Shah Jahan, famed not only for his leadership capabilities
but also for his great architectural accomplishments, was one of the greatest rulers of
the Mughal Dynasty in India. In 1638 he moved the capital of India from Agra to Delhi,
where a new royal palace was constructed. Known as the Red Fort, it was begun around 1640
and completed by 1648. The name comes from the massive red sandstone walls, some up to 110
feet high, which surround this magnificent piece of Mughal architecture. The palace is
made of white marble and decorated in gold and precious stones. Shah Jahan’s throne
lay in the middle of the palace, and on the ceiling above was written in gold lettering
"If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this."
The Red Fort served as the center of the Mughal Empire for more than 200 years. The palace is actually a series of individual pavilions, each with a specific purpose. The Khas Mahal served as the emperor’s private quarters and was the most exquisitely decorated of all the pavilions. The Diwan-i-khas was designed to reflect heaven and served as the private audience hall. All public audiences were held in the Diwan-i-am, and secret meetings took place in the Royal Tower, or Shah Burj. Shaj Jahan also constructed the Taj Mahal, a marvelous architectural feat in honor of the death of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
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