Delhi Red Fort India

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In many ways, the Delhi Red Fort is the sister site of the Agra Fort, which is itself conjoined with the Taj Mahal. As with the fort in Agra, the Delhi Fort was built as the Mughal dynasty reached its full glory in the seventeenth century, under the guidance of the famous Emperor Shah Jahan. And as with the Red Fort in Agra, the history of the Red Fort in Delhi is as much tied up with his infamous son Aurangzeb as it is with Shah Jahan himself. Having deposed his father, Aurangzeb went about making numerous additions to both attractions, and as a result the Delhi Red Fort we see today features a fascinating symbiosis of various architectural styles and influences.

 

While the Red Fort, also known as the Lal Qila in Delhi, is smaller than the Agra Fort, it still exhibits an impressive scale. Built from red sandstone, its walls at one point measure more than 100 feet high, making them a huge and shimmering crimson visage than can be seen from much of the Old Town. These walls open at two separate points: the Lahore Gate and the Delhi Gate, which is itself considered one of the must-see attractions in the city.

Once inside, the Delhi Red Fort presents a visual barrage to the visitor, with various impressive meeting halls, decorative artworks, and open-plan spaces calling for attention. The Rang Mahal (Palace of Colors) is particularly worth seeking out. This was the home to the Emperor's many wives and mistresses, and it's defined by various decorations, which reach their zenith in the form of a beautiful lotus-shaped fountain.