The Reign of Shah Jahan, 1628-1658 Shah Shuja, Aurangzib, and Murad Bakhsh, the three younger sons of Shah Jahan, 1635. Courtesy -- Hambly, G. (1968). "Cities of Mughal India". New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. The Reign of Shah Jahan, 1628-1658 Prince Khurram was 35 years old when he ascended the throne as Shah Jahan (King of the World). Succeeding Jahangir in 1627, Shah Jahan enjoyed the support of experienced administrators and advisors -- like his father-in-law Asaf Khan -- who were holdovers from the previous reign. Shah Jahan, notes Hambly, revived Akbar's policy of pressing southward against the independent Muslim Sultanate of the Deccan. But almost all of his expansion expeditions were unsuccessful. The expenditures resulting from Shah Jahan's failed attempts at frontier expansion, as well as his insatiable appetite for new and grand architecture, were appreciable factors in the empire's eventual financial crisis.

During the early years of his reign, Shah Jahan preferred Agra to Delhi as a place of residence. This preference is reflected in his selection of Agra as the site for a number of building ventures including the world's most famous and beautiful mausoleum, Taj Mahal . Many historians have -- perhaps unfairly -- accused Shah Jahan of building the glorious tomb as a tribute to himself and his rule rather than as a tribute to his wife. Shah Jahan was an exceedingly able man -- although less able than his father Akbar and less conscientious than his son Aurangzeb. Still, Shah Jahan is in the first rank of Indian rulers. Endowed with all the qualities required of a medieval Muslim ruler, he was a brave and competent commander; a generous master who treated his servants with respect, dignity and affability; and a far-sighted leader with a strict sense of justice. Shah Jahan was an active patron of palaces and mosques.

Blair and Bloom write that upon Shah Jahan's accession, the fort at Agra was renovated to include three major courts: Halls of Public and Private Audience (Diwan-i Khass wa 'Am); an area for treasures and private audience (Machhi Bhavan); and a residential court known as the Garden of Grapes (Anguri Bagh). The first court, note Bloom and Blair, is close to the entrance, while the other two courts, which were used by the emperor and his entourage, overlook the river. Inside the fort, write Blair and Bloom, is a congregational mosque known today as the Moti (Pearl) Mosque because of the translucent white marble used on the interior. The mosque, continue Blair and Bloom, comprises a rectangular prayer hall, about 53 by 21 yards, divided by cruciform piers into three aisles of seven bays supported on cusped arches and surmounted by three bulbous domes. The additive system of vaulted bays used in the Moti Mosque at Agra is the type of plan favored for smaller mosques constructed under imperial patronage.

According to Blair and Bloom, the single-aisled plan that had been used for Shir Shah's mosque in Delhi was preferred for large, urban congregational mosques which have immense courtyards with narrow prayer halls fronted by pishtaq and surmounted by three or five domes. The mosque of Vazir Khan at Lahore, constructed by the court physician Hakim Ali of Chiniot in 1635, is but one example of this group. The congregational mosque at Agra, continue Blair and Bloom, was completed in 1648 under the patronage of the emperor's daughter Jahanara. Constructed of red sandstone, the mosque used white marble sparingly for calligraphic bands. In 1638, Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra to a city in Delhi. Known as Shahjahanabad, the new capital city was laid out under the emperor's auspices from 1639-1648. According to Blair and Bloom, the massive project was designed by Ahmed Lahwari, the chief architect of the Taj Mahal, and by the architect Hamid.

Ghayrat Khan and Makramat Khan, who also worked on the Taj Mahal, supervised the construction. The walled city, note Bloom and Blair, included broad avenues with water channels, souqs (markets), mosques, gardens, houses of the nobility, and the fortified palace known as the Red Fort or Lal Qala. Twice the size of the fort at Agra, the Red Fort was named for the high, red sandstone wall that surrounded the white marble palaces. From Shah Jahan to the end of the Mughal line the famous Red Fort was heart of the empire and the principal residence of the emperors. Hambly writes that in the 17th century, at the height of the Mughals' power, the Red Fort constituted not only the esidence of the emperor and his court but also housed the central dministrative machinery of the empire, a military garrison, an arsenal, the imperial treasury, factories (karkhaneh) for the manufacture of luxury commodities, and much more. Shah Jahan, like his father Jahangir, was a notable patron of gardens, write Blair and Bloom.

