7 Fascinating Facts About Red Fort That Will Amaze You

When you think of Delhi's most iconic monuments, the Red Fort is one of the first few that come to mind. Also known as Lal Qila, this monument was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. It's a popular tourist destination and serves as the backdrop for Independence Day speeches. But the Red Fort is more than just that. Beneath its red sandstone walls lie stories, secrets and facts that many visitors never hear about. If you're a history buff, these facts are sure to amaze you. Intrigued? Here are some of the most fascinating facts about the Red Fort you might not know:

Also Read: 6 Interesting Facts About Humayun's Tomb You Probably Didn't Know

Here Are 7 Lesser-Known Facts About The Red Fort:

1. It Was Originally White

Yes, you read that right. The Red Fort wasn't always red. It was originally made of limestone and was painted white. When the white plaster started wearing off, the British painted it red to preserve its appearance, hence the name Red Fort.

Photo Credit: iStock

2. It Had A Private Water Channel Called 'Nahr-i-Bihisht'

Translated as 'Stream of Paradise,' this artificial stream ran through the palaces of the Red Fort, inspired by Persian gardens. The soothing sound of flowing water and the cooling effect made the palaces a peaceful retreat, especially during Delhi's sweltering summers.

3. It Took A Decade To Build

Did you know that the construction of the Red Fort began in 1638 and took 10 years to complete? It was part of Shah Jahan's grand plan to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi, and the fort formed the centrepiece of his new city - Shahjahanabad.

4. It Was Once Covered In Jewels And Gold

The interiors of the fort, especially the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audiences), were once richly adorned with precious stones, gold, silver and intricate floral carvings. Unfortunately, these treasures were looted by invaders.

5. It Houses The Smallest Mosque In Delhi

Tucked away inside the Red Fort complex is Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque. Built by Aurangzeb for his personal prayers, it's one of the smallest and most delicate Mughal mosques in Delhi. It is made from white marble with minimal ornamentation.

6. It's A UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2007, the Red Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not just for its architectural brilliance but also for its historical significance in Indian culture and politics.

7. It Was A British Military Camp For Nearly 100 Years

After the 1857 revolt, the British took over the fort and turned it into a military barrack, drastically altering many parts of it. They demolished gardens and palaces, replacing them with barracks that can still be seen in parts of the fort today.

Also Read: Planning To Visit The Lotus Temple? Here Are 5 Cool Facts You Shouldn't Miss

Photo Credit: ANI

What Is Famous About Red Fort?

The Red Fort is famous for its stunning architecture, rich history and cultural significance. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India's Mughal past. 

Who Built The Red Fort In Delhi?

The Red Fort was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648. He constructed the fort as part of his new capital, Shahjahanabad (now Old Delhi). The fort served as the imperial palace and seat of power for the Mughal Empire.

How Much Time Is Required To Visit Red Fort?

A visit to the Red Fort typically takes 2-3 hours. This allows time to explore the fort's architecture, museums and historic buildings, including the Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam. You can adjust your visit time based on your interest in history and architecture.

What Is The Timing Of Red Fort?

The Red Fort is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day except Mondays. It's closed on national holidays and special occasions. Last entry is allowed 30 minutes before closing time.

How To Reach Red Fort In Delhi?

The Red Fort is easily accessible by metro, bus or taxi. The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line) or Kashmere Gate (Red Line & Violet Line). You can also take buses or auto-rickshaws to reach the fort. By car, it's about 30-40 minutes from Connaught Place depending on traffic.

So, the next time you visit, you'll know that this magnificent monument has much more to it than its external beauty.