Around which year did the construction of the Red Fort in Delhi began?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Red Fort:
Delhi's Red Fort is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. It was commissioned by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan.
Construction began on May 13, 1639. Shah Jahan decided to move his capital from Agra to Delhi, which was renamed Shahjahanabad.
This magnificent fort took approximately nine years to complete and was completed in 1648.
Architect: The chief architect of this fort was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, who also designed the Taj Mahal.
Red sandstone was used in the construction of the fort's walls, which is why it is called the "Red Fort."
Major Structures:
Diwan-i-Am: Where the emperor met with the general public.
Diwan-i-Khas: Where the emperor held meetings with his close ministers and foreign envoys (the famous "Peacock Throne" was kept here).
Nahar-e-Baghisht: A stream of water flowing through the palaces.
Rang Mahal: A palace built for the emperor's wives and maids.
Important Facts:
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Red Fort was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2007.
Symbol of Independence: On August 15, 1947, India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the tricolor flag from here for the first time, a tradition that continues today.