Old Indian Lifestyle

A 10,000 year old model of Purpose, Profit, Pleasure and Freedom

No! This Indian lifestyle isn't about eating curry or doing yoga everyday neither is it about getting an everyday Ayurvedic massage. In fact, this lifestyle is talked about as a classy way of living a fulfilled life. it's quite time-tested lifestyle and has been around for a minimum of 10,000 years. Though it's ancient, it's said to be relevant for any era, applies to anybody, living anywhere - be it the USA, India, the UK, Australia or New Zealand. it's essentially a model for desire management. Want to understand more about this great Indian lifestyle?

Old Indian Lifestyle

If you have got desires it simply shows you're alive and kicking. If you desire to steer a purposeful life, if you want to earn enough wealth that supports your life purpose, if you wish to experience pleasures of life and if you want to seek out lasting peace and happiness, then the good Indian lifestyle has much to supply.

In fact, if happiness is what we seek in life, India suggests a time-tested lifestyle that has helped many in achieving lasting happiness. This model continues from times of yore, when India left no stone unturned within the quest to achieving joy, completeness and balance in life. It also is a self-help-life-coach that helps with the objectives of human life.

But bhai!!!...this is the 21st century

This Indian lifestyle doesn't negate the human world of desires. So it doesn't matter whether or not its 10,000 years old. Using today's lingo, you'll explain this lifestyle as a four quadrant model where each quadrant may be a desire that man tries to fulfil in life. this is applicable universally to all or any people the least bit times because it recognizes all the urges of human personality. Creed, faith, religion, dogma, ethnicity or nationality doesn't affect this model.

One also can consider this as a psycho-spiritual mould for anybody who incorporates a heartbeat and a thinking head. This lifestyle is incredibly much trendy as it’s intertwined within the Indian psyche. People of Indian origin do have a good idea about this - a minimum of in theory, if not in practice.



To quote the late Dr. L.P.Vidyarthi, one amongst India’s most famous anthropologists, about this lifestyle.

"These form the fundamental elements of the Indian lifestyle which still still influence the ethos, view and also the lifetime of a median Indian."

A model of Purpose, Profit, Pleasure and Freedom...

This Indian lifestyle is actually a typical sense model that acknowledges the basic four desires of humans. Anybody who wishes to grasp the goals of life can look within to know his/her desires and readily agrees that we've got mainly four desires i.e.

•Purpose - living a purposeful life or the aim of beinghuman

•Profit - the requirement to amass wealth and security

•Pleasure - the requirement for sensual fulfilment and

•Freedom - Freedom from Limitations that ensure ever lasting peace and happiness

To lead a purposeful life that ensures lasting peace is that the ultimate motto of this lifestyle model. of course within the past 200 years, we've seen an increasing number of students and philosophers from the West discovering this model as universal that acknowledges mankind's urges and what everybody strives for. it's the four goals of life with none confusion of spirituality and materialism.

What scholars and thinkers say about this...

Deepak Chopra, the mind-body guru and spiritual teacher confirms about the four aims of life:

This blueprint of the good-old Indian lifestyle is codified as 'purusharthas' (objectives of life) within the ancient sacred texts of India i.e. the Vedas, the dharma shastras, the Mahabharata. the identical concept is regurgitated by modern-day scholars and thinkers.

Rod Stryker from the USA who could be a master yoga teacher has explained the four purposes of life as "Four desires" in his recent book titled "The Four Desires: Creating a lifetime of Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity, and Freedom", where he has expounded the identical lifestyle in a very simple language. Stryker writes:

"According to the Vedas, your soul has four distinct desires, which collectively are described as purusharthas, "for the aim of the soul." The four desires are the will to totally become who you were meant to be. the primary of those four desires is dharma. it's the longing to realize your highest state of well-being -- in other words, to thrive and, within the process, to fulfil your unique purpose, your destiny. The second desire is artha, the will for the means (like money, security, health) to assist you fulfil your dharma. The third desire is kama, the probing for pleasure in any and every one forms. The fourth is moksha, the will to be free from the burdens of the globe, when you participate fully in it. Moksha is that the longing to experience spirit, essence or God, to abide in lasting peace and to understand a state beyond the reach of the opposite three desires."

Living this lifestyle in daily life - Manage desire and outgrow them.

Living this lifestyle in daily life

In fact everyone seems to be already applying this model in everyday life in one form or other. If we've desires it's guaranteed to fall in one or more of the four categories. the attention of this model is what's said to form the difference. there's a separate science within the wisdom traditions of India that talks in great detail about each of those four desires and the way to fulfil them in order that we get maximum benefit. one amongst India's greatest thinkers and philosophers Dr.S.Radhakrishnan, who was also the Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the University of Oxford, held the view that

If life is one, then there's one master science of life which recognizes the four supreme ends of dharma or righteousness, artha, or wealth, kama or artistic and cultural life, and moksha or spiritual freedom."

