Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639, the Red Fort in Delhi served as the principal residence of the Mughal emperors until 1857. Designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori—the same architect behind the Taj Mahal—it fuses Persian and Islamic styles with local design traditions. Its towering red sandstone walls, ornate pavilions, and ceremonial halls stand as enduring symbols of Mughal power and craftsmanship.

The fort witnessed pivotal historical moments, including the first raising of India’s tricolour by Jawaharlal Nehru on August 15, 1947—a tradition carried on during Independence Day celebrations at the Lahori Gate. Encompassing 254 acres and encircled by imposing ramparts, the complex features both public spaces and private chambers. Wander through the Diwan-i-Am, where emperors addressed the public, or the Diwan-i-Khas, the more intimate Hall of Private Audience. Together, they offer a window into the grandeur and daily life of the Mughal court.