Jahangir had developed Kashmir as a summer residence for the court where he constructed a garden around the natural spring at Vernag south of Srinagar. Shah Jahan received an order from his father to dam the stream around Shalimar on Lake Dal at Srinagar. This garden, known as Farah Bakhsh (Joy Giving), became the lower garden of Shah Jahan's famed Shalimar Garden. In 1634, Shah Jahan, note Blair and Bloom, added another quadri-partite garden named Fazd Bakhsh (Bounty Giving) to the northeast. Water was supplied by a canal linking the Ravi River to the city. The canal was dug by Ali Mardan Khan, an Iranian nobleman and engineer who had defected to the Mughal court in 1638. Lahore is also another site of the greatest of the Mughal water gardens known as Shalimar (Abode of Bliss), Brend (1991) notes. The garden was constructed in 1642 . Water flows under the bluster-legged throne and into the tank, whose edge is treated with a lotus ornament.

The patform in the center of the tank, called a mahtabi or place for viewing moonlight, might be used for musicians. The gangways from it lead to pavilions on graceful sandstone columuns. According to Blair and Bloom, these gardens contained more than a hundred species of plants, including evergreens, screwpines and other trees, roses, violets, sunflowers, cockscombs, and several varieties of jasmines. The gardens were not only enchanting places of repose but also yielded a substantial revenue in roses and musk mallow. In the eyes of contemporary French travelers these gardens were the equal of Versailles. During Shah Jahan's reign, the Mughals penetrated deeper into the Deccan and the successful campaign in 1636 forced the state ruled by Adil Shah to acknowledge Mughal dominance. Shah Jahan returned north to concentrate on his new capital at Shahjahanabad, while his son, the young prince Aurangzeb, was appointed viceroy and commander-in-chief of Mughal forces in the Deccan.

During the following two decades, note Blair and Bloom, the Adil Shahis at Bijabur enjoyed peace, and the dynasty's prosperity in the mid-17th century is exemplified by the tomb built for Mohammed Adil Shah. The tomb, known as the Gol Gumbaz, is famous for its formal simplicity, write Blair and Bloom. The tomb has a gigantic hemispherical dome (with an exterior diameter of 46 yards) and rests on an almost cubical mass with a staged octagonal turret at each corner. The dome is supported internally by arches set in intersecting squares. The floor area covered 1,725 square yards, exceeding that of the Pantheon in Rome. At the time of its construction, the tomb was the largest space in the world covered by a single dome, continue Blair and Bloom. From an early age, Shah Jahan's four sons, Dara Shukoh, Shah Shuja, Aurangzeb, and Murad Bakhsh, grew up in an atmosphere of bitter rivalry, writes Hambly, even though they were all children of the same mother, Mumtaz Mahal. In 1657, Shah Jahan became seriously ill.

The expectation of an early death provoked the four sons into making a desperate bid for the throne. Only two candidates, writes Hambly, stood much chance of success -- Dara Shukoh, who was 42 years old, and Aurangzeb, who was 39. Dara Shukoh, Shah Jahan's favorite and his heir, was a man of broad intellectual interests, writes Hambly. He was a Sufi and a religious eclectic who had translated the Upanishads into Persian. Aurangzeb, notes Hambly, was well educated, knowledgeable in the traditional spectrum of Islamic studies, and strict in his religious orthodoxy. Aurangzeb had an acute sense of political realism and a fierce appetite for power. Although Aurangzeb's personality was considered less attractive than that of Dara Shukoh, writes Hambly, Aurangzeb was the superior in both military talent and administrative skills. Aurangzeb easily outclassed his brothers in the bid for power. In the summer of 1658, Aurangzeb held a coronation durbar, or reception, in the Shalimar-Bagh outside Delhi on the Karnal road.

This probably was done in order to strengthen the morale of his supporters. It was not until the summer of 1659 that a second and more glorious ceremony was performed in the Red Fort at which time Aurangzeb became the new emperor and assumed the title of Alamgir (World Conqueror). During his 30-year reign, Shah Jahan had never expected that his last days would be so utterly tragic. With his old age and his poor health, Shah Jahan could only helplessly watch the serious outbreak of hostility among his sons. Shah Jahan was a mere spectator at the savage contest. The emergence of Aurangzeb as the undisputed victor led to the father's imprisonment in the Agra fort. Tended by Jahanara, his eldest daughter, Shah Jahan was confined to the fort for eight years. According to legend, writes Hambly, when Shah Jahan was on his death-bed, he kept his eyes fixed on the Taj Mahal which was clearly visible from his place of confinement. After his death, Shah Jahan was buried there beside his dead queen, Mumtaz Mahal.

