Shah Jahan, starting in 1639 at the core of his new capital Shahjahanabad. Conceptually, it was no different than the walled cities of Europe with a fortified palace. Built next to the Yamuna River, the remainder of the 1.5-mile perimeter was surrounded by a moat which is, of course, now dry.
Wall and Moat of Delhi's Red Fort
The fort housed the emperor, his family, his soldiers, his administrators, and servants. At one time about 3,000 people lived within the walls of the fortified city.
Lahore Gate
The main entrance is called the Lahore Gate. A barbican was added by Shah Jahan’s son Aurangzeb. After walking through an arcade filled with tourist shops, one reaches the Naubat Khana (Drum House) where musicians use to perform five times a day.
Naubat KhanaNext comes the Diwan-i Am.
- Diwan-i Am
In the Diwan-i-Am or Hall of Public Audience, the emperor heard the pleas of his subjects and greeted foreign dignitaries while sitting on a marble canopied raised platform. The throne and the surrounding walls were inlaid with gems (later stolen by British soldiers), and the pillars were painted gold.
- Shah Jahan’s Throne
The prime minister sat on the lower marble dais.
- Prime Minister’s Seat, Diwan-i Am
The hall is noted for its polylobed arches in red sandstone which separate the large rectangular space into three aisles.
- Polylobed Arches of Diwan-i Am
Behind the Diwan-i-Am is a large open space ringed by royal palaces.
- Courtyard with Palaces and Diwan-i Khas
- Diwan-i Khas, Khas Mahal, and Rang Mahal
The most spectacular was the Diwan-I Khas or Hall of Private Audience. Here the emperor sat on his Peacock Throne brought from Agra.
- Diwan-i Khas
The walls of the Diwan-i Khas are decorated with stylized vines, flowers, and fruits with inlays of yellow marble, jasper and jade.
Marble and Semi-precious Stone Inlay
- Diwan-i Khas
The emperor’s private palace, the Khas Mahal, had rooms for worship, sleeping and living with carved walls and painted ceilings.
- Khas Mahal
The Rang Mahal or Painted Palace was part of the seraglio. It has a main hall with an arched front and vaulted side chambers.
- Archway in Rang Mahal
Marble Screen with Scales of Justice
- Ceiling of Rang Mahal
The Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) was designed by Aurangzeb for his personal use.
- Pearl Mosque
When the British took over the property, they replaced a number of buildings with a row of barracks.
- British-built Barracks