History Behind The Red Fort (lal Qila) Delhi

 

 The Red Fort (lal Qila), Delhi (SOURCE WIKIPEDIA)

Introduction

One of the greatest historical monuments of India is the Red Fort which is commonly referred to as Lal Qila. Located in the centre of Old Delhi, it is an embodiment of the glory of the Mughal Empire and a permanent reminder of the political, cultural and historical process of India. The fort has changed through the centuries into a strong national icon that was once a royal palace.

The Red Fort walls in the background, viewed from the top of Jama Masjid's tower (WIKIPEDIA)

Origin and Early History

The Red Fort is dated back to the 17 th century when the newly established capital of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan transferred his capital to Delhi and left Agra. He built a great city referred to as Shahjahanabad and the central, most significant building of this city was the Red Fort. The purpose of the fort was to show the power of the empire and the royal authority.

Diwan-e-Khas (Wikipedia)

Building of the Red Fort

The Red fort construction started in 1638 and finished in 1648. The fort was constructed mainly of red sandstone which gives it its name and makes it look striking. The decoration was also done with white marble within the palaces and halls. The structure is a combination of Persian, Islamic and Indian architecture, and the architectural perfection of the Mughal dynasty.

The Rung Muhul. The Rang Mahal inside the Red Fort (Wikipedia)

Design and Characteristics of Structure.

Massive walls surround the fort and there are two major gates Lahori Gate and the Delhi gate. The key structures that are located within the compound are the Diwan-i-Aam where the emperor used to speak to the people and the Diwan-i-Khas, used as a private meeting with the nobles and foreigners. The royal residences became beautified, and comfortable with flowing water channels called the Nahr-i-Bihisht.

Significance under the Mughal Rule. The Red Fort was the center of Mughal authority which lasted almost two centuries. It was the seat of government, civilisation, and religion. This fort built the greatest empire in India and from this fort emperor governed their empire and witnessed their rise and subsequent demise. British Period and Decline The British occupied the Red Fort after the Revolt of 1857. Creating numerous sections of the fort, the Mughal character of it was lost and altered to military purposes. Numerous pieces of art and buildings were destroyed at this time and it constituted a very sad part of the history of the fort.

Plaque highlighting Red Fort's layout (Wikipedia)

Participation in Freedom Movement in India.

The Red Fort was significant in the struggle of India to come up with an independent state. These trials were conducted in the form of Indian National Army (INA) that elicited sentiments of great nationalism among Indians. These happenings enhanced the solidarity and will of the people to fight the British rule. Significance since Independence. The Red Fort became a national monument after the independence of India in the year 1947. It was later used as a platform on which the Prime Minister addresses the nation during the Independence Day after hoisting the national flag. The fort has gained this tradition and has become an emblem of the freedom, democracy, and national pride.

Cultural and Tourist Value The Red Fort is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and millions of tourists visit the fort annually. The fort has museums and exhibitions as well as cultural programs that enable individuals to know about the rich past of India. The sound-and-light performance further makes its history come alive to the visitor.

The Delhi Gate, almost identical in appearance to the Lahori Gate (wikipedia)

Geographic Location

The Red Fort was situated in the close vicinity to Yamuna River, thus in Old Delhi, to ensure defense of the city, as well as, facilitate trade and administration. According to historical maps, the immaculate fort was the hub of the city of Shahjahanabad. Conclusion The Red Fort is not merely a historical building, it is an everlasting image of the Indian heritage. It has seen unfold many historic events since the times of Mughal emperors to the period of freedom struggle and in the contemporary India. Even today there is still a reverence, patriotism and appreciation of the rich Indian history with its imprint.

Manikarnika ghat varanasi

 

Photo source Wikipedia

Manikarnika Ghat also known as the burning ghat is the most prominent cremation place of Banaras and unlike any other in India. Most funeral pyres can be found burning at any given time at any place, and the constant procession of bodies wrapped in cloth and tied to bamboo stretchers comes to receive their final rites.

The folks who anticipate intimate captures of the cremations will not get them here. It seems wrong to shoot such intimate and emotional scenes. It is daunting even to view it at a respectable distance. So much is going on at the same time that one can hardly explain the experience. The first time I came I was standing some distance away silently just watching the life going on.

Mythical Foundation of the Name. Mata Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, according to Hindu mythology dropped her earring (Manikarnika) at this point. The place became to be known as Manikarnika Ghat because of this divine event. Another belief is that the Lord Vishnu excavated a hole here using his chakra and Lord Shiva stuffed the hole with his sweat. This holy water source is known as the Manikarnika Kund that is still present within the ghat area.

It only took me a minute to see an incredible combination of a small puppy joyfully pulling at my footwear, several cremations going on around me, people and animals bathing in the river, man mending a boat, a newly married couple being blessed by the river, vendors selling boat rides, illegal drugs, and more. It was not possible to think of such a number of opposing moments in one place at the same time.

Photo source Wikipedia

Manikarnika is not feeling too sad, although it is a cremation ground. To Hindus, it is a blessing to perish in Banaras. Death is not dreaded here because it is said to provide moksha which is the absence of rebirth. The mood is serious, but peaceful, nearly patient, indicating profound religious acceptance of death.

The corpse of the dead is taken on the lanes of the Chauk area which are narrow and winding and then reach the ghat. It is immersed into the Ganga one more time and put on the funeral pyre. Clarified butter (ghee) is applied to the wood and powdered sandalwood is sprinkled over the body, and traditionally to aid in diminishing the odor of burning.

Photo source Wikipedia

The eldest son walks around the pyre wearing white and then lights the pyre. Crying or other signs of grief are not allowed to be shown publicly because they are considered to cause ill fortune to the spirit of the departed. The body is covered with heavy logs to prevent movement due to contraction of muscles in the burning and bamboo sticks are put to make sure the body is completely covered back to ash. After the cremation is done, the son snaps a clay pot containing Ganga water over his shoulder and walks away without glancing back.

Manikarnika Ghat, with temples on both sides of the river is a place that has consistently attracted painters, writers and photographers. It was one of the most familiar views of Banaras, until the first part of the 20 th century. Even historical pictures show the extent of transformation of the ghat in the last century in line with modern construction.

Photo source Wikipedia

Manikarna cremation rituals are widely operated by Dom people. They are in charge of the holy everlasting fire, they provide wood, build pyres, and receive payment to the cremations. Then, the ashes are thoroughly checked on valuables and then placed in the Ganga. The Dom Raja is the head of the community and is a hereditary post, and he lives next to the river.

The lanes around Manikarnika Ghat are also to be visited to have a real understanding of the same. These small streets are full of stores offering incense, shrouds, and ritual materials although wood is the most essential. There are big piles of logs which are cut and dipped in weight. Richer families can use expensive sandalwood and the less affluent use mango wood or even cow dung. In extreme instances, bodies are simply dumped to the river.

Manikarnika is in fact the name of a nearby holy well, Manikarnika Kund, which was believed to have been old even earlier than Kashi. Traditionally, the cremation place was called Jalasai Ghat, which translated to Sleeper on the Waters. A significant portion of the current stone construction was constructed in the 18 th century by Queen Ahilyabai Holka, and thus becoming the first stone ghat in Banaras.

The floods caused by the monsoon commonly drown portions of the ghat which is why cremations were moved to raised platforms built during the early 20 th century.

When a visitor arrives in Varanasi, he or she will find Manikarnika Ghat. It is situated in the middle of the long chain of ghats in the Ganga, and it is one side of India, powerful, spiritual, confronting, and unforgettable.