Red Fort: Difference between revisions

{{redirect|Lal Qila}}

{{EngvarB|date=September 2019}}

{{Infobox historic site

| designation1_criteria = ii, iii, vi

| designation1_type = Cultural

| built = 12 May

  1639 – {{start date and age|6 April 1648}}

| architect = [[Ustad Ahmad Lahori]]

| coordinates = {{coord|28|39|21|N|77|14|27|E|display=inline,title}}

| locmapin = India New Delhi

| height = {{cvt|18|-|33|m}}

}}

The Red Fort was designated a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] in 2007 as part of the Red Fort Complex.<ref name="unesco_whl_entry">{{cite web|title=Red Fort Complex|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/231|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803141206/http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/231|archive-date=3 August 2009|access-date=15 November 2009|work=World Heritage List|publisher=[[UNESCO]] World Heritage Centre}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Red Fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/delhi/greater-delhi/activities/historical-heritage-tours/small-group-tour|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429191400/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/delhi/greater-delhi/activities/historical-heritage-tours/small-group-tour|archive-date=29 April 2012|access-date=4 August 2012|work=[[Lonely Planet]]}}</ref>

==Etymology==

==History==

[[File:'Jujhar Singh Bundela Kneels in Submission to Shah Jahan', painted by Bichitr, c. 1630, Chester Beatty Library (cropped2).jpg|thumb|[[Mughal Emperor]] [[Shah Jahan]], c. 1630]]

Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned construction of the Red Fort on 12&nbsp;May 1638, when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. Originally red and white, Shah Jahan's favourite colours,<ref>{{cite news|title=Delhi's Red Fort was originally white |first1=Dean|last1=Nelson|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] (UK)|date=20 May 2011}}</ref> its design is credited to architect [[Ustad Ahmad Lahori]], who also constructed the [[Taj Mahal]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://oxfordindex.oup.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110810104325668?lang=en,%20//oxfordindex.oup.com:443/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110810104325668|title=Ustad Ahmad – oi|website=oxfordindex.oup.com|access-date=8 December 2019}}{{dead link|date=August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/treasuresoftheworld/taj_mahal/tlevel_2/t3build_design.html|title=Building the Taj – who designed the Taj Mahal|work=[[PBS]]|access-date=13 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218114338/http://www.pbs.org/treasuresoftheworld/taj_mahal/tlevel_2/t3build_design.html|archive-date=18 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The fort lies along the [[Yamuna River]], which fed the [[moats]] surrounding most of the walls.<ref>{{cite web|title=Red Fort lies along the River Yamuna|url=http://www.delhicapital.com/monuments-in-delhi/lal-qila.html|access-date=4 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814043557/http://www.delhicapital.com/monuments-in-delhi/lal-qila.html|archive-date=14 August 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Construction began in the sacred [[Islamic month]] of [[Muharram]], on 13&nbsp;May 1638.<ref name="ASI3">{{cite web |title = Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for Red Fort, Delhi |publisher = [[Archaeological Survey of India]] |date = March 2009 |url = http://asi.nic.in/ccmp_text_pdf/chapter-03-history.pdf |access-date = 14 August 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120508111424/http://asi.nic.in/ccmp_text_pdf/chapter-03-history.pdf |archive-date = 8 May 2012 |url-status = live }}</ref>{{rp|01}} Supervised by Shah Jahan, it was completed on 6&nbsp;April 1648.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/cu31924006140374|title=Shah Jahan|first=H. M. (Henry Miers)|last=Elliot|date=26 September 1875|publisher=[Lahore : Sh. Mubarak Ali|access-date=26 September 2020|via=Internet Archive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.22805/page/n38/mode/1up |title = List of Muhammadan and Hindu monuments vol.1|year = 1916 |access-date=4 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Pinto|first1=Xavier|last2=Myall|first2=E. G.|title=Glimpses of History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ch9goq6W-cgC&pg=PA129|year=2009|publisher=Frank Brothers|isbn=978-81-8409-617-0|page=129|access-date=25 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111082736/http://books.google.com/books?id=ch9goq6W-cgC&pg=PA129|archive-date=11 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Unlike other Mughal forts, the Red Fort's boundary walls are asymmetrical to contain the older [[Salimgarh Fort]].<ref name="ASI3" />{{rp|04}} The fortress-palace was a focal point of the city of Shahjahanabad, which is present-day [[Old Delhi]]. Shah Jahan's successor, [[Aurangzeb]], added the [[Moti Masjid (Red Fort)|Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque)]] to the emperor's private quarters, constructing [[barbican]]s in front of the two main gates to make the entrance to the palace more circuitous.<ref name="ASI3" />{{rp|08}}