Shah Jahan Shah Jahan The Garden Emperor Shah Jahan was the emperor of the Mughal empire in the Indian Subcontinent from 1628-1658. The name Shah Jahan is derived from Persian and it means Emperor of the world. He was born on 5th January 1592 in Lahore India and he died in 22nd January 1666 in Agra, India. He was the third son of Emperor Jahangir. His full name was Khurran Shihab-ud-din-Muhammad. Royal Lineage As a young price, he commanded his father’s army leading to many campaigns, and it was not until 1623 that he rose in rebellion. When his father died in 1627, he went to Agra to claim the throne after killing all potential rivals the following year, he was crowned and he assumed the throne on 24th January 1628. Shah Jahan was the 5th Mogul emperor of India. He was an able ruler and a competent administrator who aimed at expanding the Mughal Empire. He was a staunch Muslim who was intolerant to Hindus.

He did not support other religions. He employed many non-Muslims at his court but nonetheless showed considerable intolerance to Hinduism and Christianity. During his reign, the empire reached its zenith in luxury and prosperity. Marriage He married Mumtaz Mahal in 1607, who was 14 at the time. Mumtaz Mahal was a name given by her husband after finding her appearance and character outstanding among all the women of the time. Her original name was Arjumandu Banu Bergum. She was a granddaughter of a Persian noble. Despite her pregnancies, Mumtaz Mahal traveled with her husbands entourage throughout his earlier military campaigns and the subsequent rebellions against his father. Love for Art & Architecture Shah Jahan was a student of architecture and art, who took care of even the least detail in any construction that he ordered and lived a lavish life. The perfect and most famous example of his is the Taj Mahal. This is a white marble mausoleum that was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of this 3rd wife Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal died at the age of 39 while giving birth to their 14th child.

The Taj Mahal is the most beautiful tomb in the world where every least detail had been carefully thought out and executed with precision. The tall doorways have text inscribed on them from the Koran. Precious stones such as Onyx, Jasper, Cornelian, Carbuncle, and Malachite among others are studded in the mosaic. Masterpieces Two other masterpieces built by Shah Jahan are the Jama mosque of Delhi, and the Pearl mosque of Agra. He also built a new capital near the city of Old Delhi called Shahjahanabad with its outstanding Red Fort. This emperor also built the Peacock throne which was made out of gold and precious stones. The legs of the peacock were made out of solid gold and twelve emerald pillars supported by an emerald canopy. Each pillar had been intricately carved with 2 peacocks that were studded with diamonds and rubies, and from between the peacocks there was a tree emerging. This tree was covered in pearls, rubies and diamonds. In 1658, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and locked away in a port that he himself had constructed known as the Octagonal Tower.

Due to his age and weakness, he was unable to put up a fight and when he died, his eyes were fixed on the Taj Mahal. Shan Jahan was buried in the glorious tomb next to his wife. One response to “Shah Jahan” Hudu Mohammed skido I want to know why shah jahan was overthrown by his son Leave a Reply Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) | Delhi Guide | Rough Guides Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) Asia » India » Delhi » Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) Though it’s not in fact the oldest part of Delhi, the seventeenth-century city of Shahjahanabad, built for the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, is known as OLD DELHI. Construction began on the city in 1638, and within eleven years it was substantially complete, surrounded by more than 8km of ramparts pierced by fourteen main gates. It boasted a beautiful main thoroughfare, Chandni Chowk, an imposing citadel, the Red Fort (Lal Qila), and an impressive congregational mosque, the Jama Masjid.

Today much of the wall has crumbled, and of the fourteen gates only four remain, but it’s still a fascinating area, crammed with interesting nooks and crannies, though you’ll need stamina, patience, time and probably a fair few chai stops along the way to endure the crowds and traffic. Find out more The Red Fort Delhi, Forts in Delhi, Historical Forts of Delhi, Shah Jahan's Red Fort, Red Colour Fort, Historical Monuments of Delhi, Rang Mahal Ramparts And Gateways After transferring his capital to Delhi from Agra in 1638 Shah Jahan commenced the construction of Shahjahanabad, and a little later, on the 16th April 1639, he also laid the foundation of his citadel, Lal-Qila (Lal-Qal'a) or Red Fort, known also by other names in contemporary accounts. It was completed after nine years on the 16th April 1648. The entire fort is said to have cost about one crore of rupees, half of it on the palaces.

