Delhi: Red Fort - Revision history

Jyoti: /* Architecture, décor */

2025-12-08T14:52:28Z

‎Architecture, décor

Jyoti: /* Museums */

2025-04-10T16:55:22Z

‎Museums

Jyoti: /* Zafar Mahal */

2022-12-26T17:40:29Z

‎Zafar Mahal

Jyoti: /* Chhatta Bazaar */

2022-09-04T20:53:50Z

‎Chhatta Bazaar

Jyoti: /* Zafar Mahal */

2022-01-29T18:50:32Z

‎Zafar Mahal

Jyoti: /* Museums */

2022-01-29T18:19:48Z

‎Museums

Jyoti: /* 2019: 4 new museums */

2021-04-13T07:10:03Z

‎2019: 4 new museums

Jyoti: /* Chhatta Bazaar */

2021-02-10T17:05:00Z

‎Chhatta Bazaar

Jyoti: /* Mangey Bridge */

2020-11-17T20:07:00Z

‎Mangey Bridge

Jyoti: /* Architecture, décor */

2019-02-16T19:09:30Z

‎Architecture, décor

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:52, 8 December 2025
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	ASI hopes to unearth new, hidden information about the Red Fort from these exposed paintings. Through the centuries, Red Fort has undergone many changes. Historians say the fort is witness to many historical events, and each change within the fort is monumental. “The paintings over the Chatta Bazaar are similar testaments to many years of being under different rulers. Each painting tells a different story and we would like visitors to be able to view these paintings as well,” said an official.		ASI hopes to unearth new, hidden information about the Red Fort from these exposed paintings. Through the centuries, Red Fort has undergone many changes. Historians say the fort is witness to many historical events, and each change within the fort is monumental. “The paintings over the Chatta Bazaar are similar testaments to many years of being under different rulers. Each painting tells a different story and we would like visitors to be able to view these paintings as well,” said an official.
		+
		+	=Chambers sealed for military use=
		+	==As of 2025==
		+	[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=17_11_2025_003_001_cap_TOI Anuja.Jaiswal, Nov 17, 2025: ''The Times of India'']
		+
		+	[[File: Delhi Gate.jpg\|Delhi Gate <br/> From: [https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=17_11_2025_003_001_cap_TOI Anuja.Jaiswal, Nov 17, 2025: ''The Times of India'']\|frame\|500px]]
		+
		+	[[File: Lahori Gate.jpg\|Lahori Gate <br/> From: [https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=17_11_2025_003_001_cap_TOI Anuja.Jaiswal, Nov 17, 2025: ''The Times of India'']\|frame\|500px]]
		+
		+
		+	New Delhi : The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begun an extensive conservation project to restore the Delhi Gate and Lahori Gate complexes of the Red Fort — two of the fort’s grandest entryways built by Emperor Shah Jahan nearly four centuries ago.
		+
		+	The Rs 2.4-crore project aims to revive the original Mughal architecture and reopen dozens of long-sealed arched chambers that have remained hidden from public view for decades.
		+
		+	The ongoing work focuses on reviving the architectural character of the inner cells — the vaulted rooms and corridors flanking both gates — that were closed or altered over the years by the British and later, the Indian Army. ASI officials said the work involves dismantling later additions, reopening arches and staircases that were sealed, and restoring the intricate plasterwork and motifs typical of the Mughal period.  “There are approximately 40 to 41 cells between the Delhi Gate and Asad Burj, of which 18 were completely closed,” said an ASI official, adding, “Some were sealed during the British rule before the fort was handed over to ASI in 2003, and others were modified when the Indian Army was stationed here. We are now dismantling those structures and restoring the arches, stairways and decorative features to the original Mughal form.”
		+
		+	Built of red sandstone and flanked by octagonal towers, the Delhi Gate served as the fort’s southern ceremonial entrance, used by courtiers and visitors. The emperor and his nobles entered through the Lahori Gate — the main gateway that opened into the bustling Chatta Bazaar. Over the years, the British added partitions and walls for barracks and stores, blocking several original arches. The current restoration aims to remove these layers and restore the fort’s symmetry.
		+
		+	Work on the Delhi Gate stretch began in the last week of October, covering about 40 arches between the gate and Asad Burj. Around 17 to 18 of these arches are being reopened immediately, while plastering, pointing and ornamental work will continue for the next few months. Major structural restoration is expected to be completed by the end of November. The Delhi Gate work alone will cost around Rs 1 crore.
		+
		+	Parallel conservation efforts are underway at the Lahori Gate, the fort’s principal entrance, where about 37 cells are being restored along the stretch from Chatta Bazaar to the Mor Van, or Peacock Garden, near the CISF girls’ hostel. “We are reopening arches, restoring old plaster patterns, and adding castiron gates so the restored spaces can later be adapted for exhibitions or guided tours,” another ASI official said.  For over a century, these gateway complexes remained closed to the public. The British sealed several chambers for military use, and the Indian Army later made structural modifications to suit its needs. ASI’s restoration now aims to peel back those additions and bring back the Mughal form using traditional materials and techniques.
		+
		+	According to the ASI, the Red Fort has two principal gates — Lahori Gate on the west and Delhi Gate on the south — both built between 1639 and 1648 as part of Shah Jahan’s capital, Shahjahanabad. Designed to combine strength and splendour, these gateways are among the finest surviving examples of Mughal architecture.
		+
		+	Once the restoration is complete, visitors entering or exiting through the gates will experience the fort closer to its 17th-century grandeur — its arches open, its facades detailed with Mughal artistry, and its corridors breathing again. “We are not just repairing walls; we are restoring the spirit of the fort,” said an ASI official. “Visitors will finally be able to experience these gateways as Shah Jahan envisioned them — majestic, symmetrical and alive with history.”
		+
		+	The project, expected to continue in phases through early 2026, is part of ASI’s larger effort to conserve lesserseen areas of the Red Fort and enhance public access while preserving its authenticity.
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		+	[[Category:History\|D DELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORT
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		+	[[Category:India\|D DELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORT
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		+	[[Category:Places\|D DELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORT
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	=Chhatta Bazaar=		=Chhatta Bazaar=