In 1764, the [[Jat people|Jat]] ruler of [[Bharatpur State|Bharatpur]], Maharaja [[Jawahar Singh]] (the son of Maharaja [[Suraj Mal]]) attacked [[Delhi]] and captured the Red Fort of Delhi on 5 February 1765.<ref>{{Cite book|title=RPSC RAS Prelims: History of Rajasthan Complete Study Notes With MCQ|last=Meena|first=P R|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RH--DwAAQBAJ&q=Jawahar+Singh%E2%80%99s+march+against+Delhi&pg=PT70|publisher=New Era Publication}}</ref> Two days later, after taking tribute from the [[Mughals]], removed their armies from the fort and the [[Jat people|Jat]]s took away the throne of the [[Mughals]], called the pride of the [[Mughals]], and the doors of the Red Fort as a memorial, and this throne is today enhancing the beauty of the palaces of [[Deeg]]. The doors are located in the [[Lohagarh Fort]] of [[Bharatpur, Rajasthan|Bharatpur]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7pfpDwAAQBAJ&q=Jawahar+Singh+red+fort&pg=PA17|title=Rajasthan District G.K.: English Medium|last=Gupta|first=Devesh|publisher=Atharv Publication|pages=134}}</ref>

During the Second Anglo-Maratha War, forces of the East India Company defeated Maratha forces of Daulat Rao Scindia in the [[Battle of Delhi, 1803|Battle of Delhi]]; this ended Maratha control over the city and their control of the Red Fort.<ref name="Mayaram2003">{{cite book|last=Mayaram|first=Shail|title=Against History, Against State: Counterperspectives from the Margins|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TyUtKfcjzG4C|access-date=25 August 2012|year=2003|publisher=[[Columbia University Press]]|isbn=978-0-231-12731-8|page=202|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930000945/http://books.google.com/books?id=TyUtKfcjzG4C|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> After the battle, the British East India Company took over the administration of Mughal territories and installed a [[Resident (title)#Residents in Asia|Resident]] at the Red Fort.<ref name="ASI3" />{{rp|11}} The last Mughal emperor to occupy the fort, Bahadur Shah&nbsp;II, became a symbol of the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857|1857 rebellion]] against the British East India Company in which the residents of Shahjahanabad participated.<ref name="ASI3" />{{rp|15}}

[[Lord Curzon]], Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, ordered repairs to the fort including reconstruction of the walls and the restoration of the gardens complete with a watering system.<ref>{{cite book|author=Eugenia W Herbert|title=Flora's Empire: British Gardens in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Evt1Zg9-nrMC&pg=PT333|year=2013|publisher=[[Penguin Books]] Limited|isbn=978-81-8475-871-9|page=333}}</ref>

Most of the jewels and artwork located in the Red Fort were looted during Nadir Shah's invasion of 1747 and again after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against the British. They were eventually sold to private collectors or the [[British Museum]], the [[British Library]] and the [[Victoria and Albert Museum]]. For example, the jade [[wine cup of Shah Jahan]] and the [[crown of Bahadur Shah II]] are all currently located in London. Various requests for [[restitution]] have so far been rejected by the British government.<ref>{{cite news| title=Koh-i-Noor Diamond Will Not Be Returned To India, David Cameron Insists| url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/02/21/koh-i-noor-diamond-not-returned-india-david-cameron-insists-pictures_n_2732342.html| last=Nelson| first=Sara C.| work=[[The Huffington Post]]| date=21 February 2013| access-date=27 July 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819011613/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/02/21/koh-i-noor-diamond-not-returned-india-david-cameron-insists-pictures_n_2732342.html| archive-date=19 August 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:Ghulam Ali Khan 003b.jpg|thumb|View of the Red Fort from the river (by [[Ghulam Ali Khan]], between c. 1852–1854]]1911 saw the visit of King [[George V]] and [[Mary of Teck|Queen Mary]] for the [[Delhi Durbar]]. In preparation for their visit, some buildings were restored. The [[Red Fort Archaeological Museum]] was moved from the drum house to the ''[[Mumtaz Mahal (Red Fort)|Mumtaz Mahal]]''.

The [[INA trials]], also known as the Red Fort Trials, refer to the courts-martial of a number of officers of the [[Indian National Army]]. The first was held between November and December 1945 at the Red Fort.

