The reign of Shahjahan, the grandson of Akbar, the great, is noted for the construction of grand buildings, palaces, gardens, mosques, mausoleums, forts and other works of art.
Shahjahan’s military conquests, political achievements and administrative innovations have got buried in history but his architectural master pieces such as, Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid, The Peacock Throne, etc. have immortalised his name. The Red Fort constructed by Shahjahan still remains a monument of magnificence and architectural splendour.
Shahjahan, the successor of Jahangir took up the reigns of administration in 1627 and ruled the country for about 31 years (1627-58). This period is considered as the golden age in architecture and fine arts.
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One of the best monuments left behind by him is the Red Fort, the work of which was completed in 1648. It was built of red sandstone on the west bank of river Yamuna. It contained several beautiful structures such as, Rang Mahal, the Moti Mahal, the Diwan- !-Aam, the Diwan-i-Khas, etc. Rang Mahal was noted for us attractive ornamentation and artistic touch.
The most outstanding structure within the Red Fort was Diwan-i- Khas. Much of its elegance, grace and beauty can be still seen even today. It was on this marble pavilion that the great Mughal emperor, Shahjahan, sitting on his peacock throne gave audience to princes, nobles, foreign ambassadors and distinguished visitors.
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The entire surroundings of the pavilion were decorated with valuable stones, precious gems and silver lining. A water-channel made of marble ran through it, adding to its enchanting beauty. The sublime beauty of Diwan-i-Khas is engraved on one of its walls in the following Persian verse
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“If there is anywhere Paradise on earth,
It is this, it is this, and it is this”.
Another impressive building of Red Fort was Diwan- i-Aam or the Hall of public audience. It was also artistically- constructed with excellent facilities for transaction of business. The Pearl mosque or the Moti Masjid standing near Rang Mahal was also a superb structure with breathtaking features.
Mughal architecture had reached its climax under Shahjahan who was known as the ‘prince of builders’. The Red Fort is the best specimen of Mughal architecture. It symbolised heights of Mughal cultural advancement and majesty.
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The fort-palace, which consisted of several impressive buildings, was noted for elegance, grace, splendour, originality, rich decorations and fine artistic designs. The monument is a piece of architectural wonder. The entire construction was well planned, excellently executed, marvellously ornamented and superbly decorated. The Red Fort befits Shahjahan’s name as ‘Engineer king’.
Today, the Red Fort stands as the best relic of India’s glorious past. It represents the great Mughals who once ruled our land with great pomp and elegance. It symbolises India’s link with the past and it is in this background that the Prime Minister of our country unfurls the national tricolour every year from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the Independence Day.
The Red Fort, once the symbol of Mughal power and supremacy, is a major national monument of our country. This architectural masterpiece still provides some glimpses into the glorious epoch under the Mughals.
Although today the Red Fort has lost much of its original magnificence, elegance, and beauty, still its architectural excellence, superb construction, intricate designs, harmony of proportion, glazed tides, rich decorations etc. make the visitor spellbound with wonder and delight even today.