Red Fort

The Red fort popularly known as Lal Quila extends for 2km. Shah Jahan completed the construction of this massive fort in 1648. However before moving his capital, he was imprisoned in Agra by his son Aurangzeb. The Yamuna River used to flow by the eastern edge of the fort, and filled the 10m-deep moat.

The goggle maps and wiki showed Yamuna flowing all over Delhi. I had even planned by morning jog towards Yamuna, as it was 2.5 km away from Friends colony. When I shared this with a friend and the driver, for the rest of the days they kept showing me, 'Madam, aapki Yamuna', whenever we crossed the bridge over Yamuna. I had compared it to R. Kaveri or R. Tungabhadra back home, while it had to be Vrishabhavathi!

Lahore Gate

The main fort takes its name from the fact that it faces towards Lahore now in Pakistan.

A visit to the Ticket and Deposit counter and we were at the security check. It was more stringent compared to the Airport. And I sometimes find this really funny, when the Lady Security official forces you into a covered cubicle and thoroughly checks you.

On entering the fort you find yourself in Chatta Chowk (Covered Bazaar). The shops here used to sell items for the royal household. Whereas what I saw now was touristy stuff and handicrafts, which you can find all over India. But the price tag was definitely royal.

The arcade leads to Naubat Khana or Drum house, where musicians used to play for the emperor. There is a Indian War Memorial Museum here. The path further leads you to Diwan-i-Am.

Diwan-i-Am

The Hall of Public Audience was where the emperor would sit to hear complaints or disputes from its subjects. His alcove in the wall was marble paneled and set with precious stones, which was looted. But, I could easily relate the present structure to the setting of Jodha Akbar.

Diwan-i-Khas

The Hall of Private Audiences is constructed of white Marble. This was the luxurious chamber where the emperor would hold private meetings. The ceiling was originally inlaid with gold and silver. The centerpiece had the magnificent peacock Throne. The throne now is displayed in Tehran, with the marble pedestal still lying here.

Hammams - The Royal Baths

Next to the Diwan-i-khas are the hammams - three large rooms surmounted by domes, with a fountain in the centre - one of which was even set up as a Sauna! The marble inlayed floor and the rooms illuminated through panels of colored glass roof. The fountains here once emitted perfumed water.

Moti Masjid

Built by Aurangazeb for his own personal use and security, the small and totally enclosed Perl Mosque, made of marble, is next to the baths.

Shahi Burj

This 3 story octagonal tower on the NE was Shah Jahan's private working arena. From here water used to flow to Royal Baths, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am, Khas and Rang Mahal.

The Heritage Tea House

Dating back to the late Mughal period, this was known as ‘Prince Quarters’. But, the British is said to have converted this into a meeting and amusement place and named it ‘Tea House’.

Khas Mahal

The Emperor's private palace, served as emperor’s residence. The marble screen with scale of justice a charming specimen of Mughal Art here.

Rang Mahal

Palace of colors took its name from painted interiors.

Further down the Mumtaz Mahal has a small Museum of Archeology, and houses the usual small Museum stuff.

Sound-and-Light-Show

A one hour sound could be witnessed after sunset, to which I gave a miss.

That was an hour at the RedFort.