Finally 'Moksha' is emphasised because the ultimate end of life. in keeping with Dr.Radhakrishnan "This (moksha or ultimate freedom) is what's said to provide ultimate satisfaction and every one other activities are directed to the realizations to the present end". Swami Tejomayananda - a world renowned Vedanta teacher and also the head of the Chinmaya Mission worldwide puts it succinctly that this lifestyle guides us in managing desires and outgrowing them.

The BCCI is concerned and conscientious to all its stakeholders, and the Indian Cricket Control Board (BCCI) has agreed to postpone IPL 2020 to April 15 as a precautionary measure against the ongoing Novel Corona Virus.

Vivo IPL 2020 Postponed   

Public health in general, and all appropriate measures are taken to ensure that all IPL-related people, including fans, have a healthy experience of cricketing.

In this regard, the BCCI will work closely with the Government of India along with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and all other related departments of central and state government.


In this regard, the BCCI will work closely with the Government of India, along with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and all other related departments of the central and state government, "the statement added.
The Indian Times published the same on Thursday. The BCCI office-bearers, led by President Sourav Ganguly and Secretary Jay Shah, met Friday to take the call at the board headquarters in Mumbai. Their procurement and logistics staff supported them in arriving at the decision.
Breaking News IPL 2020 Postponed to April 15 Due to Coronavirus

An IPL governing council meeting is expected to take place in Mumbai on Saturday. Until that meeting, the Board's office-bearers and members of the Governing Council were required to consult with all league franchises and other main stakeholders to decide the path forward.
Nonetheless, given Covid-19's major danger at the moment, with the voices of concern, the BCCI has considered it prudent to move the announcement that the league can't start as per the current schedule. Right now, it puts the intense uncertainty to rest which has clouded the league right nearly a week now.
"The postponement allows BCCI time to re-evaluate the situation and provides it much more flexibility to take up a further call. The postponement will allow them to see whether the virus threat quickly stops, stays under check or gets worse. Depending on these situations and what the central and state governments suggest, a further call may be made," sources say in the know.
At this moment, if overseas players have to come to India to compete in the IPL, their visas are either still being processed, awaiting lack of required permits, for a clearer understanding of established travel routes or being refused for now.
"The postponement would also allow the BCCI to reassess the situation. If the competition will be held from mid-April onwards, then the time has come to focus on the visas. Note, the IPL can not be held without players from abroad. That's a condition that any franchise will be put on paper irrespective of anything else," sources say.
The IPL will be played to empty seats behind closed doors. The order on the matter from the central ministry of sports is up.
Under such a situation, the BCCI will have two things in mind: a) Adapt the size of the league to fit into a narrower timeframe, as they have done in the past; b) Perform the league within two or three venues, so that excessive travel can be curbed.

AUCTION

Eight deductibles buy 62 players at VIVO IPL 2020 Player Auction

At the 2020 VIVO IPL Player Auction in Kolkata, 62 clubs, 29 overseas and 33 Indians were sold as the eight Indian Premier League franchises sprayed their way into tough bidding.


Australia's fast bowler Pat Cummins set the ringing of cash registers when he became the most expensive overseas signing in the tournament history since Kolkata Knight Riders purchased him for a whopping Rs.15.50 crores.
His Australian teammate, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, too won a major deal with Rs. 10.75 crores locking the final contract. The Big Series bound for Kings XI Punjab.

What is an IPL Auction without the thrilling taste of the Caribbean? Sheldon Cottrell and Shimron Hetmyer's Western Indian pair went to KXIP and Delhi Capitals respectively for Rs. 8.50 crores and Rs. 7.75 crores.

Two world captains–Aaron Finch and Eoin Morgan–have attracted tremendous attention when they were picked by the Royal Challengers Bangalore and KKR to strengthen their squads.


Mumbai's youthful batting sensation, Yashasvi Jaiswal, went to Rajasthan Royals for a whopping Rs. 2.4 crores while KKR bought the seasoned leggie, Pravin Tambe.

Total Spent : ₹1,40,30,00,000

Overseas Players  : (29)

Players sold           : (62)

Standing tall and proud as the Mughal strength and conquest insignia, Qutub Minar is an historic landmark that spells out Delhi's mythology like no other. It forms part of the Qutub Complex and includes the Mosque of Quwwat-ul-Islam, Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, Madrasa and Tomb of Ala-ud-din, Iron Pillar, Tomb of Imam Zamin, Sanderson's Sundial and Major Smith's Cupola. The world's tallest brick minaret is said to have been built in Afghanistan along the lines of Minaret of Jam. Located in Mehrauli-Delhi's heritage storehouse, the site is also the location for the three-day annual Qutub Festival-a festival of singers, performers, and dancers. You can book online tickets to Qutub Minar now on Yatra.com and forget about the woes of queues.

