Lal Quila also called the Red Fort is one of the most important monuments of India. It stands on the bank of river Yamuna. The whole structure is made of Red stone. The fort was built by Shahjahan - the Mughal King who also built the famous Taj Mahal - in 1648. Shahjahan called it the Uru-Muhalla. Shahjahan shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi and Red Fort was the new capital. Lal Quila stands at the eastern side of Shahjahanabad and the very name of "Lal Quila" comes from the huge wall that encloses the whole structure. The wall is 2.5 km long and the height varies from 16 meters on the river side to 33 meters towards the city. Red Fort has a hall for public audience - The Diwan-e-Aam - and a hall for private audience - Diwan-e-Khas. The Diwan-e-Aam was used by the Mughal emperors to hold court and to meet dignitaries and foreign emissaries. Like most Islamic buildings in India, the Red Fort is octagonal in shape. The Red Fort is 900 meter by 550 meter. The height of its tower is about 33.5 meters. Towards the north, you will find Salimgarh fort. A moat lays outside the Red fort which was previously connected with the Yamuna River. The Red Fort is in fact a daunting structure.
