Red Fort Complex, India:
One of the greatest heritage sites of the world is Red Fort Complex, India. Every year on the independence day of India, the national flag is hoisted from the Red Fort. The Red Fort Complex, India also known as Lal Qil’ah, or Lal Qila, as it is made of red sandstone became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
The Red Fort and the city of Shahjahanabad was constructed by the then Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 AD. The layout of the Red Fort was organized to retain and incorporate the site with the Salimgarh Fort. The Red Fort Complex includes the palace that is an important focal point of the medieval city of Shahjahanabad.
The planning and aesthetics of the Red Fort represent the zenith of Mughal art and creativity which prevailed during the reign of Emperor Shahjahan. The Fort has had many developments added on after it was constructed by Emperor Shahjahan. Later important developments were made by Aurangzeb and the later Mughal rulers.
The Red Fort Complex, India was later used by the British rulers, when they captured India and made the country their colony. After Independence, the site experienced a few changes in terms of addition and alteration to the structures. During the British period, the Red Fort was mainly used as a cantonment and even after Independence, a significant part of the Fort remained under the control of the Indian Army until the year 2003.
The Red Fort was the palace of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s new capital, Shahjahanabad. Red Fort Complex is located along the Yamuna River. Construction of the Red Fort began in the year 1638 and was completed by 1648. The Red Fort showcases the highest level of art form and ornamental work of the Mughals. The art work that is found in the Fort is a synthesis of Persian, European and Indian art which resulted in the development of unique Shahjahani style which is rich in form, expression and color.