Historical landmark in Dariba Kalan
Lal qila
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The story of Lal qila
Lal qila stands within Lahori Gate, Red Fort, Delhi, so what you’re looking at is part of the great Mughal fort complex, not a separate monument on its own. Britannica’s page on Lal Qil'a in Agra says that a fort of this name is known for its red sandstone veneer, and that after Akbar began work in 1565 it was enlarged, renovated and restored many times; it also notes later rebuilding under Shah Jahan, including the three main palace courtyards and the use of white marble and polished stucco. That same page says the complex once held more than five hundred masonry buildings, and that it served as the main imperial residence until 1648.
A different publication on Lal Qila records excavations conducted from 1968 to 1972 by the Department of History, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, under Prof. R.C. Gaur. It describes habitational remains, at least eight floor levels, post-holes, fire pits, charred bones, terracotta figurines, and pottery, and says thermoluminescent dating placed the O.C.P. culture there between 2030 B.C. and 1730 B.C.
Today you can visit Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; it is closed Monday. When you leave, look back for the gate’s western-wall position and the covered approach through the fort.
In brief
The Lahori Gate is the main entrance to the Red Fort in Old Delhi. The fort is approached through a covered street flanked by arcaded apartments called the Chhatta Chowk. Situated on the western wall of the fort, the gate received its name because it led to the city of Lahore, (present day Pakistan). The secondary entrance is the Delhi Gate.
The gateway consists of three stories, each decorated with square, rectangular and cusped arched panels. These are flanked by semi-octagonal towers crowned by two open octagonal pavilions. The whole gate is clad in red sandstone, except the roofs of the pavilions, where white stone is used.
Between the two pavilions is a screen of miniature chhatris having seven miniature marble domes. Continuing around the whole wall are flame-shaped battlements.
The gate was provided with a 10.5 high metre barbican by Aurangzeb (1658-1707), with its entrance to the north. It is said that Shah Jahan, while under house arrest, wrote to Aurangzeb and criticized his decision: "You have made a fort a bride, and set a veil on it."
Every year since Indian Independence Day in 1947, the national flag has been raised and the Prime Minister has made a speech from the ramparts at the gate. In the 1980s, the security of the area was increased by blocking the tower windows as a security measure against sniper attacks. A lift was also added to the gate.
Before you go
- Open today
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Time to allow
- 1.5-2.5 hr
- Best months
- September to March
- Address
- Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006, India