Dispatches

The Red Fort

The magnificent Red Fort

The Lahori Gate of the Red Fort that the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built in Shahjahanabad, the new capital city he moved to from Agra in 1638, which is now know as Old Delhi. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
The ramparts at the Lahori Gate, from where the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation every year on Independence Day. The barbican with its entrance to the north in front of the gate, which faces west, was built by Aurangzeb. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
The Delhi Gate. The life-sized elephants were removed by Aurangzeb but were later restored by Lord Curzon. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
The Jama Masjid (in the background). Built by Shah Jahan, it was the largest mosque in the Mughal empire. There used to be bazaar in the area connecting the mosque and the Delhi Gate of the fort. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
The open Chhatta Chowk. It is at the centre of the arcaded bazaar located behind the Lahori Gate. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
Naubat Khana (Music Gallery) as seen from the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience). Once, music was played from here five times a day at chosen times. The later Mughal kings Jahandar Shah and Farrukhsiyar are said to have been murdered here. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
The marble canopy set against the eastern wall of the Diwan-i-Aam. Here, the emperor sat and listened to the general populace. The marble pedestal lying below is the wazir’s dais. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
Inside the rectangular Diwan-i Aam with its double pillars made of sandstone. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Special Audience). This was where the emperor met exclusive and select guests. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
Inside the Diwan-i Khas, showing the platform that held the Peacock Throne with the famed Koh-i-Noor diamond. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
Inside the Rang Mahal (Palace of Colour). Seen in the front is the central marble basin through which the Nahar-i-behisht (Stream of Paradise) flowed. Through the jalis at the back, the imperial family watched animal fights. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
Shish Mahal (House of Mirrors), the popular name for the two vaulted chambers on either side of the Rang Mahal. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
The marble screen (behind the engrailed arch) of the Khas Mahal (Special Palace) that separated the Tasbih Khana (prayer chamber) from the Khwabgah (place of sleep). It contains a representation of the Scales of Justice suspended over a crescent amidst stars and clouds. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
The Hayat Baksh Bagh (Life Bestowing Garden) with its marble Bhadaun pavilion and the sandstone summerhouse called Zafar Mahal. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
The Moti Masjid. It is the only building that Aurangzeb erected within the palace-fort. Photo: Shashank Shekhar Sinha
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