The Red Fort, so called because of the red colour of the stone largely used in it, is octagonal on plan, with two longer sides on the east and west. On the north a bridge with Salimgarh connects the fort. It measures about 900m by 550m, with its rampart walls covering a perimeter of 2.41-km and rising to a height of 33.5m on the town side and 18m along the river. Outside the ramparts runs a moat, originally connected with the river. The places lie along the eastern side of the fort, while two imposing three-storeyed main gateways flanked by semi-octagonal towers and consisting of several apartments are located in the centre of the western and southern sides and are known as the Lahori and Delhi Gates respectively. On the outside, the Delhi Gate is flanked by the statues of two elephants renewed in 1903 by Lord Curzon in place of the ones, which had been demolished long ago by Aurangzeb.

The main entrance to the fort lies through the Lahori Gate and the palaces are reached through a roofed passage, flanked by arcaded apartments called "Chhatta-Chowk" and now used as shops. The other portions were originally occupied by the residences of the courtiers and the retinue. Both the gates were provided later by 'barbicans' by Aurangzeb. There exist three other entrances on other sides, now largely closed. The master builders of the Red fort were Hamid and Ahmad, while the construction was supervised by other officers, who were amply rewarded by the emperor by appointing them to high positions. Most of the buildings in the fort were once occupied by the British army and bear scars of vandalistic acts inflicted on them. Quite a number of the structures were in bad state and were removed after the Mutiny. Naubat-Or Naqqar-Khana The Naubat or 'Naqqar-Khana' (drum house) stands at the entrance of the palace area, and was used for playing music five times a day at propitious hours. It was also called "Hathipol", as visitors dismounted from their elephants (hathi) here.

Faced with red stone, it is a large three-storeyed building, rectangular on plan. Carved designs on its red stone walls appear to have been originally painted with gold, while the interior was painted in other colours. Several layers of these paintings can be traced even now in the entrance chamber. The later Mughal kings Jahandar Shah (1712-13) and Farrukhsiyar (1713-19) are said to have been murdered in the Naubat-Khana. The War Memorial Museum is now housed in its upper storey. The emperor received the general public here and heard their complaints. A marble dais, inlaid with precious stones, stands below the throne and was used by the prime minister for receiving the complaints and petitions. At the back of the canopy the wall is faced with beautiful panels inlaid with multicoloured stones, representing flowers and birds. These panels are said to have been executed by Austin de Bordeaux, Florentine jeweller. In the central panel on the top is shown the Greek god Orpheus with his lute.

The panels were much damaged and at one time removed to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, but were restored in 1903 at the instance of Lord Curzon. Mumtaz Mahal There existed originally six main palaces along the river front, with the 'Nahr-i-Bihisht' (stream of paradise) flowing through them. One of these to the north of the Mumtaz-Mahal, called 'Chhoti Baithak', has disappeared. The emperor received the general public here and heard their complaints. A marble dais, inlaid with precious stones, stands below the throne and was used by the prime minister for receiving the complaints and petitions. At the back of the canopy the wall is faced with beautiful panels inlaid with multicoloured stones, representing flowers and birds. These panels are said to have been executed by Austin de Bordeaux, Florentine jeweller. In the central panel on the top is shown the Greek god Orpheus with his lute. The panels were much damaged and at one time removed to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, but were restored in 1903 at the instance of Lord Curzon.

Diwan-I-Aam The Diwan-i-'Am (hall of public audience) is the next building reached by the visitor. Originally, it had a courtyard on its front. The hall proper, three bays in depth, originally ornamented with gilded stucco work and hung with heavy curtains, is raised on arches springing from pillars and has an impressive facade of nine openings of engrailed arches. At its back stands a marble canopy or baldachin, covered by its 'Bengal' roof, under which stood the emperor's throne. Hammam On the north of the Diwan-i-Khas lies the bathroom set or Hammam, consisting of three apartments separated by corridors. The floors and dados of these apartments are built with marble, inlaid with floral patterns of multicoloured stones. The two rooms on either side of the present entrance were used. It is believed, by the royal children for their bath. The eastern apartment, with three fountain basins, one of which is reputed to have emitted rose-water, was used mainly as the dressing room. There is a basin in the middle of the central room. The western apartment was used for hot or vapour bath, the heating arrangement being fixed in its western wall.

