Red Fort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red Fort |
|
|---|---|
A view of the Red Fort's Lahori Gate
|
|
| Location | Old Delhi, India |
| Height | 18–33 metres |
| Built | 12 May 1639 – 6 April 1648 (8 years, 10 months and 25 days) |
| Architect | Ustad Ahmad Lahori |
| Architectural style(s) | Indo-Islamic, Mughal |
| Owner |
|
| Official name: Red Fort Complex | |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii, iii, vi |
| Designated | 2007 (31st session) |
| State Party | India |
| Region | Asia-Pacific |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
The Red Fort (also known as Lal Qila) is a famous historical building in Delhi, India. It was built in 1638 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The fort stands tall, about 33 meters (108 feet) high, and is made of beautiful red stone and marble. You can find it on the right bank of the Yamuna River.
This amazing fort was originally called "Qila-i-Mubarak," which means "the blessed fort." It was the home for the royal family of the Mughal Empire. The design of the Red Fort was very clever. It was planned to connect with the nearby Salimgarh Fort. The way the Red Fort was designed and built shows how creative the Mughals were, especially during Emperor Shah Jahan's time. Over the years, more parts were added to the fort. Today, it is recognized as a World Heritage Site, which means it's a very important place for everyone to protect and learn about.
Contents
Why Was the Red Fort Built?
The Red Fort was built when Emperor Shah Jahan decided to move his capital from Agra to a new city called Shahjahanabad (which is now Old Delhi). He wanted a grand new palace for himself and his family. The construction of the fort started on May 12, 1639. It took almost ten years to finish, finally opening on April 6, 1648. The main architect was Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also helped design the Taj Mahal.
What Does the Red Fort Look Like?
The Red Fort is a huge complex with many different buildings and gardens inside its strong walls.
Main Gates
The fort has two main entrances:
- Lahori Gate: This is the main gate and faces the city of Lahore. It's where important ceremonies often take place.
- Delhi Gate: This gate is very similar to the Lahori Gate and faces the city of Delhi.
Important Buildings Inside
Inside the Red Fort, you can find several impressive structures:
- Diwan-i-Aam: This was the Hall of Public Audience. Here, the Emperor would meet with ordinary people to hear their problems and give out justice.
- Diwan-i-Khas: This was the Hall of Private Audience. Only important guests, like nobles and ambassadors, were allowed here to meet the Emperor. It was decorated with precious stones and gold.
- Naubat Khana: Also known as the Drum House, this building was where royal musicians played music at special times.
- Rang Mahal: This means "Palace of Colors." It was the residence for the Emperor's wives and female relatives. It was beautifully decorated.
- Mumtaz Mahal: Named after Emperor Shah Jahan's wife, this palace was also part of the royal women's quarters.
- Moti Masjid: This means "Pearl Mosque." It was a small, private mosque built for Emperor Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan's son.
- Hammam: These were the royal baths, designed for relaxation and hygiene.
- Shahi Burj: This was the Emperor's private working area and a tower with great views.
Gardens and Waterways
The Red Fort also had beautiful gardens, like the Hayat Bakhsh Bagh (Life-Giving Garden). Water channels flowed through the fort, bringing coolness and beauty to the palaces and gardens.
The Red Fort Through History
After the Mughal Empire, the Red Fort was taken over by the British Empire in 1857. They used it as a military camp and made some changes to the buildings.
When India gained its independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the Indian tricolour flag at the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort. Since then, every year on Independence Day, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag and gives a speech from the fort's ramparts. This tradition makes the Red Fort a very important symbol of India's freedom and pride.
Today, the Red Fort is a popular tourist spot. People from all over the world come to see its amazing architecture and learn about India's rich history. It reminds us of the powerful Mughal emperors and India's journey to independence.
Images for kids
-
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, c. 1630
-
The walls of Red Fort (in the background) as seen from the top of Jama Masjid's tower
-
Every year on India's Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the Indian "tricolour flag" at the fort's main gate and delivers a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts. Pictured is Nehru on 15 August 1947.
-
Inner walls and ceiling of the Diwan-e-Khas
-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the Nation on the occasion of 76th Independence Day from the Red Fort on 15 August 2022.
-
Barrel vault structure located past the Lahore Gate, acts as a market that was built to satisfy the needs of higher ranked Mughal women, who resided in the fort
-
Map of Red Fort showing major structures
-
The Delhi Gate, which is almost identical in appearance to the Lahori Gate
-
Naubat Khana and the courtyard before its demolition by the British, in an 1858 photograph
-
Naubat Khana inside Red Fort today
-
The Diwan-i-Aam audience hall today
-
The Diwan-i-Aam audience hall in the mid-nineteenth century
-
Mumtaz Mahal -
Diwan-i-Khas in the mid-nineteenth century
-
Hammam of Red Fort interior in mid-nineteenth century
-
The baoli (step-well) at the Red Fort, Delhi -
Moti Masjid in Red Fort Delhi
-
Shahi Burj and its pavilion -
Red Zafar Mahal and white Sawan/Bhadon pavilion behind it in the Hayat Bakhsh Bagh
.jpg)
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Fuerte rojo de Delhi para niños
