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The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a historic fort located in the center of Delhi, India. It was built by the legendary architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, who is believed to have built the world-famous Taj Mahal. The fort was constructed to serve as a fortress and palace complex for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan when he moved the capital of the empire to Delhi. The fort is made of red sandstone and marble, and it is considered a creative structure and the pinnacle of Mughal inventiveness. The fort is known for its gardens and a water channel called the Stream of Paradise, which connects many pavilions, an architectural style owned by the Mughals. The Red Fort has many structures that serve as fine examples of Islamic architectural style and Mughal architecture, which fuses the architectural styles of the Timurids and the Persians.
The Red Fort is one of the most important national symbols and tourist attractions in India·Regarded as a pinnacle of architectural and cultural prowess within the Mughal Empire, this fortress stands as an emblem of their grandeur. Adorned with intricate ornamentation, it is said that even the illustrious Kohinoor diamond once graced its chambers. A masterful fusion of Persian, European, and Indian artistic influences, the fort embodies the distinctive Shahjahani style, characterized by its richness in form, expression, and vibrant hues. The fort is spread across an area of 254·67 acres, and the defensive wall enclosing the fort is measured at 2·41 kilometers. The walls differ in height as they stand at 18 meters on the river side as opposed to the 33-meter high wall on the city side.
The Red Fort has many structures that serve as fine examples of Islamic architectural style and Mughal architecture, which fuses the architectural styles of the Timurids and the Persians. Within the fortress, one can explore the opulent Royal Bath, known as the 'Hammam,' along with the 'Shahi Burj,' which served as Shah Jahan's private workspace. Notably, the exquisite Pearl Mosque, commissioned by Aurangzeb, also finds its place here. The 'Rang Mahal,' or Palace of Colors, was the residence of the emperor's wives and concubines. Welcoming visitors through its Lahori Gate, the fort unveils a covered bazaar, the Chatta Chowk. Renowned for its lush gardens (many ravaged during British occupation) and the serene Stream of Paradise, the Red Fort remains an emblem of grandeur and history.
The Red Fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 as part of the Red Fort Complex. The fort served as the main imperial residence of the Mughal Emperors. It fell into disrepair as the empire declined before much of its internal structures were destroyed by the British after 1857. It became an important symbolic and ceremonial site after the Indian flag was raised over its Lahori Gate on the day India gained independence. Prime Ministers of India carry on the tradition of raising the flag and giving a national address every year on independence, and the Red Fort is seen as one of the most important national symbols of India. Though significant portions of its internal structures have suffered destruction or deterioration, the external walls of the Red Fort have endured, retaining much of their original integrity.
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