If there is a place in Delhi where the power of an empire is still felt centuries later, it is the Red Fort, or Lal Qila. The majestic red sandstone walls, stretching for 2.5 km, hide not ruins but an entire city designed as an earthly paradise. "If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here" — these words of the Persian poet Amir Khusrow, carved into the palace arches, became the motto of this place.
This is not just an open-air museum; it is a symbol of Indian nationhood, the place where every year on Independence Day the Prime Minister hoists the flag. In 2007, the fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History of the Red Fort: Building an Earthly Paradise
The Red Fort was built by Emperor Shah Jahan — the very same creator of the Taj Mahal. In 1638, he decided to move the capital from Agra to Delhi and build a new, impregnable and beautiful residence worthy of the ruler of the world. Construction began on 13 May 1638 in the sacred month of Muharram and took almost 10 years. On 6 April 1648, the citadel of Shahjahanabad (now Old Delhi) appeared in all its glory.
Originally, the walls were not only red but also white — the emperor`s favourite colours created a unique harmony. The design of the fort is attributed to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also designed the Taj Mahal.
Decline and Looting of the Red Fort
The age of luxury did not last long. As early as 1739, the fort was brutally looted by the Persian conqueror Nadir Shah, who took from India the legendary Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor diamond. Many of the fort`s precious marble structures were lost.
The final blow came from British rule. After the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, the last emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was exiled to Rangoon, and the exquisite marble palaces of the Red Fort were turned into barracks for British soldiers.
Symbol of Independence
Today, the Red Fort in Delhi is not just a monument. On India`s Independence Day (15 August), the country`s Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the main gate of the fort and reads the annual address to the nation. This tradition makes Lal Qila a living symbol of Indian freedom and statehood.
Architecture of the Red Fort
The Red Fort is a unique blend of Persian, Timurid and Hindu architectural traditions.
Outer Walls
The massive red sandstone walls are 16 to 33 metres high (up to 75 feet) and stretch for about 2.5 kilometres. The shape is an irregular octagon, which was an innovative feature for Mughal architecture at the time. Initially, the walls overlooked the Yamuna River, which fed the moats, but over time the river`s waters receded.
The Red Fort has two main gates:
• Lahori Gate — the main entrance to the fort, facing the city. It is from here that the Prime Minister addresses the nation on Independence Day.
• Delhi Gate — the southern entrance, used by the emperor for ceremonial processions.
Chhatta Chowk — Covered Bazaar
Passing through the Lahori Gate, you enter a covered gallery known as Chhatta Chowk. In the time of the emperors, this was where royal tailors and merchants of silks and jewels were located. Today, the arches are filled with souvenir shops where you can buy ethnic handicrafts and clothing. This is a great place to buy small gifts.
Naubat Khana — Drum House
After the covered bazaar, you reach the Naubat Khana — the "Drum House". Here, royal musicians played ceremonial music, announcing the arrival of the emperor or members of the royal family. The upper floor of this building is now home to the Indian War Memorial Museum.
Main Palaces and Pavilions of the Red Fort in Delhi
Diwan-i-Amm — Hall of Public Audiences
This hall, open to all subjects, was where the emperor heard the complaints of ordinary people and dispensed justice. It is a rectangular building with a façade of nine arches and 60 red sandstone columns supporting a flat roof.
At the rear of the hall is a marble-decorated niche where the emperor sat on an elevated throne. The wall behind the throne is adorned with exquisite pietra dura panels — the Florentine technique of marble inlay with coloured stones. It is said that this work was done by the Florentine artist Austin de Bordeaux. One of the panels even depicts Orpheus with a lute.
Rang Mahal — Palace of Colours
The name ("Painted Palace") comes from the rich coloured decoration of the interiors. This palace served as part of the imperial harem. Through it flowed the famous Nahr-i-Bihisht canal — the "Stream of Paradise" — with cool water, sometimes rose-scented water. In the centre of the hall was a marble basin with an elephant-shaped fountain.
Mumtaz Mahal
Originally, these were important apartments of the imperial harem. Today, it houses the Red Fort Archaeological Museum (more on this below).
Diwan-i-Khas — Hall of Private Audiences
The true gem of the Red Fort, built of white marble. Here the emperor received ambassadors, important guests and advisers. It is an elegant colonnaded structure with a flat ceiling supported by carved arches.
The lower parts of the columns are decorated with exquisite floral pietra dura inlay, while the upper parts were originally gilded and painted. It was here, on a marble dais, that the legendary Peacock Throne stood — a throne of gold studded with precious stones, including the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond. In 1739, Nadir Shah took it to Persia.
