Red Fort

레드 포트

The Red Fort, called Lal Qila in Hindi, is a big historic fortress in Old Delhi, India. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan ordered it built after he moved his capital from Agra to Delhi, and it became the main home of the Mughal emperors. Its high walls are made of red sandstone, which gives the fort its name.

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At a glance

Country: India
Location: Delhi, India
Built: 1648
Height: 33 m
Type: Fort

Quick answers

Where is Red Fort?

Red Fort is in Delhi, India.

When was Red Fort built?

Red Fort was built in 1648.

How tall is Red Fort?

Red Fort is about 33 m tall.

Shah Jahan's red-sandstone Mughal fortress, where India's Independence Day is marked each year.

The fort was finished in 1648, and its design is credited to Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also worked on the Taj Mahal. Today it is one of India's most important national symbols and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed in 2007 as part of the Red Fort Complex.

From palace to garrison

The fort was first called the Blessed Fort and housed the imperial family. In 1739 the Persian ruler Nadir Shah invaded, plundered the fort and took treasures such as the famous Peacock Throne. After the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British pulled down many of its marble buildings and used the fort as a military base, although the strong outer walls survived.

A place for Independence Day

On 15 August 1947, India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the national flag above the fort's Lahori Gate. Every year since, the prime minister raises the flag there on Independence Day and gives a speech from the ramparts that is broadcast across the country. Visitors can walk through its gates, halls and gardens, many of which show a mix of Persian and Indian styles.

Fun facts

The name Red Fort simply means fort of red sandstone: lal is red and qila is fortress.
Construction took about ten years and ended in 1648.
The fort's walls are uneven because the builders wanted to include an older fort called Salimgarh.
India's prime minister raises the flag here every 15 August.