The flag-hoisting tradition ceremony at the red Fort is not only a tribute to the sacrifices made by freedom fighters but also a reminder of the country’s journey towards independence.
History of red Fort
The red Fort was built between 1638 and 1649 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It was not just an architectural marvel, it was the seat of power during the Mughal era. It was after the inauguration of this palace citadel that delhi became the capital of the empire and remained so until the end of the Mughal rule in 1857.The red Fort derives its name from the red sandstone walls.From mid to late 18th century, attacks from the Marathas, Jats, Sikhs and Gurjars weakened the Mughal influence on the red Fort.
By the 19th century, the british expanded their influence in northern india and finally captured delhi in 1803. They started taking control of the red Fort, knowing well that it was the place which will bring them all kinds of trouble.The 1857 rebellion was the first major uprising against colonial rule – the Sepoy Mutiny was the first formal war of Independence. It was during this revolt that the red Fort emerged as an important symbol of the Independence movement since the palace emerged as the foreground of sepoy resistance against Britishers.
After suppressing the rebellion and regaining control over delhi, the british killed most of Bahadur Shah’s sons and made the emperor a prison in his own home. Even after the revolt of 1857, the colonial rulers destroyed the inner structures of the red Fort. Precious artwork, stones and jewels were looted from the palace and Mughal structures like the harem courts, the royal store rooms and kitchens were vandalised.
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