Historical landmark in Dariba Kalan
Lal qila
Listen to this story 2 min
The story of Lal qila
You’re standing at Lal qila, a place where the name itself matters because the record for this exact site is thin, but the name is attached to a much older story of red walls, rebuilding, and excavation. ArchNet describes the better-known Lal Qil'a in Agra as a fortress Akbar began in 1565, built over the foundations of a mud-brick fortress attributed to Sikander Lodi, and says the red sandstone veneer gave the complex its characteristic hue.
That same publication says Shah Jahan carried out the most extensive building projects there, including the Diwan-i 'Am, and rebuilt the three main palace courtyards between 1628-1637 with white marble and polished stucco added to the red sandstone palette. It also notes that the fort remained the main imperial residence until 1648, and that Awrangzib later imprisoned Shah Jahan there and sealed him inside with an additional wall from 1659-1662.
A different publication on Lal Qila in Bulandshahr District reports excavations from 1968 to 1972 under Prof. R.C. Gaur, revealing habitational remains, floor levels, post-holes, fire pits, charred bones, pottery, terracotta figurines, and thermoluminescent dating placing the O.C.P. culture there between 2030 B.C. and 1730 B.C.
Today, this Lal qila is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed Monday. Look for the older occupation layers in the excavation record, not just the name on the map.
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
- October to March
- Address
- Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006, India