India recently celebrated its 77th Independence Day, drawing attention once again to the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. This article explores the historical and symbolic significances of the Red Fort, its transformation under British rule, and its pivotal role in India’s Independence Day celebrations.
The Historical Significance of Red Fort
Delhi played a central role during the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1506). Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, named Delhi the ‘capital of all Hindustan’ in the 16th century. Despite brief relocations, such as Akbar shifting his capital to Agra, Delhi was reinstated as the capital under Shah Jahan, who established Shahjahanabad – known today as Old Delhi – in 1648. Shah Jahan also initiated the construction of his citadel, the Red Fort, known as Lal-Qila.
The Symbolic Significance of the Mughal Emperor
By the 18th century, though the Mughal Empire had lost most of its territories and power, some sections of Indian society still regarded them as symbolic rulers. This reverence was particularly seen among those who opposed British colonialism. The 1857 Rebellion cemented this sentiment, as people marched towards the Red Fort, declaring the aged Bahadur Shah Zafar as their leader.
British Imperial Rule and The Transformation of The Red Fort
Following the squashing of the 1857 Rebellion, the British aimed to eliminate the Mughal legacy by razing Shahjahanabad. However, they spared the Red Fort but stripped it of its grandeur, looted artworks, and replaced inner structures with British buildings, leaving a lasting imprint of British imperial authority on the fort.
Moreover, the British acknowledged Delhi’s symbolic potency. The Delhi Durbar ceremonies underscored their dominance, proclaiming the monarch as the Emperor of India. In 1911, British rulers moved their capital to Delhi, constructing a new city that embodied the Indian ethos and centralized authority.
Red Fort: The Venue for India’s Independence Day Celebration
In the 1940s, the Red Fort’s symbolism was further elevated with the trials of the Indian National Army (INA). These events amplified sympathy for the INA, strengthening nationalist sentiments against British rule and reinforcing the fort’s role as a symbol of resistance.
As India neared independence, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister, decided to hoist the national flag at the Red Fort. On August 15, 1947, Nehru hoisted the National flag “Tiranaga” at Princess Park. His historic “Tryst with Destiny” speech followed at the Red Fort on August 16, 1947. This act symbolized the reclaiming of the fort from British colonial rule and the assertion of India’s sovereignty and identity. Since then, the Prime Minister of India traditionally hoists the national flag and addresses the nation from the Red Fort every Independence Day.
About The Red Fort
The Red Fort, named for the red stone used in its structure, is an octagonal masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a symbol of their cultural and artistic achievements. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and features on the reverse side of the new 500 rupee note.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) oversees the Red Fort’s conservation and maintenance, installing facilities for visitors such as museums, galleries, audio guides, and light and sound shows.