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:55, 10 April 2025
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	He felt that Red Fort was ideal for a museum on arms because “this is where Indian history played out”. He said, “This Mughal structure is iconic and we have a suitably huge collection of Mughal armament, for instance, the bow of Bahadur Shah Zafar and the inscribed body armour of Aurangzeb. It is only fitting these items find a home in the fort.”		He felt that Red Fort was ideal for a museum on arms because “this is where Indian history played out”. He said, “This Mughal structure is iconic and we have a suitably huge collection of Mughal armament, for instance, the bow of Bahadur Shah Zafar and the inscribed body armour of Aurangzeb. It is only fitting these items find a home in the fort.”
		+
		+
		+	=Reuse=
		+	==2025: Red Fort… and Dhan Mill Compound, Chhatarpur==
		+	[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=30_03_2025_004_016_cap_TOI Meghna Dhulia, March 30, 2025: ''The Times of India'']
		+
		+	In the heart of Delhi, where history whispers from every corner, a quiet revolution is taking place—an evolution of spaces that once held the weight of the past, now embracing the future.
		+
		+	The barracks at Red Fort have also experienced a remarkable transformation, shifting from military halls to museum spaces through the innovative process of adaptive reuse.
		+
		+	A symbol of India’s rich heritage, the fort once housed five colonial-era barracks that served both British and Indian Army personnel. Built over a century ago, these three-storey, red-and-white stone structures, each spanning over 30,000 square feet, stand in stark contrast to the Mughal splendour of the fort. While their construction resulted in the demolition of parts of the original fort, these barracks have now been repurposed as museums, adding a unique touch to their historical significance.
		+
		+	Each barrack tells a unique chapter of India’s history—B1 delves into the 1857 uprising, B2 remembers the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, B3 honours Netaji Bose and the INA, L4 highlights lesserknown freedom fighters, and L3 reflects on the Red Fort’s own journey through time.
		+
		+	“We were given the task of transforming the L3 barrack into an experience that tells the story of Red Fort before visitors even step inside the main fort. The brief was clear—create an experiential museum. Our journey began by closely studying the building itself,” said Prashul Sharma, who was part of the team of Design Factory India that worked on the project ideated by Dalmia Bharat.
		+
		+	Sharma shared how the path to the transformation had to be shaped around the discoveries they made along the way, as many unique and unexpected findings emerged during the process.
		+
		+	“As we started chipping off the plaster, we uncovered ornamental stones that had been hidden beneath. It was a fascinating discovery. No one had known they were there. It became clear that this structure had many layers— literally and figuratively. Beneath the plaster was ornate stonework, and under that, we found specialised bricks—larger, broader and uniquely shaped. This shape and structure had to be specially designed,” he said.
		+
		+	He added, “In adaptive reuse, we understand the building’s needs. For instance, to make the museum space comfortable for visitors, airconditioning was essential. We also incorporated projectors and immersive elements, but the key was to ensure nothing merged directly with the original walls. The floor and ceiling were kept separate from the walls, and all the air ducts and LED lights were installed without touching the structure”.
		+	Many attempts were made to preserve the authenticity of the original structure. For example, the restoration team used glass in the arches to maintain the oldworld charm, and any additional materials, like terracotta colours, were chosen to match the original aesthetic. The flooring is red sandstone, faithfully recreated to mirror the original design and feel of the barracks