Moti Masjid To the west of the Hammam lies the small mosque, called the Moti-Masjid (pearl mosque), built by Aurangzeb for his personal use. The prayer-hall of the mosque is inlaid with outlines of 'musallas' (small carpets for prayers) in black marble, and it stands at a higher level than the courtyard. The hall is surmounted by three bulbous domes, originally copper-plated, which appear to be too constricted at the neck. The eastern door is provided with copper-plated leaves. The mosque was also used by the ladies of the seraglio. Hayat-Bakhsh Garden And The Pavilions The area north of the Moti-Masjid is occupied by a garden, called the Hayat-Bakhsh-Bagh (life-bestowing garden), divided into squares on the pattern of Mughal gardens with causeways and channels between them. It finds mention in the contemporary accounts, althouth its present layout in new. At the north-eastern corner of the garden is a tower, called "Shah-Burj", now domeless, which suffered much during the Mutiny.

A similar tower known as Asad-Burj stands on the south-eastern corner of the fort. The water for feeding the Nahr-i-Bihisht was apparently lifted up to the Shah-Burj from the river and then carried by channels to the various palaces. The present pavilion adjoining the tower on the south was perhaps built during Aurangzeb's reign. In the centre of the north wall is a marble cascade sloping into a 'scalloped' basin. Two other marble pavilions in the centre of the northern and southern sides of the garden are known as 'Sawan' and 'Bhadon', two principal months of the rainy season, either because they represent those months or were used during those months, but which one is Sawan and Bhadon is not exactly certain. The northern one is provided with a tank with niches for candles in its sides, so that the water cascading over them would create a picturesque effect. On the elevated strip of land along the eastern wall stood two small marble pavilions, built by Bahadur Shah II, the northern one known as Moti-Mahal and the southern one as Hira-Mahal.

The former was removed after the Mutiny; the latter still stands. In the centre of the garden is a large tank with a red stone pavilion in its middle, originally connected by a causeway with the garden. It is known as Zafar-Mahal, after the Nom de Plume of Bahadur Shah II, by whom it was built, in about 1842. An Extravaganza Of Song And Light A "son et lumiere" is presented at the fort every evening, which recreates the magic of events related to the Indian history, particularly those connected with the Red Fort. The show starts after sunset and lasts for an hour. Travel Information Visiting Hours: Sunrise to sunset (Mondays Closed) Entry Fees: Foreigners - Rs 100/- or US $2, Indians - Rs 5/- Children below 15 years of age are allowed free entry. Rs. 2/- per person per museum is charged for entry in three diffrent museums located in Red Fort campus Rs. 2/- per bag is charged for keeping belongings in clock room Photography / Videogrpahy: Still camera is allowed without any charge. Rs. 25/- is charged for movie camera.

Song & Light Show: Rs. 20/- per person In Hindi - At 7pm February-April & September-October, 7.30pm May-August, 6pm November-January In English - 8.30pm February-April & September-October, 9pm May-August, 7.30pm November-January SubscribeNewsletter Forts in Delhi - Delhi Forts - New Delhi India Forts - Historical Forts of Delhi Recommend This Site Forts in Delhi Since the city of Delhi has served as the capital of many empires, several forts were built over a period of time. However, most of the forts in Delhi were constructed during the rule of the Mughals over the city. These strong citadels were constructed both for the purpose of defense as well as residence. Forts of New Delhi boast of splendid architecture and are aesthetically magnificent. Following is a list of the famous forts in Delhi, the capital of India: Red Fort The Red Fort of Delhi is a massive monument built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It took approximately 10 years to complete the Red Fort of Delhi that was started in the year 1638.

Situated on the embankment of river Yamuna, the fort was constructed during the zenith of Mughal Empire. The Red fort was supposed to be the fortress of the Shah Jahan's new capital at Delhi, Shahjahanabad. Today, the Red fort serves as the venue for the Prime Minister's Speech that is given on the Independence Day of the country. Old Fort Old Fort of Delhi is believed to be situated on the same site where the city of Indraprastha once stood. As per the great Indian epic Mahabharta, Indraprastha was the capital city of the Pandavas. Now standing mostly in ruins, the Old Fort of Delhi once served as the seat of administration of a number of glorious emperors. Emperor Sher Shah Suri got the fort constructed after he demolished Humayun's city, Dinpanah. Also known as the Purana Quila, the Old fort is more or less rectangular in shape, with a course of nearly two km. The legend has it that Sher Shah could not complete the construction of Purana Quila during is lifetime.

