1.RED FORT IN DELHI
You all know that the Red Fort is located in the capital of India, Delhi, where the flag is hoisted twice a year. The flag is hoisted by the Prime Minister of that time. After independence, the flag was hoisted for the first time by Pandit Jewar Lal Nehru. Similarly, whoever is in power at the Centre, hoists the flag at the Red Fort on 26 January and 15 August.
About the Red Fort
Red Fort: History, Construction and Importance
Construction and Builder:
The Red Fort was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. In 1638, he decided to move his capital from Agra to Delhi and started the construction of a grand fort. This fort is located on the banks of the Yamuna River and was built to protect Shahjahanabad.
Purpose of construction:
The Red Fort was not just a fort but the royal palace of Shah Jahan. It was built as a symbol of Mughal power, art and culture. It was the center of his new city Shahjahanabad and was designed to reflect the grandeur of the Mughals’ rule.
Time and cost in construction:
Its construction started in 1638 and was completed in 1648, that is, it took 10 years to build. At that time its construction cost was about Rs 1 crore, which is equivalent to billions of rupees today.
Construction style and workmanship:
The Red Fort is mainly made of red sandstone, which gave it the name “Red Fort”. It is a unique confluence of Indian, Persian and Turkish architecture. There are many important buildings in the fort, such as –
Diwan-e-Aam – for meeting the general public
Diwan-e-Khas – for meeting special guests
Moti Masjid – built by Aurangzeb
Rang Mahal – for queens and begums
Labor and construction work:
Thousands of artisans, laborers and architectural experts worked in the construction of the Red Fort. The chief architect was Ustad Ahmed Lahori, who was also involved in the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Significance and heritage:
After the revolution of 1857, the British government took it under its control and Mughal rule ended. After India’s independence in 1947, it became a national symbol. Every year on August 15, the Prime Minister of India hoists the flag from the Red Fort and addresses the nation.
2.Purana (Qila)
Purana Qila: History, Construction and Importance Construction and Builder:
Purana Qila is the oldest fort in Delhi, the construction of which was started by the Mughal emperor Humayun in 1533 AD. But when Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in 1540, he further strengthened this fort and built many new buildings.
Purpose of construction:
Humayun built it as his capital Dinpanah, but Sher Shah Suri turned it into a strong fort. It was used for royal residence, administration and military security.
Time and cost in construction:
Today Purana Qila is one of the major tourist destinations of Delhi and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Every evening there is a light and sound show here, which depicts the glorious history of this fort.