		+
		+	“The process itself was incredibly challenging. We couldn’t touch certain areas due to safety, and working inside an archaeological site meant everything had to be done very carefully, often by hand. Getting materials inside Red Fort was a logistical nightmare because of security and safety protocols, so every move had to be carefully planned,” said Sharma.
		+
		+	He added, “Though the project went smoothly overall, we did face unexpected setbacks. Right before the inauguration, violence broke out when farmers entered Red Fort, and several installations were destroyed. Our team was on-site during this time and worked round the clock to ensure the project remained on track”.
		+	In south Delhi, the Dhan Mill Compound, spread over 4.5 acres, stands as a visual delight. The Jain family owners purchased the property, located in Chhatarpur, in 1978. Initially, they set up a granary, later converting it into warehouses.
		+
		+	“My father decided to exit the warehousing business when approached by property dealers offering high rents. We agreed, and thus began Dhan Mill’s new journey,” explained Gunjan Jain, who now manages the compound alongside her brother, Rishabh Jain.
		+
		+	This transformation was a gradual process. “We started leasing out the space in parts, and it evolved in stages. Since the building was old, we had to carefully consider many factors. We ensured that the facade was preserved, no matter who rented the space. Given that it was once used as a warehouse, the spaces were large, so we divided them into parts accordingly. We also reinforced the structure wherever necessary,” said Jain.
		+	She added, “We were selective about who took up the spaces, wanting to create a unique environment with brands that matched the vibe of the place. You won’t find anything mainstream here.”
		+
		+	Today, the Dhan Mill Compound is a popular destination for shopping, dining and exploring the works of some of the finest artists and designers. With over 65 boutiques, each carefully curated for discerning tastes, the evenings at Dhan Mill are as bright as the string lights adorning the complex. Its landscaped streets and open-air walkways offer an escape from the city's hustle and bustle, complemented by cafes and art galleries.
		+	In a similar vein, the Rajghat thermal power plant, which ceased operations in 2015 due to environmental concerns, is set to undergo a transformation. The plant’s turbines, coal conveyor belts and sootcovered chimney are likely to be replaced with gaming zones, nighttime entertainment, shopping and water recreation.
		+	Commissioned in 1989, the coal-based plant sprawled across 28 acres, but now Delhi Development Authority has engaged an expert agency to convert the site into an entertainment hub under public-private partnership. The new complex is expected to feature a 5D museum showcasing the thermal power plant’s operations, along with facilities for shopping, food, gaming, nightlife, children’s activities, and water-based recreation. In 2023, the plant’s chimney, long seen as an eyesore, was illuminated with the Tricolour, symbolising the beginning of a new chapter for the site.
		+
		+	Delhi's journey from the grand echoes of its past to a contemporary urban landscape is a testament to the power of adaptive reuse, proving that heritage and modernity can coexist in harmony. This quiet revolution is not merely about preserving history; it is about breathing new life into forgotten spaces, transforming them into thriving hubs of culture, commerce and creativity. As these old walls embrace new purposes, they continue to tell their stories, inspiring a city that is rooted in tradition and is boldly stepping into the future.
		+
		+	[[Category:History\|D DELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORT
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		+	[[Category:India\|D DELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORT
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	=Zafar Mahal=		=Zafar Mahal=