Tughlaqabad Fort Tughlaqabad Fort, perched on a rocky hill, constitutes one third of the capital city of India. The fort is located on the Qutab-Badarpur Road and was built by Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. The Tuglaqabad Fort seems to be more or less octagonal, with a border of approximately 6.5-km. The ramparts of the fort, now in ruins, are between 10m to 15m high with fortresses and gateways at intervals. The Tughlakhabad at Delhi was built to serve a dual purpose, one of providing a defensive structure to the ruler and the second, to serve as his imposing capital.

Welcome To Official WebSite of Taj Mahal-U.P.Tourism Religious beliefs Islam Shahab Uddin Muhammad Shah Jahan I (full title: Al-Sultan al-'Azam wal Khaqan al-Mukarram, Abu'l-Muzaffar Shahab ud-din Muhammad, Sahib-i-Qiran-i-Sani, Shah Jahan I Padshah Ghazi Zillu'llah [Firdaus-Ashiyani]) ruled India from 1628 until 1658. From ‘Khurram’ to Shah Jahan: The blue-eyed of the Mughal Royals, the young ‘Khurram’ impressed his father the Emperor Jahangir with his intense military successes of 1617 against the Lodi in the Deccan, which effectively secured the southern border of the empire.The grateful father rewarded him with the prestigious title 'Shah Jahan Bahadur ', which implicitly sealed his inheritance.

The name Shah Jahan comes from Persian meaning "King of the World." His early years saw him receive a cultured, broad education and distinguish himself in the martial arts and as a commander of his father's armies in numerous campaigns, where he became responsible for most of the territorial gains of his father's reign. Khurrum also demonstrated a precocious talent for building, impressing his father at the age of 16 when he built his own quarters within Babur's Kabul fort and redesigned several buildings within Agra fort. He was the fifth Mughal ruler after Babur, Humayun, Akbar, and Jahangir. While young, he was a favourite of Akbar. Like Akbar, he was eager to expand his empire. Even while very young, he could be pointed out to be the successor to the Mughal throne after the death of Jahangir. He succeeded to the throne upon his father's death in 1627. He is considered to be one of the greatest Mughals and his reign has been called the Golden Age of Mughals. Shah Jahan erected many splendid monuments, the most famous of which is the Taj Mahal at Agra.

The Pearl Mosque at Agra, the palace and great mosque at Delhi. The celebrated Peacock Throne, said to be worth millions of dollars by modern estimates. He was the founder of Shahjahanabad, now known as 'Old Delhi'. Other creations of Shah Jahan also include the Diwan-i-Am and Diwan-i-Khas within the Red Fort in Delhi. About Shah Jahan, Life History of Shah Jahan Home » Discover Taj Mahal » About Shah Jahan About Shah Jahan Shah Jahan, born on 5th January 1592 was the son of Jahangir and the fifth Mughal Emperor. His reign Was over southern Asia from 1628 to 1658. His reign has been called the Golden Age of the Mughal Also most prosperous once of Indian Civilization. He was the founder of the new royal capital called Shahjahanabad which is presently known as Old Delhi. He was known to be an astute military leader and as well as a skilled and talented builder. There are Proofs of his exceptional building talent present till date in India. The most popular example is the Majestic Taj Mahal, Agra built for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

There were many other splendid Monuments built by him. Some of them are the Agra Fort (Rebuilt by Shahjahan) and Moti Masjid in Agra, the Jama Masjid and Red Fort in Delhi, Diwan-i-am and Diwan-I-khas in the Red Fort in Delhi, etc. It is also believed that he commissioned 777 gardens in Kashmir, which was his favorite residence during Summer season. His building talent has earned the title of “The Builder of the Marvels” for him. In his reign the empire became militarily strong. The noble and the army increased by four times. He Was very careful in the financial and commercial measures which were the reason for the empire’s General stability and the administration was wholly centralized and systemized. Also during his reign India became the biggest and richest centre of arts, crafts and architecture. The famous pea sock throne Of Shahjahan was studded with rubies, sapphires and emerald which made the tail shine as of the live peacock. It is said that Shahjahan’s marriage marked the beginning of some important events in his life. He was Betrothed to Arjumand Banu Begum who was the granddaughter of the Persian Noble.

It is believed That Arjumand became the eternal love of his life. Her appearance and character was elite among all the Women of that time. Because of this Shahjahan gave her the title of Mumtaz Mahal that means “Jewel of the Palace”. Shahjahan’s Love, affection, attention and intimacy for Mumtaz was limitless. The love That he felt for Mumtaz was far greater than the love he felt for any of his other wives or all the love for Materialistic wealth. And also he knew that there would be nobody so special after her in his life. So, he Was willing to squander away everything his possess only to build a memorial that would commemorate The unearthly passion that he felt for Mumtaz Mahal. He was very keen in expanding his empire but unfortunately he fell ill and was imprisoned in Agra Fort By his son Badshah Aurangzeb. He fell ill with strangury and dysentery and died in 1666. His first daughter princess Jahanara organized a state funeral followed by important nobles and notable Citizens of Agra. The officials scattered coins for the poor people.

