The Red Fort in Mumbai

With a name at least interesting, which comes from the color of its sandstone walls, especially from the warm red, the Red Fort of Mumbai seems rather a burning building, especially when it is in the direct sunlight at sunset. The red bricks are, undoubtedly, the distinctive note of this really impressive building.

In fact, this very special complex was built by Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor who was passionate about all kinds of construction projects that were more or less ambitious. Even more than that, Jahan conceived, in some ways, also the Taj Mahal, so the Red Fort of Mumbai, India, is another stunning example of the Mughal architecture. Of course, there is no use for any comparison between the two buildings, namely between the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort.

Even so, we must admit that the two buildings are emblematic for the Mughal architecture or they are perhaps the most eloquent examples. This fort, for example, had to be the personal paradise of the Shah in the heart of the new city Shahjananabad, which he built himself. The walls with turrets of the fort stretch over a length of 2.4 kilometers and house various buildings, including palaces and luxurious apartments, royal baths and very richly decorated pavilions, where the Shah held private audiences, but also leisurely gardens, very carefully maintained and equipped with fountains.

A motte, which unfortunately dried, once surrounded the fort, being fed by the river Yamuna, which was in close proximity. Today you can enter the fort through the Great Gate of Lahore, and tourists should be aware that this entrance leads towards a souvenir shop called Chatta Chowk, the area which was once full of gossipy ladies of the court, who admired the beautiful jewelry and carpets available for sale.

We warn you in this regard: the souvenir shops in India are crammed with all sorts of people, some of them with intentions that are not quite orthodox regarding the tourists. Of course, this could be an unfounded fear, but one thing is certain: the Indians know how to sell their products, especially to those who have a “Western look”, as they say. Finally, from here, from the souvenir shop, you can easily get to other buildings from the impressive complex. The main attractions are the marble baths, the beautiful Pearl Mosque, built entirely of marble and the private pavilion called Diwan-i-Khas. 

Unfortunately, this has long lost its legendary peacock throne, having the form of two open peacock tails and encrusted with jewels; it only kept its beautiful zigzag arches and the carvings in hard stone zigzag, which makes it even today expressive. The tourists, once in the face of such architectural masterpieces, are downright fascinated by the Mughal expressivity. It is true, on the other hand, that this Mughal expressivity is rather full of extravagance, even if many of these treasures have disappeared.

Instead, this wonderful place, full of an atmosphere of strange beauty, bears the imprint of history, the Red Fort in Mumbai being the main point of interest for the annual events such as the Prime Minister’s speech on Independence Day and the Republic Day parade. Indians see this place as being representative for a large part of their history, of what, at that time, was considered to be not necessarily a treasure, but a necessity. And precisely this need was translated into a true architectural masterpiece and extravagant jewels which were then the evidence of prosperity; nowadays, these represent an irrefutable evidence of history.