@@ Line 331: / Line 331: @@
 The structure, Safvi said, was situated in the Hayat Bakhsh Garden, or ‘life-giving garden’, which bore flowering and fruit trees and was a place for the emperor to rest. “Originally, a red sandstone bridge led to the pavilion, but it was probably lost at some point in time,” she added.
-[[Category:History|D DELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORT
+==As in 2022==
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+[[Category:India|D DELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORT
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-[[Category:Pages with broken file links|DELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORT
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← Older revision		Revision as of 20:53, 4 September 2022
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	“We traced impressions of the paintings wherever we could see or detect them, and then slowly worked to remove the layers of lime to expose the paintings. And the plaster was slowly peeled away,” said an official. In some places, the paintings were so delicate that only small portions could be exposed and ASI did not expose the whole painting fearing damage. The work started in October, 2017 and was completed by 2018-end.		“We traced impressions of the paintings wherever we could see or detect them, and then slowly worked to remove the layers of lime to expose the paintings. And the plaster was slowly peeled away,” said an official. In some places, the paintings were so delicate that only small portions could be exposed and ASI did not expose the whole painting fearing damage. The work started in October, 2017 and was completed by 2018-end.
		+
		+
		+	=Interpretation centre=
		+	[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/the-mughals-live-again-at-red-fort-barracks/articleshow/93786063.cms Priyangi Agarwal, August 26, 2022: ''The Times of India'']
		+
		+
		+	[[File: The Red Fort Centre, which is housed in a barrack built by the British in 1862, has been conserved by monument mitra, the Dalmia Bharat Group.jpg\|The Red Fort Centre, which is housed in a barrack built by the British in 1862, has been conserved by monument mitra, the Dalmia Bharat Group <br/> From: [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/the-mughals-live-again-at-red-fort-barracks/articleshow/93786063.cms Priyangi Agarwal, August 26, 2022: ''The Times of India'']\|frame\|500px]]
		+
		+	[[File: The centre has interesting features like move maps to know what was happening in India and abroad around Shah Jahan’s lifetime (1592-1666).jpg\|The centre has interesting features like move maps to know what was happening in India and abroad around Shah Jahan’s lifetime (1592-1666) <br/> From: [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/the-mughals-live-again-at-red-fort-barracks/articleshow/93786063.cms Priyangi Agarwal, August 26, 2022: ''The Times of India'']\|frame\|500px]]
		+
		+
		+	NEW DELHI: Have you wondered how Mughal emperors ruled from Red Fort, what their traditional attire was and what they ate? The answers to these can be found at the Red Fort Centre, which recently opened to the public.
		+
		+	The Red Fort Centre, which is housed in a barrack built by the British in 1862, has been conserved by monument mitra, the Dalmia Bharat Group.
		+
		+	The brick British army barrack has been restored and its first floor now houses the Interpretation Centre that takes visitors through the history, architecture and culture of Delhi, including the historic capitals of various empires such as Tughlaqabad, Firozabad and Jahanpanah.
		+	The centre has interesting features like move maps to know what was happening in India and abroad around Shah Jahan’s lifetime (1592-1666).
		+
		+	There is a replica of Chhatta Bazaar offering a glimpse of the grandeur of the Mughal empire. Originally known as Bazaar-e-Musaqqaf or ‘Roofed Bazaar’, Chhatta Bazaar was inspired by the great covered markets of Peshawar. A man who acts as if he was still an employee in the Mughal era points out wares like jars for warm and cold water, body scrubbers and paan daans.
		+
		+	There is a section dedicated to the lifestyle of the Mughals. The royal men and women of the fort would wear clothes made of the finest, softest material in the land and their lifestyle was so luxurious that they would wear an outfit once and then discard it forever, donating it to an underling. The Mughal emperors ate lavishly, among the delicacies served to them being badam ki nuql as starters, moti pulao, sunheri pulao, korma, qaliya and yogurt accompaniments.
		+
		+	The ground floor of the centre showcases a unique, 360-degree immersive viewing experience with projections on the walls, ceiling and floor, reimagining the first day of the Red Fort’s inauguration. The centre is open for the public from 10am to 6pm from Tuesday to Sunday with a ticket costing Rs 100.
		+
		+	Puneet Dalmia, managing director, Dalmia Bharat Limited, said, “We welcome our fellow citizens and guests from across the world to visit and experience Delhi’s old-world charm through the best-in-class Red Fort Centre. It aims to provide a first-hand understanding of the transformation and history of Delhi and how the majestic monument’s grand opulence has left a mark.”
		+
		+	Dalmia added, “We hope that our nation-building effort will lead to greater awareness about our country’s rich heritage and we also look forward to giving back to the community, including the employment generated by this endeavour.” Anand Bhardwaj, CEO, heritage and events, Dalmia Bharat Group, added, “We are planning to add a sound and light show and project mapping show in November.”
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		+	[[Category:History\|D DELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORTDELHI: RED FORT
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	= Lahori Gate=		= Lahori Gate=

