The Red Fort or Lal Qila is a historic fort in Delhi in India that served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned construction of the Red Fort on 12 May 1638, when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi.

On 15 August 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the Indian flag above the Lahori Gate. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is built from fine red sandstone. The Red Fort is famous for its massive enclosing walls.

Every year on India's Independence Day (15 August), the Prime Minister hoists the Indian tricolour flag at the fort's main gate and delivers a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts. Not many know that the Red Fort also houses several military barracks raised by the British.

Apart from exploring the Red Fort�s interiors, tourists can also visit the shopping area called Chatta Chowk, which can be reached through the Lahore Gate, the main entrance gate of the fort.This was the place where Indian independence was first celebrated. The Red Fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 as part of the Red Fort Complex.

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