After [[Partition of India|Indian Independence]], the site experienced few changes, and the Red Fort continued to be used as a military [[cantonment]]. A significant part of the fort remained under Indian Army control until 22&nbsp;December 2003, when it was given to the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] for restoration.<ref name="Defence2005">{{cite book|author=India. Ministry of Defence|title=Sainik samachar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CzvfAAAAMAAJ|access-date=5 August 2012|year=2005|publisher=Director of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930001452/http://books.google.com/books?id=CzvfAAAAMAAJ|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Muslim India">{{cite book|title=Muslim India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1kcYAQAAMAAJ|access-date=5 August 2012|year=2004|publisher=Muslim India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930000947/http://books.google.com/books?id=1kcYAQAAMAAJ|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009 the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP), prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India under [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] directions to revitalise the fort, was announced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Red+Fort+facelift+to+revive+Mughal+glory+in+10+years/1/44647.html |title=Red Fort facelift to revive Mughal glory in 10 years : Mail Today Stories, News – India Today |publisher=Indiatoday.intoday.in |date=1 June 2009 |access-date=3 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213113749/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Red+Fort+facelift+to+revive+Mughal+glory+in+10+years/1/44647.html |archive-date=13 December 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://asi.nic.in/ccmp_text_pdf/chapter-%2010-management%20plan.pdf |title=CHAPTER-10_revised_jan09.pmd |access-date=13 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508111536/http://asi.nic.in/ccmp_text_pdf/chapter-%2010-management%20plan.pdf |archive-date=8 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://asi.nic.in/ccmp_text_pdf/chapter-0-exe%20summary.pdf |title=CHAPTER-00_revisedfeb09.pmd |access-date=13 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508112528/http://asi.nic.in/ccmp_text_pdf/chapter-0-exe%20summary.pdf |archive-date=8 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Archaeological finds==

== {{anchor|Red Fort today}} Modern era ==

The major architectural features are in mixed condition; the extensive water features are dry. Some buildings are in fairly good condition, with their decorative elements undisturbed; in others, the marble inlaid flowers have been removed by looters. The tea house, although not in its historical state, is a working restaurant. The mosque and ''[[hammam]]'' or public baths are closed to the public, although visitors can peer through their glass windows or marble latticework. Walkways are crumbling, and public toilets are available at the entrance and inside the park. The Lahori Gate entrance leads to a mall with jewellery and craft stores. There is also a museum of "blood paintings", depicting young 20th-century Indian martyrs and their stories, an archaeological museum and an Indian war-memorial museum.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}

The Red Fort was the site of a [[2000 terrorist attack on Red Fort|terrorist attack on 22&nbsp;December 2000]], carried out by six [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]] members. Two soldiers and a civilian were killed in what the news media described as an attempt to derail India-Pakistan peace talks.<ref>{{cite web|date=19 August 2012|title=Red Fort attack will not affect peace moves|url=http://in.rediff.com/news/2000/dec/23tara.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003070913/http://in.rediff.com/news/2000/dec/23tara.htm|archive-date=3 October 2012|access-date=19 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=31 March 2012|title=Red Fort terrorist attacks|url=http://news.oneindia.in/2012/03/31/red-fort-attack-court-discharges-alleged-let-terrorist.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513075302/http://news.oneindia.in/2012/03/31/red-fort-attack-court-discharges-alleged-let-terrorist.html|archive-date=13 May 2013|access-date=4 August 2012}}</ref>

In April 2018, [[Dalmia Group#Dalmia Bharat Group|Dalmia Bharat Group]] adopted the Red Fort for maintenance, development, and operations, per a contract worth {{INR}}25 crores for a period of five years, under the government's "Adopt A Heritage" scheme.<ref name="business">{{Cite news|last=Manish|first=Sai|date=29 April 2018|title=Dalmia Bharat group to adopt Delhi's iconic Red Fort for five years|work=[[Business Standard]]|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/shah-jahan-s-iconic-red-fort-in-delhi-is-now-dalmia-group-s-red-fort-118042700414_1.html|url-status=live|access-date=7 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513020218/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/shah-jahan-s-iconic-red-fort-in-delhi-is-now-dalmia-group-s-red-fort-118042700414_1.html|archive-date=13 May 2019}}</ref> The memorandum of understanding was signed with the ministries of [[Ministry of Tourism (India)|Tourism]] and [[Ministry of Culture (India)|Culture]], and the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (A.S.I.).<ref name="adoption1">{{Cite news|last=Krishna|first=Navmi|date=30 April 2018|title=Red Fort adoption row: The long list of Monument Mitras|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/red-fort-adoption-row-the-long-list-of-monument-mitras/article23729853.ece|access-date=7 September 2019}}</ref> The adoption of the fort by a private group left people divided and drew criticism from the public, opposition political parties, and historians. It also led to the #IndiaOnSale hashtag on Twitter.<ref name="bbc">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-43949370 |title=Indians upset over Red Fort monument 'adoption' |last=Nettikkara |first=Samiha |date=30 April 2018 |work=[[BBC]] |access-date=7 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709150855/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-43949370 |archive-date=9 July 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2018, the Indian History Congress called for the deal to be suspended until there is an "impartial review" of the deal "by the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology or any other recognised body of experts".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/historians-seek-review-of-red-fort-contract/article23752738.ece |title=Historians seek review of Red Fort contract  |last=Pathak |first=Vikas |date=2 May 2018 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=7 September 2019}}</ref>