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← Older revision		Revision as of 07:10, 13 April 2021
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	“For the first time, the assassination orders of Bose by the British secret service to its agents in Cairo and Istanbul have been displayed. The records kept by American intelligence have also been displayed for the first time, as is a fake news of his death in a plane crash near Tokyo in the New York Times of March 29, 1942,” Kumar said.		“For the first time, the assassination orders of Bose by the British secret service to its agents in Cairo and Istanbul have been displayed. The records kept by American intelligence have also been displayed for the first time, as is a fake news of his death in a plane crash near Tokyo in the New York Times of March 29, 1942,” Kumar said.
		+
		+	==2021: The National Museum’s artefacts==
		+	[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2021%2F04%2F08&entity=Ar01101&sk=969A3756&mode=text Mohammad Ibrar, April 8, 2021: ''The Times of India'']
		+
		+	[[File: 2021- The National Museum’s artefacts to be displayed at the Red Fort.jpg\|2021: The National Museum’s artefacts to be displayed at the Red Fort <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2021%2F04%2F08&entity=Ar01101&sk=969A3756&mode=text Mohammad Ibrar, April 8, 2021: ''The Times of India'']\|frame\|500px]]
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		+
		+	In August, a new museum at Red Fort will give you a glimpse of India’s weapons through the ages. The National Museum has decided to shift its arms and armour section to one of the barracks of the 17th century fortress as part of the India@75 programme and over 600 artefacts, including weapons from pre-history and armament from the 16th to 19th centuries will be put on display.
		+
		+	The National Museum also plans to set up two other repositories in the barracks — one on the history of Jammu & Kashmir and another on India’s Independence struggle from 1857 to 1947.
		+
		+	A museum source revealed that the staff was busy identifying, tagging, cleaning them in the laboratory and packing the precious objects for the shift to the fort. There are other collections showcased in the barracks and the National Museum’s three new installations will be added attractions there. “We have a good collection for the arms and armour section,” the source said. “However, for the Jammu & Kashmir and Independence galleries, we will have to collect meaningful artefacts from across the country.”
		+
		+	Since 2019, the renovated barracks at Red Fort have housed several museums, including the Archaeological Museum, the Indian War Memorial Museum and one commemorating the life of Subhas Chandra Bose. The double-storeyed barracks had been built by the British after razing hundreds of structures in the fort following the exile of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar to Burma.
		+
		+	The World Heritage Site monument has been shut since January 19 after reports of bird deaths on the complex and the scare of bird flu in the air. The work on the three new museums, however, hadn’t been impacted by the closure.
		+	Asked when Red Fort could reopen, an Archaeological Survey of India official said, “The local authorities closed the fort due to rising cases of bird flu. We will reopen the monument for the public when we get permission from the local authorities.”
		+
		+	Kamlesh Kumar Sharma, former curator (public relations) and currently a consultant to the National Museum, has been assisting in the establishment of the arms and armour museum, mostly on the selection of exhibits and the setup of the gallery. He reiterated, “The gallery will showcase the evolution of Indian weaponry and arms, starting from prehistoric stone weapons, proto-historic implements and then through the medieval ages.”
		+
		+	He felt that Red Fort was ideal for a museum on arms because “this is where Indian history played out”. He said, “This Mughal structure is iconic and we have a suitably huge collection of Mughal armament, for instance, the bow of Bahadur Shah Zafar and the inscribed body armour of Aurangzeb. It is only fitting these items find a home in the fort.”
		+
		+	[[Category:History\|D DELHI: RED FORT
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		+	[[Category:India\|D DELHI: RED FORT
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← Older revision		Revision as of 17:05, 10 February 2021
