Why was red fort built?
Right, so the main reason the Red Fort was built is pretty straightforward, mate. The Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, decided to move his capital city from Agra to Delhi back in the 1600s.
He built a whole new city, and he needed a massive new palace. The Red Fort was that palace. It was the emperor’s home and the main centre for his government. It was where all the big decisions were made and where he held his court. They call it the Red Fort because of its huge red sandstone walls.
So, it was basically built to be the new, grand heart of the Mughal Empire. Heaps of history there.
The fort was built primarily for two reasons: defense and luxury. It was a fortified palace—strong walls for protection, but inside you had gardens, halls of audience, and stunning marble structures. It was designed both as a safe seat of government and as a symbol of Mughal sophistication. Its architecture combines Persian, Timurid, and Indian influences, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.
Red Fort wasn’t just "built" randomly—it was part of Shah Jahan’s vision of a new city, Shahjahanabad. The fort was the centerpiece of this walled city. From here, emperors ruled for nearly 200 years. Later, it became a site of colonial interest when the British took over. And now, it’s the spot from which India’s Prime Minister hoists the national flag every Independence Day. So its purpose has evolved—from royal palace to national symbol.
The Red Fort in Delhi was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century (construction began in 1638 and completed around 1648). The main purpose was to serve as the new capital of the Mughal Empire after Shah Jahan decided to shift his court from Agra to Delhi. It wasn’t just a military fort; it was also a political and ceremonial center. The fort symbolized the power, grandeur, and architectural brilliance of the Mughal dynasty.
A fun fact: the Red Fort is actually made of red sandstone, which gives it that iconic look. But parts of the inside were made of white marble and were inlaid with precious stones. Unfortunately, much of that was looted after the 1857 revolt. Still, the structure stands as testimony to why it was built—to showcase Mughal wealth and power.