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| Lahori Gate, Red Fort, Delhi superstock.com |
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| Lahori Gate, Red Fort, Delhi en.wikipedia.org |
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| Lahori Gate, the main entrance to the Red Fort en.wikipedia.org |
Lahori Gate serves as the grand, primary entrance to the Red Fort (Lal Qila) in Old Delhi, a magnificent fortress commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Located on the western wall of the fort, the gate was strategically named Lahori Gate because it faced the direction of the city of Lahore, which was then a crucial part of the vast Mughal Empire. The entrance is a striking three-story structure built primarily of red sandstone, featuring cusped arched panels and flanked by semi-octagonal towers crowned with white stone pavilions, reflecting the exquisite refinement of Shah Jahani architecture.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahori_Gate,_Red_Fort,_Delhi
Upon passing through the main arch, visitors enter the Chhatta Chowk, an ancient covered market lined with arched apartments. This market, unique to the Red Fort, historically housed the shops where imperial merchants sold luxury goods like silk, jewelry, and perfumes to the Mughal nobility. It served as a grand, ceremonial passage leading into the fort’s inner palaces.
Lahori Gate’s appearance was notably modified by Shah Jahan’s son, Emperor Aurangzeb, who added a protective barbican—a fortified outward projection—in front of the main gate. This defensive measure forced visitors to make a sharp turn before entering, enhancing security but obscuring the gate’s grand facade. Shah Jahan reportedly criticized this addition from his confinement, comparing the structure to "a veil drawn across the face of a beautiful woman."
Today, the gate stands as one of India's most profound symbols of sovereignty. Since 1947, it has been the site of India's annual Independence Day celebration (August 15th), where the Prime Minister ceremonially unfurls the national flag and addresses the nation from the gate's ramparts. This tradition links the ancient imperial seat with the modern democratic state. Furthermore, the Red Fort, including the Lahori Gate, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