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	“We traced impressions of the paintings wherever we could see or detect them, and then slowly worked to remove the layers of lime to expose the paintings. And the plaster was slowly peeled away,” said an official. In some places, the paintings were so delicate that only small portions could be exposed and ASI did not expose the whole painting fearing damage. The work started in October, 2017 and was completed by 2018-end.		“We traced impressions of the paintings wherever we could see or detect them, and then slowly worked to remove the layers of lime to expose the paintings. And the plaster was slowly peeled away,” said an official. In some places, the paintings were so delicate that only small portions could be exposed and ASI did not expose the whole painting fearing damage. The work started in October, 2017 and was completed by 2018-end.
		+
		+	= Lahori Gate=
		+	== English cannons==
		+	[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F08%2F09&entity=Ar01502&sk=5B399F9B&mode=text Manimugdha Sharma, August 9, 2019: ''The Times of India'']
		+	[[File: Two English cannons buried in the ground were excavated in 2019.jpg\|Two English cannons buried in the ground were excavated in 2019 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F08%2F09&entity=Ar01502&sk=5B399F9B&mode=text Manimugdha Sharma, August 9, 2019: ''The Times of India'']\|frame\|500px]]
		+
		+
		+	When it reopens after Independence Day restrictions are lifted, two cannons parked right outside Lahori Gate entrance will welcome visitors to the Red Fort. These are the latest additions to the 17th-century Mughal citadel and are expected to delight visitors, even inspire them to click selfies with.
		+
		+	Placing guns at the entrance of buildings is a British practice that continues to this day in India. So, one finds cannons at the entrance and exit of Victorial Memorial Hall in Kolkata, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, at the Water Gate of Fort William in Kolkata, and Coehorn mortars outside the United Service Institution of India. There will be many such public buildings with similar guns on display all over the country. Now, Red Fort will be added to that list.
		+
		+	The guns that are being installed there were found inside the fort during the ongoing conservation work by Archaeological Survey of India. “These were mostly buried in the ground with only about a few inches protruding out. These were immediately behind the Lahori Gate, fixed on either side and used as supporting pillars. They must have been installed there when the fort was under the occupation of the Indian Army (1857-2005),” said N K Pathak, superintending archaeologist, ASI Delhi Circle.
		+
		+	The cannons were excavated and cleaned with chemicals. Then preservative coatings were applied on them and they were readied for public display mounted on gun carriages called trucks in military parlance. Such carriages were primarily used in naval artillery.
		+
		+	ASI authorities said they aren’t aware of the vintage of the guns. But TOI was handed close-up images of the guns and the markings on them. The date 1827 is engraved below the cipher on the gun barrel that has a crown marking and the letter ‘P’. That suggests the gun was manufactured in England and underwent ‘proofing’ or quality testing for barrel integrity and accuracy. This was a professional mark of the time to say that the gun passed all quality checks.
		+
		+	Other marks indicate the weight of each cannon: one has the code 47-3-25 and the other 50-2-0. Going by the ordnance factory weighing standards of the time, the guns should weigh 2,437 and 2,565 kilograms respectively.
		+	The trunnion marks are not distinct so the foundry where these were cast or the identity of the gunsmith couldn’t be known. But the date suggests these belonged to the time when the East India Company’s writ ran large across the country with the Mughal emperor being reduced to a pensioner, Mysore added as a vassal state and the Marathas subdued and the Peshwa packed off to Bithoor.
		+
		+	It’s also a tad ironic to place guns at the Red Fort: the citadel where the Mughals never placed artillery to defend it. Actually, it didn’t need defending, for in the 17th century, there was nobody to challenge the power of the ‘Great Mughal’. But following Aurangzeb, after the Mughal grip on power loosened, challengers came from the north and south. Nadir Shah Afshar came unmolested inside the fort after trouncing the Mughals at Karnal in 1739. Then came the Marathas under Sadashivrao Bhau in 1760 whose artillery commander Ibrahim Khan Gardi pounded the Mughal citadel to submission with his artillery.
