Delhi: Red Fort

The sandstone walls of Delhi's Red Fort are 2km in circumference and vary in height from 18 meters on the river side and 33 meters on the city side. Shah Jehan started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and it was completed ten years later. The red fort was built during the peak of mughal power.

In the past the Yamuna River flowed right by the eastern edge of the fort and filled the moat with 10 meters of water. Now, the river flows over a kilometer away and the moat is dry.

Shah Jehan never moved completely to the city within Red Fort because he was imprisoned in Agra by his loving son Aurangzeb.

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Above: To enter the fort, you pass through Chatta Chowk (Covered Bazaar). Where the shops used to sell goods to the royal household.

Left: Inside are several amazing buildings. Including the Diwan-i-am (Hall of public audiences) where the emperer would hear complaints, disputes, etc from his subjects.

Tuesday, November 9, 2004:
Today was a slower day, as yesterday was packed with sights and goodies. I did go to the big hindu temple today and sprinkled flowers at the feet of lord vishnu and asked for good luck ... I then found the perfect holiday presents for friends. SO I guess he answered my prayers. Although that isn't exactly what I was asking for. Maybe that will come later.

My guide is hindu and she told me the story of lord brahma and his many incarnations as krishna, rama and ultimately buddha. All a lot to learn in one afternoon. After buying goodies for everyone, a gentleman at the store offered me a small gift, a ganesh. He said that it was for me- because I had bought so many presents for others and nothing for myself. Isn't that sweet?

Journal Continued:
Then I went to red fort. Red fort was very impressive. I can just imagine the Shah sitting there on the throne of golden peacock feathers surrounded by walls of intricately carved marble inlaid with precious stones. Unfortunately, the Shah of Iran, then Persia, looted the whole place. That is really sad. I would have loved to see the place at the time of his peak. Especially with the cooling river flowing right down the center of the palace. That must have been soothing.

Right: Indian tourists from all over come to see the red fort. This group was from Gujarat I think.

Left: Diwan-i-khas (the hall of private audiences) is constructed of white marble. It was the luxurious chamber where the shah would hold his "private" meetings.

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Right: A view of the many rooms of the inner palaces of the red fort. In the past a stream of water ran through the center of the buildings to help keep them cool in the hot months. Jasmin petals were sprinkled about to make it smell very nice!