Important Features of Red Fort New Delhi
The Khas Mahal , south of the Diwan-i-Khas, was the emperor’s private place. It was divided into rooms for worship, sleeping and living, with carved walls and painted ceilings.
The Rang Mahal (palace of colour), farther south again, took its name from its vividly painted interior, now long gone. This was the residence of emperor’s chief wife and is where he dined. On the floor in the centre there’s an exquisitely carved marble lotus; the water flowing along the channel from the Shah Burj would end up here.
Relics from the Mughal era displayed at the museum of Archaeology in the Mumtaz Mahal, once the women’s quarters, still further south along the eastern wall.
From Lal Qila you can cross via a bridge to the impressive, much-restored fortifications of Salimgarh (1540-55), occupied by the Indian Army until recently. This earlier fort was built by Salim Shah.
Each evening (except Monday) this one hour show gives Red Fort history the coloured-spotlight and portentous-voice-over treatment. It’s great, if only to see the fort by night. Tickets are available from the fort’s ticket kiosk. Bring mosquito repellent.
Further Readings: Taj Mahal Agra and Hotel Booking India
