GK: When Was The Red Fort Built? History & Significance Of The Iconic Monument

A powerful car explosion near the Red Fort in Old Delhi at around 6:55 pm on November 10, 2025 shook the entire city. A car parked near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station suddenly exploded, causing a fire that destroyed three or four nearby vehicles. According to Delhi Police, 12 people have been reported dead and more than 24 injured. Many of the injured have been admitted to LNJP Hospital, where security has been tightened. Following this incident, the Red Fort is in the headlines.

In 1638, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan chose to make Delhi his capital, moving from Agra. He commissioned the construction of a new grand fort on the site of the old Salimgarh Fort, with the foundation stone laid on April 29, 1638. Thousands of laborers worked

tirelessly, bringing in red sandstone and marble, and after ten years, the fort was completed in 1648.

Building such a large structure without machinery in those times was a remarkable achievement. Shah Jahan aimed to establish Delhi as a strong Mughal center, and this fort symbolised that ambition.

Originally situated along the banks of the Yamuna River, the fort is now distanced from the river due to encroachment and city expansion. Covering 250 acres, its walls stretch for 2.5 kilometers, with a height of 18 meters on the Yamuna side and 33 meters on the Chandni Chowk side.

The fort originally had six gates, but now only three remain: the Lahore Gate (main entrance), the Delhi Gate, and the Khizri Gate. Entering through the Lahore Gate, one can find the Chatta Chowk, a vaulted hall with shops. The walls are inlaid with multicoloured stones depicting flowers, leaves, and birds, and above is the Greek god Orpheus playing a flute. Inside, there are rows of palaces. At the southern end, the Mumtaz Mahal is made of marble, featuring six rooms and a basement.

Nearby, the Rang Mahal, decorated with paintings, has marble chairs in its north and south rooms. Sheesh Mahal a palace embellished with tiny mirrors that reflect the light of lamps into thousands of flames is located there. The Paradise Canal ran through the centre, featuring a marble cistern and an ivory fountain. A waterfall adorned the northern wall, with water constantly flowing in the conch-shaped pond. At that time, the total cost of constructing the Red Fort was around Rs 1 crore.

The fort was named Red Fort because of the red stones used in its construction, but its original name was Qila-e-Mubarak. Interestingly, the fort was initially white, plastered with limestone. When the plaster began to deteriorate over time, the British painted it red. Some historians argue that the red sandstone was the reason behind the name Red Fort. There are also differing opinions on the name Shah Jahan originally gave it. It is said that the British destroyed some parts of the interior.

Since India gained independence on August 15, 1947, the Indian Prime Minister has hoisted the flag here every year. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 2007. Millions of tourists visit the site every year, but today’s blast has shocked everyone.

Blast Near Red Fort On November 10

Reports indicate that the blast near the Red Fort Metro Gate was so powerful that it shattered nearby streetlights. Windows shattered, and vibrations were felt up to 700-900 meters away. An eyewitness described it as if an earthquake had struck, shaking the ground.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha stated that the blast occurred in a car stopped at a red light, and an investigation is underway. Forensic teams are on the scene. The entire area has been sealed off.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation and spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah. Following the blast, a high alert has been issued in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Uttar Pradesh. Police have increased checking at all checkpoints. This incident is even more concerning because it occurred near a historical site like the Red Fort.