His body was washed according to Islamic rites in by a river in a sandalwood coffin and was taken to Taj Mahal and was buried next to the Body of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. 24 Hrs Helpline Support: (+91) 9910001555, 9910144283 Email your Query on: support@indianmemoirz.com Red Fort Delhi, Red Fort Sightseeing, Delhi Red Fort Home Delhi Tourism Red Fort Red Fort Delhi This majestic architectural marvel in red reflects an important phase of Indian history. Designated as a World Heritage Site, this fort was built in 1639 by the famous Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the walled city of Old Delhi (in present day Delhi). Today it is one of the most important tourist attractions of Delhi . Its construction took around 9 years. Until 1857 it served as the capital of the Mughals. Later it came under the rule of the British Indian government and served as a military camp until India got its independence.

Originally the fort was named as ‘Qila-e-Mubarak’ (the blessed fort) as it was the abode of the royal family. The fort can be visited on all days, except on Monday from 10 A.M to 4 P.M. Come 15 August and the Red Fort becomes the centre of attention. The Prime Minister prepares to address the nation against the backdrop of the historic Red Fort. Get Tour Quotes The Red Fort was designated as the palace for Shah Jahan' new capital Shahjhanabad. It is an imposing red sandstone construction of eight sides. The key features of the palace are the zenanas( women's quarters:), the Mumtaz Mahal (now a museum), and the larger, lavish Rang Mahal, which is famous for its decorated ceiling and marble pool. Yet another feature is the Khas Mahal, true to its name, contains the imperial chambers. These include a row of suites, prayer rooms, and the Mussaman Burj, a tower built against the fortress walls, from which the emperor would show himself to the people in a daily ceremony.

The next pavilion is the famous Diwan-e-Khas, the lavishly decorated hall of private audience, primarily for ministerial and court gatherings. The art work is floral pietra dura patterns on the columns of the structures, with precious stones and gilding. Another pavilion contains the hammam, or baths, in the Turkish style. Look westwards and one finds a pretty little structure that is pleasing to the eye-the Moti Masjid, the Pearl Mosque. This was a later addition, built in 1659 as a private mosque for Aurangzeb. It is a small, three-domed mosque in carved white marble. The Hayat Bakhsh Bagh, is a large 'Life-Bestowing Garden', which is watered by two channels of water. Travel Details (mandatory) Red Fort, New Delhi Attractions, Attractions in New Delhi, New Delhi Destinations, New Delhi Travel Lanscapes, New Delhi Sightseeings, New Delhi Hotels Red Fort Red Fort Delhi's famous Red Fort is known by that name because of the red stone with which it is built and it is one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. India's history is also closely linked with this fort.

It was from here that the British deposed the last Mughal ruler, Bhadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of the three century long Mughal rule. It was also from its ramparts that the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free form colonial rule. The Red Fort of Delhi was built by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The Red Fort or the Lal Qila is located in the heart of Old Delhi and was previously known as Qila-e-Mu'alla of the then Shahjanabad, Shah Jahan's new capital. Construction of Delhi Red Fort started in 1639 and within a span of 9 years, the colossal structure was built. It took more that 10 million rupees during the reign of Shah Jahan to create this structure in red sandstone. As you enter the Red Fort today, you will find a group of trained guides leaping towards you to adorn in a typically Indian manner to offer their cordiality. You will definitely discover a haven of peace inside the fort after you leave the frantic streets of Old Delhi.

Like most Islamic buildings in India, the Red Fort is octagonal in shape. The Red Fort is 900 meter by 550 meter. The height of its tower is about 33.5 meters. Towards the north, you will find Salimgarh fort. A moat lays outside the Red fort which was previously connected with the Yamuna River. The Red Fort is in fact a daunting structure. The Red Fort has some major attractions inside the fort. They are as follows: Mumtaz Mahal The Hamam The Shah Burj On 15th of August every year the National Flag of India is hoisted at the Red Fort by the Prime Minister, celebrating India's independence. The Red Fort (Lal Qila) | Delhi Guide | Rough Guides The Red Fort (Lal Qila) Share Asia » India » Delhi » Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) » The Red Fort (Lal Qila) The largest of Old Delhi’s monuments is Lal Qila, known in English as the Red Fort because of the red sandstone from which it was built. It was commissioned by Shah Jahan to be his residence and modelled on the fort at Agra.

