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The Construction
Built during the reign of Shah Jahan, the Lal Qila (or
Red Fort) has been a mute witness to innumerable conspiracies,
scandals, battles..... Completed in a span of nine years, it cost
about ten million rupees , with about half the sum going towards the
building of palaces.
The fort is octagonal in shape, like most Islamic buildings in
India. The north of the fort is connected to the smaller Salimgarh
fort. The Red Fort is an intimidating structure. It measures 900m by
550m, with its rampart walls covering a perimeter of 2.41km. It
towers at a height of 33.5m. On the outside, you can still see the
moat that was originally connected with the Yamuna River.
The Major Gateways
Besides the Lahori Gate, the entry point is the Hathipol (elephant
gate), where the king and his visitors would dismount from their
elephants. The other major attractions of the Red Fort are the
Mumtaz Mahal, the Rang Mahal, the Khas Mahal, the Diwan-i-Am, the
Diwan-i-Khas, the Hamam and the Shah Burj.
Every year, on the 15th of August, the National Flag of India is
hoisted at the Red Fort by the Prime Minister , celebrating India's
independence.
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