New Delhi: The Red Fort is one of the most historic forts in India. It was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi and was the imperial seat of the Mughals till the fall of the empire and its official abolishment in 1857. Architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal, designed the fort and is considered to be one of the best examples of Mughal architecture. Notably, Red Fort is one of the most important places, rather, arguably the focal point of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15. How? Read on to find more.
How does the Red Fort become important on Independence Day?
The speech and flag hoisting of Jawaharlal Nehru
The Red Fort became the main venue of the Independence Day celebrations due to the history associated with it. On August 15, 1947, it was in the Lahori Gate, the main entrance of the Red Fort that Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India hoisted the national flag. Furthermore, it was from the ramparts of this historic fort that he delivered his first speech as Prime Minister on August 15, 1947.
The tradition of India’s Prime Ministers
The Prime Ministers who succeeded Jawaharlal Nehru continued the tradition initiated by the first PM of our country. Every year on August 15, during the Independence Day celebrations, the Prime Minister of India hoists the Tricolour at the Red Fort and from its ramparts, delivers a speech which is broadcast to every corner of the country. Notably, the fort appears on the back of the Rs 500 note.
Did the British demolish the Red Fort?
Yes. Even though the Red Fort was not a place of engagement during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, it faced the wrath of the British administration. After the rebellion ended, the British sacked the fort and ordered its destruction. They demolished around 80 per cent of its buildings and removed all furniture. While they spared the defensive walls and towers, the British demolished over two-thirds of the inner structures of this historic fort.
The Red Fort became the main venue of the Independence Day celebrations due to the history associated with it. On August 15, 1947, it was at the Lahori Gate where Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
