The Red Fort

The majestic Red Fort has witnessed several momentous events that changed the course of Indian history. From being the seat of Mughal power to becoming the bastion of free India, the grand edifice has truly been an inalienable part of our national identity.

Before 1947

DELHI was a rallying point for the Indian National Army (INA) with its slogan ‘Chalo Dilli’. Between November 1945 and May 1946, the INA officers were tried for treason in the Red Fort. The courtmartials of Shah Nawaz Khan, G. S. Dhillon and Prem Kumar Sehgal — the first officers to be tried — became powerful symbols of the freedom struggle. To defend them, Jawaharlal Nehru donned the lawyer's robe for the first time in 22 years.

Dawn of Freedom

Late in the night on 14 August,1947, Parliament House in Delhi buzzed with excitement.

At the stroke of the midnight hour, power was transferred to the government of free India. Jawaharlal Nehru was sworn in as India's first Prime Minister. A solemn silence prevailed in the hall as he gave his stirring 'Tryst with Destiny' speech, holding aloft the Indian flag.

The next morning, the national flag was hoisted atop Parliament House for the first time. The assembled crowd roared in jubilation. Later, lakhs watched as the Governor-General hoisted the flag on the lawns of India Gate. The ceremony was marked by a mild shower and a rainbow broke over the horizon. The people saw this as a good omen and rejoiced.

At the Fort

Contrary to popular perception, the Indian tricolour was proudly unfurled over the Red For t on 16 August, not the 15th. Delhi was a picture of joyous celebration. People danced and cheered on the streets. Ghanta Ghar, a clock tower in Chandni Chowk, was aglow with neon lights. Thousands of villagers came to the city from far and wide in bullock and camel car ts.

At the parade grounds of the Red For t, a teeming crowd had gathered, waiting for their leaders. In his characteristic slow and clear tone, Nehru delivered his first official public speech as Prime Minister. He called himself the 'First Servant of the Indian people', and talked of the hopes and aspirations of the new nation. To this day, the Prime Minister keeps the tradition alive by addressing the nation every Independence Day from this timeless monument.

Present Scene

Today, the Red Fort is a popular tourist destination. It houses two museums honouring India's freedom fighters. The barracks that were once used to imprison the INA soldiers now serve as a memorial dedicated to the INA heroes and is called Swatantrata Senani Museum.

A sound and light show is conducted here each evening.