Hammam — Imperial Baths
The traditional Mughal baths consist of three main chambers separated by corridors. The entire interior, including the floor, is made of marble with inlay of coloured stones. The baths were equipped with a system for supplying hot and cold water. It is said that one of the fountains in the eastern part emitted rose-scented water.
Moti Masjid — Pearl Mosque
This miniature, snow-white marble mosque was built later, in 1659–1660, by Shah Jahan`s successor, Emperor Aurangzeb, for his personal prayers.
Muthamman Burj — Imperial Tower
An octagonal tower adjoining the imperial chambers. Every morning, the emperor would appear here before his subjects, and they could see their ruler. In 1808, Akbar Shah II added a small balcony projecting from the tower. It was from this balcony that King George V and Queen Mary appeared before the people of Delhi in December 1911.
Hayat-Bakhsh Bagh — Life-Bestowing Garden
This is a vast geometric garden to the north of the mosque, with pools, fountains and pavilions. The name translates as "Life-Bestowing Garden". In the centre of the pool stands a red sandstone pavilion built by the last emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, around 1842 and named Zafar Mahal.
British Barracks
After the suppression of the 1857 rebellion, the British stationed their troops in the Red Fort in Delhi. For this purpose, barracks were built of red and white sandstone, which today represent an interesting example of colonial architecture. The Indian Army only vacated the barracks in 2003. Today, part of these barracks has been turned into museums and art galleries.
Three Museums of the Red Fort Worth Visiting
The Red Fort houses three museums, each covering a particular period of history.
1. Red Fort Archaeological Museum
This museum, originally known as the "Palace Museum", showcases the skill and grandeur of Mughal culture through exquisite works of art, sculptures, paintings and artefacts. The museum is divided into three galleries.
• Gallery 1: Miniature paintings, manuscripts, imperial decrees and stone inscriptions from the 2nd–3rd centuries.
• Gallery 2: Relics from the Mughal Empire period: coins, bronze statues, textiles, seals, as well as artefacts dating from the time of the Indus Valley civilisation.
• Gallery 3: Relics of the Great Indian Rebellion of 1857 (the First War of Indian Independence).
A special section is dedicated to the last emperor of the Mughals, Bahadur Shah Zafar. On display are his personal belongings: his famous ghazals (poems), an inkwell, a pen rest and perfume sprayers. You can also see a map of the 1857 War of Independence and weapons from that period.
2. Indian War Memorial Museum
This museum is located in the building where ceremonial music was once played. The exhibition is dedicated to India`s military history, with a particular focus on the colonial period and the development of the Indian Army.
3. Red Fort Centre — New Interactive Museum
This modern centre opened relatively recently and offers a completely new way to immerse yourself in history.
• 360-degree immersive show: On the ground floor of the centre, a show is projected onto the walls, ceiling and floor, recreating the first day of the Red Fort`s opening. You literally find yourself inside a historical event.
• Interpretation Centre: On the first floor of the British barracks, an interactive exhibition tells the story of Delhi`s history, architecture and culture. There are "live maps" showing what was happening in the world during Shah Jahan`s time.
• Chhatta Chowk reconstruction: A recreated covered bazaar where an actor playing a merchant from the Mughal era demonstrates antique goods: jugs for hot and cold water, body scrubs and platters for paan masala (betel leaf).
• Section on Mughal Life: An exhibition dedicated to the luxurious lifestyle of the imperial court — clothing made of the finest fabrics, worn only once, and the exquisite dishes of Mughal cuisine.
Sound and Light Show (Son et Lumière) at the Red Fort in Delhi
Every evening, a one-hour performance takes place on the fort grounds, telling the story of the Mughal Empire, its rise and fall. The script for this show was written by legendary Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan, which makes it particularly atmospheric. The show is in English and Hindi. The schedule changes depending on the season; it is best to check locally.
Best Time to Visit the Red Fort
Early morning (immediately after opening) or late afternoon (from 16:00 to 18:00) to catch the golden hour and a beautiful sunset and avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Security Check at the Entrance: There is a thorough security check at the entrance (like at the airport). Drones, tripods and large bags are prohibited. Food and weapons are also banned.
Photography: You can take photos, but in some areas (for example, inside the museums) photography may be prohibited. Pay attention to the signs.
Guide: Local guides are available at the entrance, but the quality can vary greatly. The best option is to book a tour in advance or take an audio guide.
The Red Fort is the most interesting attraction in Delhi. True, you will not see its original splendour here (the British and time have not spared the interiors), but you will feel the spirit of greatness that hangs in the air above these walls. Visit the new interactive museums to truly understand the history of this place. Come in the morning, stroll unhurriedly, watch the Sound and Light show — and you will understand why for Indians this fort will always remain that very paradise praised by the poet.
