Mughal Monuments

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb was built for Humayun’s widow, Hamida Banu Begum. Designed by a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, the construction began in 1562 and was completed in 1565. The tomb established a standard for all later Mughal monuments, which followed its design, most notably the Taj Mahal.

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Purana Quila

The Purana Quila (Old Fort) is a very good example of Mughal military architecture. Built by Pandavas and was later renovated by Humayun, and further changes were made by Sher Shah Suri, the Purana Quila is a monument of bold design, which is strong, straightforward, and every inch a fortress. It is different from the well-planned, carefully decorated, and palatial forts of the later Mughal rulers. Purana Quila is also different from the later forts of the Mughals, as it does not have a complex of palaces, administrative, and recreational buildings as is generally found in the forts built later on. The main purpose of this now dilapidated fort was its utility with less emphasis on decoration. The Qal’a-I-Kunha Masjid and the Sher are two important monuments inside the fort.

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Red Fort

The decision for constructing the Red Fort was made in 1639, when Shah Jahan decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. Within eight years, Shahjahanabad was completed with the Red Fort-Qila-i-Mubarak (fortunate citadel) — Delhi’s seventh fort — ready in all its magnificence to receive the Emperor. Though much has changed with the large-scale demolitions during the British occupation of the fort, its important structures have survived. On every independence day the Flag of India is hoisted by the Prime Minister of India here.

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Salimgarh Fort

Salimgarh Fort, which is now part of the Red Fort complex, was constructed on an island of the Yamuna River in 1546. But a gate called the Bahadur Shahi Gate for entry into the Fort from the northern side was constructed only in 1854-55 by Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal ruler of India. The gate was built in brick masonry with moderate use of red sandstone. The fort was used during the Uprising in 1857 and as a prison which housed Zebunnisa daughter of Aurangzeb and the British imprisoned the freedom fighters of the INA. The layout of the Red Fort was organized to keep and integrate this site with the Salimgarh Fort through the Bahadur Shahi Gate. The fort has been renamed as Swatantrata Senani Smarak and a plaque at the entrance to the fort attests to this.

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Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk, a main marketplace in Delhi, keeps alive the city’s living legacy of Shahjahanabad. Created by Shah Jahan the builder of Taj Mahal, the old city, with the Red Fort as its focal point and Jama Masjid as the praying centre, has a fascinating market called Chandni Chowk. Legend has it that Shah Jahan planned Chandni Chowk so that his daughter could shop for all that she wanted. The market was divided by canals. The canals are now closed, but Chandni Chowk remains Asia’s largest wholesale market. Crafts once patronized by the Mughals continue to flourish there. Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in central north Delhi, the Laal Quila (The Red Fort) and Fateh Puri Masjid. With the most famous mosque of Delhi Jama Masjid in the vicinity, along with Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Jain Mandir and a lot of small temples, the place witnesses a genuine cultural harmony.

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Safdarjung’s Tomb

The Safdarjung’s Tomb is a garden tomb in a marble mausoleum.

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Reference – Wikipedia