		+
		+	In the climacteric of the Mughal rule, the emperor continuously depended on artillery of allies to defend his capital. So, when the avaricious Rohilla chieftain Ghulam Qadir seized the fort and later blinded Emperor Shah Alam II, it was Sardana chief Begum Sumroo who rushed to the emperor’s aid with her park of artillery. The last time guns were placed at the fort was after the Siege of Delhi ended in 1857.
		+
		+	In that backdrop, the two artillery pieces at Lahori Gate will make history and also unmake it somewhat.
		+
		+	Placing guns at the entrance of buildings is a British practice that continues to this day in India. So, one finds cannons at the entrance and exit of Victorial Memorial Hall in Kolkata, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, at the Water Gate of Fort William in Kolkata, and Coehorn mortars outside the United Service Institution of India. There will be many such public buildings with similar guns on display all over the country. Now, Red Fort will be added to that list.
		+
		+	The guns that are being installed there were found inside the fort during the ongoing conservation work by Archaeological Survey of India. “These were mostly buried in the ground with only about a few inches protruding out. These were immediately behind the Lahori Gate, fixed on either side and used as supporting pillars. They must have been installed there when the fort was under the occupation of the Indian Army (1857-2005),” said N K Pathak, superintending archaeologist, ASI Delhi Circle.
		+
		+	The cannons were excavated and cleaned with chemicals. Then preservative coatings were applied on them and they were readied for public display mounted on gun carriages called trucks in military parlance. Such carriages were primarily used in naval artillery.
		+
		+	ASI authorities said they aren’t aware of the vintage of the guns. But TOI was handed close-up images of the guns and the markings on them. The date 1827 is engraved below the cipher on the gun barrel that has a crown marking and the letter ‘P’. That suggests the gun was manufactured in England and underwent ‘proofing’ or quality testing for barrel integrity and accuracy. This was a professional mark of the time to say that the gun passed all quality checks.
		+
		+	Other marks indicate the weight of each cannon: one has the code 47-3-25 and the other 50-2-0. Going by the ordnance factory weighing standards of the time, the guns should weigh 2,437 and 2,565 kilograms respectively.
		+	The trunnion marks are not distinct so the foundry where these were cast or the identity of the gunsmith couldn’t be known. But the date suggests these belonged to the time when the East India Company’s writ ran large across the country with the Mughal emperor being reduced to a pensioner, Mysore added as a vassal state and the Marathas subdued and the Peshwa packed off to Bithoor.
		+
		+	It’s also a tad ironic to place guns at the Red Fort: the citadel where the Mughals never placed artillery to defend it. Actually, it didn’t need defending, for in the 17th century, there was nobody to challenge the power of the ‘Great Mughal’. But following Aurangzeb, after the Mughal grip on power loosened, challengers came from the north and south. Nadir Shah Afshar came unmolested inside the fort after trouncing the Mughals at Karnal in 1739. Then came the Marathas under Sadashivrao Bhau in 1760 whose artillery commander Ibrahim Khan Gardi pounded the Mughal citadel to submission with his artillery.
		+
		+	In the climacteric of the Mughal rule, the emperor continuously depended on artillery of allies to defend his capital. So, when the avaricious Rohilla chieftain Ghulam Qadir seized the fort and later blinded Emperor Shah Alam II, it was Sardana chief Begum Sumroo who rushed to the emperor’s aid with her park of artillery. The last time guns were placed at the fort was after the Siege of Delhi ended in 1857.
		+
		+	In that backdrop, the two artillery pieces at Lahori Gate will make history and also unmake it somewhat.
		+
		+	[[Category:History\|D DELHI: RED FORT
		+	DELHI: RED FORT]]
		+	[[Category:India\|D DELHI: RED FORT
		+	DELHI: RED FORT]]
		+	[[Category:Pages with broken file links\|DELHI: RED FORT
		+	DELHI: RED FORT]]
		+	[[Category:Places\|D DELHI: RED FORT
		+	DELHI: RED FORT]]

