Dilli's Red Fort: by the Jamuna presents the story of the imposing Fort in red sandstone built by the Mughal emperor Shayjahan (1628-58). Originally known as Qila-I-Mubarak-the Fortunate or Auspicious Citadel-its construction began in April 1639 and was completed in 1648. In 1659-60 Shahjahan's son and successor Aurangzeb built the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), while in 1809, Akbar II added a balcony projecting from the central side of the Mussaman Burj. The Moti Mahal, the Hira Mahal and the Zafar Mahal were added by the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar. A lieu replete with history, 'mutineers' defended the Fort fiercely against the British during the 1857 uprising. In the aftermath, the British demolished many structures within the Fort replacing them with barracks. Under the British, the Fort also doubled up as a criminal court. The first trial held here was that of Bahadur Shah Zafar, charged for treason by the British for his involvement in the 1857 uprising. The historic 1945 trial of the INA soldiers was also held at the Red Fort. Two years later, on 15 August 1947, when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled independent India's flag from the Fort's ramparts, the Red Fort, a monument that recorded some watershed moments of the anti-colonial struggle, became India's lasting symbol of Independence. On 28 June 2007, the Red Fort was declared a World Heritage Site.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR N.L. Batra
N.L. Batra (A.M.I.E., Civil) is an associate member of Institute of Engineers (India). He is currently holding the post of Superintending Archaeological Engineer In Archaeological Survey of India which Is a pioneer organization In dealing with the conservation and preservation of monuments of national Importance spread over the entire length and breadth of the country. In practice Shri Batra has been deeply Involved with the Archaeological Survey of India dealing with architectural studies of ancient buildings of historical Importance, reporting and advising for essential repairs to the monuments in distress. He has been engaged throughout his career of four decades service in this organization in documenting, surveying, executing and monitoring the large-scale conservation works of different kinds and variations. Prior to this present position, he in the capacity of Assistant Director has been independently holding the charge of conservation faculty In the Institute of Archaeology for a period of five years. He has been organizing the course in conservation and preservation of monuments for the postgraduate students in archaeology and professional engineers and architects. He has been lecturing to these students on various aspects of conservation in the institute and Imparting field training by touring to different places in India. He, as an invitee, has been lecturing in the Delhi Development Authority for the course "Environmental Pollution and Urban Development". He has also been lecturing on several topics in conservation and preservation of monuments In the National Museum Institute, New Delhi. He has also contributed several articles on the conservation of monuments dealing with different aspects on the subject while participating in international and national seminars.
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