Red Fort

Shah Jahan was one of the greatest rulers in India of the Mughal Dynasty. Well known in India not only for his leadership, but for his great architectural accomplishments.

During his reign he moved the capital of India from Agra to Delhi, where the construction of a new city would take place. Here, a new and great palace for Shah Jahan was built; the Red Fort. It’s name came from the massive red walls that surrounded it, some of which that were as high as 100 feet. These walls enclosed the finest, most beautiful of all Mughal Palaces. It is made of and decorated in Marble, gold and precious stones, inlaid into intricate Mosaics. At the center was his throne, and above it in golden letters is written on the ceiling, " If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this."

The Red Fort served a great purpose for nearly 200 years as the center of Shah Jahan’s empire where he led a life known to be of great pomp and ceremony. From here, taking place in various rooms of the palace, he could : show himself to his public in a ceremony called darshan from a large balcony, received public petitions and messages in the Diwan-I-Am, discussed important state matters with his principle state ministers in the Diwan-I-Khas , discuss the most secret of affairs with his kin and most trusted officers in the Royal Tower or Shah Burj, held lively gatherings and feasts, and retiring for the night. This place was the greatest of Mughal Palaces and was the heart of Shah Jahan’s empire.

Jennifer