	=Latticework (stone jaali)=		=Latticework (stone jaali)=

@@ Line 80: / Line 80: @@
 “We traced impressions of the paintings wherever we could see or detect them, and then slowly worked to remove the layers of lime to expose the paintings. And the plaster was slowly peeled away,” said an official. In some places, the paintings were so delicate that only small portions could be exposed and ASI did not expose the whole painting fearing damage. The work started in October, 2017 and was completed by 2018-end.
 =Mangey Bridge=
@@ Line 104: / Line 127: @@
 Conservation work was done on the bridge earlier in 2010 when ASI had roped in a British firm. That time too, the bridge had sustained heavy damage. PWD had then agreed to realign the road to ensure that all heavy vehicles pass through the arch where the road level was the lowest. But the civic agencies kept on relaying the road every year, raising the level by several inches, an official said.
 =Museums=

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:09, 16 February 2019
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	ASI hopes to unearth new, hidden information about the Red Fort from these exposed paintings. Through the centuries, Red Fort has undergone many changes. Historians say the fort is witness to many historical events, and each change within the fort is monumental. “The paintings over the Chatta Bazaar are similar testaments to many years of being under different rulers. Each painting tells a different story and we would like visitors to be able to view these paintings as well,” said an official.		ASI hopes to unearth new, hidden information about the Red Fort from these exposed paintings. Through the centuries, Red Fort has undergone many changes. Historians say the fort is witness to many historical events, and each change within the fort is monumental. “The paintings over the Chatta Bazaar are similar testaments to many years of being under different rulers. Each painting tells a different story and we would like visitors to be able to view these paintings as well,” said an official.
		+
		+	=Chhatta Bazaar=
		+	==2019 restoration==
		+	[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F02%2F12&entity=Ar01403&sk=EF57381C&mode=text Richi Verma, Chhatta Bazaar’s new look reminder of glory days, February 12, 2019: ''The Times of India'']
		+
		+	[[File: Chhatta Bazaar after its 2019 restoration.jpg\|Chhatta Bazaar after its 2019 restoration <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F02%2F12&entity=Ar01403&sk=EF57381C&mode=text Richi Verma, Chhatta Bazaar’s new look reminder of glory days, February 12, 2019: ''The Times of India'']\|frame\|500px]]
		+
		+
		+	''Shop Owners Spend From Own Pockets For Restoration''
		+
		+	The next time you visit Red Fort, you could see how the Chhatta Bazaar might have originally looked. Restoration work here is nearing completion, and hidden artworks on the ceiling are now fully exposed.
		+
		+	The bazaar has 47 shops. Its owners, at their own initiative and expense, are doing away with heavy shutters and replacing them with woodenframe doorways topped with Mughal-style arches. This will bring the bazaar a step closer to its 17th-century look.
		+
		+	Each of the shops specialises in handicrafts, gems, garments, scarves, silk brocade, silverware, etc. The shops are managed by descendants of the original allottees from the Mughal times. As part of an understanding with the the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the shop owners agreed to take up conservation of the front facade of their shops to give the bazaar a more authentic look. Work on some shops has been completed. ASI officials said the wooden frames were designed based on archival images of the bazaar.
		+
		+	“In the centre of the arch, the shop number and name will be printed in identical fonts so there is complete uniformity. Once the work is completed in all the shops, it will give visitors an authentic Mughal feel as they walk past the bazaar through Lahori Gate to see the monuments inside,” said N K Pathak, superintending archaeologist, ASI Delhi circle.
		+
		+	According to ASI officials, getting every shop owner to agree to the task was challenging as many had to close their shops for a certain duration to allow construction work. Each shop-owner has paid about Rs 80,000- Rs 1 lakh for the exterior work while maintenance and structural stability will be managed by ASI. “Ever since we got the work done for my shop, I have got more customers. Visitors are very happy with the new look of the bazaar and are impressed with the uniformity in design with the historical touch,” said Pradeep Kumar Gupta of shop number 1 in the bazaar. Gupta’s Indian Arts shop was the first to change its external facade.
		+
		+	O P Agarwal from Art Corner said the effort on the part of the shop-owners was worth it. “Ever since the new museums have opened at Red Fort, we are getting more visitors. Everyone has to pass through Chhatta Bazaar to get inside Red Fort and all visitors appreciate the work in the bazaar,” he said.
		+
		+	The newly revealed paintings on the Chhatta Bazaar roof are also a huge draw. Work on exposing the hidden artwork took almost a year and was completed recently. The geometric and floral patterns had been hidden below several layers of plasterwork through the years.
		+
		+	“We traced impressions of the paintings wherever we could see or detect them, and then slowly worked to remove the layers of lime to expose the paintings. And the plaster was slowly peeled away,” said an official. In some places, the paintings were so delicate that only small portions could be exposed and ASI did not expose the whole painting fearing damage. The work started in October, 2017 and was completed by 2018-end.

	=Mangey Bridge=		=Mangey Bridge=