== Architecture ==

The [[World Heritage Convention]] characterises the Red Fort as representing "the zenith of Mughal creativity". The fort synthesises Islamic palace structure with local traditions, resulting in a confluence of "[[Iranian architecture|Persian]], [[Timurid architecture|Timurid]], and [[Hindu architecture]]". The fort served as an inspiration for later buildings and gardens across the Indian subcontinent.<ref name="unesco_whl_entry" />

It showcases a high level of ornamentation, and the [[Kohinoor]] diamond was reportedly part of the furnishings. The fort's artwork synthesises Persian, European and Indian art, resulting in a unique Shahjahani style rich in form, expression and colour. Red Fort is one of the building complexes of India encapsulating a long period of history and its arts. Even before its 1913 commemoration as a monument of national importance, efforts were made to preserve it for posterity.

=== Chhatta Chowk ===

{{Main|Chhatta Chowk}}

=== Naubat Khana ===

The ''Diwan-i-Aam'' was also used for state functions.<ref name="Langmead178" /> The courtyard (''mardana'') behind it leads to the imperial apartments.

=== Mumtaz Mahal ===

{{Main|Mumtaz Mahal (Red Fort)}}

[[File:Red Fort 8.JPG|thumb|left|alt=Simple white building, with persons on walkway|{{Centre|''[[Mumtaz Mahal (Red Fort)|Mumtaz Mahal]]''}}]]

=== Rang Mahal ===

The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) was a building for the official affairs and requests of the novelty and royal family. A gate on the north side of the ''[[Diwan-i-Am (Red Fort)|Diwan-i-Aam]]'' leads to the innermost court of the palace (''Jalau Khana'') and the ''Diwan-i-Khas''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/art/Akbar-period-architecture#ref244364 |title=Akbar period architecture |website=britannica.com |url-status=live |access-date=12 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704025546/https://www.britannica.com/art/Akbar-period-architecture#ref244364 |archive-date=4 July 2019 }}</ref> It is constructed of white marble, inlaid with precious stones. The once-silver ceiling has been restored in wood. [[François Bernier]] described seeing the jewelled Peacock Throne here during the 17th century. At either end of the hall, over the two outer arches, is an inscription by Persian poet [[Amir Khusrow]]:

It is this, it is this, it is this.

|author=

The ''[[hammam]]'' (Arabic: حمّام) were the imperial baths, consisting of three domed rooms with white marble patterned floors.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.liveindia.com/redfort/5.html |title=Hammams Red Fort Delhi |website=liveindia.com |url-status=live |access-date=12 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930234252/http://www.liveindia.com/redfort/5.html |archive-date=30 September 2019 }}</ref>

It consists of three apartments separated by corridors and crowned with domes. The apartments are illuminated by a colored glass skylight.

=== Baoli ===

[[File:Moti Masjid in Red Fort Delhi.jpg|thumb|Moti Masjid in Red Fort Delhi]]

=== Moti Masjid ===

{{Main|Moti Masjid (Red Fort)}}

== External links ==

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20101121144755/http://delhitourism.nic.in/delhitourism/tourist_place/red_fort.jsp Delhi Tourism | Red Fort]

*{{Osmway|264863907}}

{{World Heritage Sites in India}}

{{Mughal Empire|state=collapsed}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Indian National Army trials]]

[[Category:17th-century fortifications]]

[[Category:Mughal architecture]]

[[Category:Persian gardens in India]]

[[Category:Palaces in Delhi]]