The Red Fort of Delhi was built by Mughal emperor Shahjahan and it took 10 years.
Red Fort of Delhi turns 378 years old. This important building was completed in the year 1648. It took ten years to build it. Meaning the construction started in the year 1638. The month is estimated to be April-May. Important institutions like the Archaeological Survey of India or the National Council of Educational Research and Training, which oversees the Red Fort, do not mention the date of commencement of construction. However, some websites give information about the foundation stone being laid on April 29, some on 12 and some on May 13, 1638.
It was designed by Ustad Ahmed Lahauri under the supervision of Mughal emperor Shahjahan. Red Fort is the pride of India today. Have an identity. Red Fort is not just a historical fort. This used to be a complete royal city. There have been some changes with time but there is still an effort to maintain the basic elements. Inside it there were complete arrangements for living, worshipping, resting and governing. Most people know only about its high red walls and big courts. But there are many such places in the fort, about which very few people know. Due to security reasons, tourists are not allowed to go everywhere.Come, let’s take a look inside the Red Fort. Do you know what Shahjahan had built inside?
Moti Masjid is beauty in simplicity
There is a small and very beautiful mosque inside the Red Fort, which is called Moti Masjid. It is made of white marble. Its color looks shiny like a pearl, hence it was named Moti Masjid. This mosque was built for the royal family. Here the king and his close people used to offer namaz. It is not very big. Its simplicity is its specialty. The environment here remains very calm. When sunlight falls on it, it looks even more beautiful.
Moti Masjid.
Royal palaces are a glimpse of royal life
Many royal palaces were built near Moti Masjid. These include Khas Mahal, Rang Mahal and Mumtaz Mahal. All these palaces were decorated very beautifully. Carvings, colorful stone work and beautiful designs can be seen on the walls. The royal family lived in these palaces. There were rest rooms here. Separate sections were created for women. Privacy and convenience were taken care of everywhere. This area shows the real glimpse of royal life.
Many interesting constructions have taken place in different parts of the Red Fort.
Rang Mahal, the special place of queens
Rang Mahal was built especially for royal women. Its name itself tells that it was full of colors and decorations. There were beautiful paintings and carvings on the walls here. There was something special about this palace. A water canal used to pass through here. This kept the atmosphere cool. It was a great relief in summers. Royal women used to spend time here. It was a private and comfortable place.
heavenly water system
One of the most special things of the Red Fort is Nahar-e-Bihisht. It means canal of heaven. It was a water stream, which passed through many places inside the fort. The function of this canal was not just decoration. It helped in keeping the palaces cool. This kept the rooms cool and the air also remained fresh. The light sound of water made the whole atmosphere calm. Nahar-e-Bihisht is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture. This shows how wisely people used water at that time. This canal was connected to the Yamuna river, due to which there was always water in it.
Hamam i.e. royal bath
Hamams were also built inside the Red Fort. Hamam means royal bathroom. The emperor and his family used to take bath here. This place was very special. There was a provision of hot and cold water in the hamam. Beautiful work was done on the floors and walls here. It was not just a place for bathing, but also a place for rest. Here people used to take bath as well as rest.
Diwan-e-Aam.
Diwan-e-Aam i.e. court for the public
There is a big hall named Diwan-e-Aam in the Red Fort. Here the emperor used to meet the common people. People used to come with their complaints. Justice was administered here. This place was very open and big. There was a throne built here, where the king used to sit. This place was a symbol of the relationship between the people and the king.
Diwan-e-Khas i.e. the place of special guests
Diwan-e-Khas was a separate court. Only important people used to come here. Like foreign guests, ministers and ambassadors. This hall was very beautiful. Marble was used in it. The walls were decorated with precious stones. The roof and pillars here were also very special. This place reflects royal grandeur.
Diwan-e-Khas.
Garden and greenery i.e. confluence of nature
Many gardens were planted inside the Red Fort. Gardens were given great importance during the Mughal period. These gardens were not just for beauty, but also for coolness and peace. There were trees, flowers and water streams in these gardens. This kept the atmosphere cool. People used to stroll and rest here. It was a beautiful combination of nature and architecture.
Kitchen and other arrangements
There was also a royal kitchen in the Red Fort. Here food was prepared daily for the royal family. Separate rooms were made for this. The living quarters of the servants, store houses and posts for security were also part of this. Everything had a fixed place. Due to this the entire fort ran like an organized city.
What do less people know?
Many people think that the Red Fort is just a historical monument. But in reality it was a vibrant royal city. Every need was taken care of here. From Moti Masjid to Nahar-e-Bihisht, everything had a special purpose. This was not just for beauty, but also for convenience and comfort.
Red Fort is not just a fort. It is a confluence of history, art and science. Every building built here tells a story. Moti Masjid is an example of simplicity. Nahar-e-Bihisht is an example of wisdom. Palaces give a glimpse of royal life. If we look carefully, there is a whole world hidden inside the Red Fort. This teaches us how thoughtfully people used to build even in ancient times. So whenever you see the Red Fort, don’t just look at its walls. Try to understand the story inside it. This is the real beauty of this historical heritage.
Also read: How Nadir Shah of Iran snatched Kohinoor from the Mughal emperor by changing his turban?
