# Red Fort

- **Country:** India
- **Coordinates:** 28.655833, 77.240833

The Red Fort, known locally as Lal Qila, is a historic Mughal fort situated in Old Delhi, India. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan on May 12, 1639, and completed in 1648, it served as the primary residence of the Mughal emperors after the capital shifted from Agra. Designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the same architect responsible for the Taj Mahal, the structure exemplifies Indo-Islamic architecture by blending Persian and Indian styles. Although originally adorned with red and white decorations, its massive defensive walls remain largely intact, standing between 18 and 33 meters high.

Throughout its history, the fort has witnessed significant turmoil and changing ownership. It was plundered during Nadir Shah's invasion in 1739, resulting in the loss of priceless artwork and jewels. Following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, British forces demolished many internal marble structures and repurposed the site as a military garrison. Control of the complex passed through various powers, including the Sikh Confederacy and Maratha Empire, before settling under the Government of India post-1947. Despite these changes, it remains a potent symbol of national sovereignty.

Today, the Red Fort Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in 2007 for its cultural significance. Its most prominent modern role involves the annual Independence Day ceremony, where the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at the Lahori Gate and addresses the nation from its ramparts, a tradition established by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947. The site stands as a major tourist attraction and a enduring monument to India's rich imperial past.

![Photo of Red Fort](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Delhi_fort.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Fort (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)