Work started in 1638, and the emperor moved in ten years later. The fort contains all the trappings you’d expect at the centre of Mughal government: halls of public and private audience, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque and elaborately designed gardens. The ramparts, which stretch for more than 2km, are interrupted by two gates – Lahori Gate to the west, through which you enter, and Delhi Gate to the south. Shah Jahan’s son, Aurangzeb, added barbicans to both gates. In those days, the Yamuna River ran along the eastern wall, feeding both the moat and a “stream of paradise” which ran through every pavilion. As the Mughal Empire declined, the fort fell into disrepair. It was attacked and plundered by the Persian emperor Nadir Shah in 1739, and by the British in 1857. Nevertheless, it remains an impressive testimony to Mughal grandeur. Keep your ticket stub as you will have to show it several times (for example, to enter the museums).

The main entrance to the fort from Lahori Gate opens onto Chatta Chowk, a covered street flanked with arched cells that used to house Delhi’s most talented jewellers, carpet-makers, goldsmiths and silk-weavers, but is now given over to souvenir-sellers. At the end, a path to the left leads to the Museum of the Struggle for Independence, depicting resistance to British rule. Diwan-i-Am The Naubhat Khana (“Musicians’ Gallery”) marked the entrance into the royal quarters. Beyond it, a path leads ahead through wide lawns to the Diwan-i-Am, or Hall of Public Audience, where the emperor used to meet commoners and hold court. In those days it was strewn with silk carpets and partitioned with hanging tapestries. Its centrepiece is a marble dais on which sat the emperor’s throne, surrounded by twelve panels inlaid with precious stones, mostly depicting birds and flowers. The most famous of them, in the middle at the top (and not easy to see), shows the mythological Greek Orpheus with his lute. The panels were made by a Florentine jeweller and imported from Italy, but the surrounding inlay work was done locally.

Rang Mahal The pavilions along the fort’s east wall face spacious gardens and overlook the banks of the Yamuna River. Immediately east of the Diwan-i-Am, Rang Mahal, the “Palace of Colour”, housed the emperor’s wives and mistresses. Originally, its ceiling was overlaid with gold and silver and reflected onto a central pool in the marble floor. Unfortunately, it suffered a lot of vandalism when the British used it as an Officers’ Mess after the 1857 uprising. Mumtaz Mahal The Mumtaz Mahal, south of the main zenana, or women’s quarters, and probably used by princesses, now houses an Archeological Museum, displaying manuscripts, paintings, ceramics and textiles, with a section devoted to the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah II; exhibits include his silk robes and silver hookah pipe. Khas Mahal On the northern side of Rang Mahal, the marble Khas Mahal was the personal palace of the emperor, split into separate apartments for worship, sleeping and sitting.

The southern chamber, Tosh Khana (“Robe Room”), has a stunning marble filigree screen on its north wall, surmounted by a panel carved with the scales of justice. The octagonal tower projecting over the east wall of the Khas Mahal was where the emperor appeared daily before throngs gathered on the riverbanks below. Diwan-i-Khas North of Khas Mahal, in the large Diwan-i-Khas (“Hall of Private Audience”), the emperor would address the highest nobles of his court. Today it’s the finest building in the fort, a marble pavilion shaded by a roof raised on stolid pillars meeting in ornate scalloped arches and embellished with delicate inlays of flowers made from semiprecious stones. On the north and south walls you can still make out the inscription of a couplet in Persian attributed to Shah Jahan’s prime minister, which roughly translates as: “If there be paradise upon this earthly sphere/It is here, oh it is here, oh it is here”. More than just a paean, the verse refers to the deliberate modelling of the gardens on the Koranic description of heaven.

The hammams A little further north are the hammams, or baths, sunk into the marble floor inlaid with patterns of precious stones, and dappled in jewel-coloured light that filters through stained-glass windows. The western chamber contained hot baths while the eastern apartment, with fountains of rosewater, was used as a dressing room. Moti Masjid Next to the hammams, the sweetly fashioned Moti Masjid, or Pearl Mosque, triple-domed in white marble, was added by Aurangzeb in 1659, but unfortunately it’s currently closed to the public. Find out more

Question: What is old Delhi's military fort, built by Shah Jahan, known as?
Answer: The Red Fort