Qutub Minar Information

About Qutub Minar Complex

The dusk light shows a leaning outline of the mighty power tower as the reminiscences of the past grow more vibrant in the background, with the light falling below. When you enter, you are greeted by the glorified plaques that show you the slice of history and what Qutub Minar stands for. Yet for other people the Qutub Minar is a lot of stuff. It has been lifted to a higher level in the present day and is joining the domain of romantics. Along with lots of fine dining, swish eating houses in Mehrauli giving their customers moonlit views of the minaret setting the monument as one of the city's most idyllic locations. Who knew Islam's might might serve as a fairytale set-up for romantic discussions over a bottle of bubbly? And that's how complex culture is for us and the way it speaks to us we shape impressions and meanings. To those who enjoy history as it is, the audio guides available with specific information about the memorial can be rented at the entrance.

Qutub Minar History

Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has also been shrouded in galore and contrasting beliefs of mysteries. According to historians, the minaret was named after Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who was responsible for erecting the shrine, while others claim it was named after Khwaja Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiar Kaki, who was a Baghdad saint regarded by Iltutmish in high regard.The Alai Minar was to be the world's tallest tower twice the height of Qutub Minar dreamed by Alauddin Khilji, but since his death his dreams had never been taken out by anyone. Today Alai Minar is north of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and Qutub Minar at 27 metres. Qutub Minar, one of the few surviving monuments portraying Afghan-style architecture, was influenced by the Jam Minaret in Afghanistan. 

Constructed as a sign of victory for Muslim invaders of the Hindu nation, Qutub Minar acted as a tower of victory when Muhammad Ghori took over the Rajput ruler, Prithviraj Chauhan, in 1192. Later the viceroy of Ghori, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who went on to become the first emperor of the Mamluk dynasty, started constructing Qutub Minar.The minar has survived the powers of nature and time-it is said to be struck by lightning in 1368 that destroyed its upper level, which was later replaced by Firoz Shah Tughlaq's present two stories. Then in 1803, the minaret was jolted by an earthquake and the then general of the British Indian Army, of 1828 Robert Smith restored the tower and also built a cupola over the fifth floor that added another story to the structure.Yet in 1848 then Governor General of India, Viscount Hardinge directed the cupola to be pulled down and put on the ground floor to the east of Qutab Minar where it still survives today and regarded as Smith's Folly. It is one of the reasons that the building has a varying architectural façade, from the time of Aibak to that of the dynasty of Tughlaq.

Qutub Minar Architecture

About Qutub Minar Complex

In Afghanistan, Qutub Minar drew architectural and architecture influences from Minaret of Jam. The carvings, garlands, and looped bells of the lotus borders were adapted from the local aesthetics.The tower has five tapering stories alternating with a 379 level spiraling escalator. The lower three storeys, with Muqarna truss, consist of cylindrical red sandstone hilts divided by rims and balconies. The fourth column is made of granite, and the fifth column is made of granite and sandstone with Quranic text engravings and decorative motifs. On the walls of Qutab Minar there are inscriptions in Nagari and Parso-Arabic characters which record Tughluq and Sikandar Lodi's construction and reconstructions between 1381-1517.

The minar is said to be tilting about 65 cm from the vertical but is deemed secure with the experts needing continuous observation so that its foundation should not be compromised by the rainwater seepage. Qutub Minar remains back in the day and still today as an model for many towers and minarets constructed after it. Chand Minar, built in Daulatabad in 1445, inspired by Qutub Minar, Maharashtra. To witness its elegance visit the minar today. Near Mehrauli you will see other temples such as the Jamali Kamali mosque or the Tomb of Balban.

How to Reach The Qutub Minar

Nearest Metro Station	Qutab Minar Metro Station
Nearest Railway Station	Old Delhi Railway Station
Nearest Bus Stand	Kashmiri Gate Bus Stand
Nearest Airport	Indira Gandhi International Airport

Qutub Minar Timings & Entry Fee

Opening Hours	7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed Days	Open All Days
Entry Fee (Indian)	₹ 35
Entry Fee (Foreigner)	₹ 550

Best Time to Visit Qutub Minar

Monsoon	August To September
Summer	Starts in early April and peak in May & Temperature is 32°C (avg)
Winter	Starts in November and peaks in January & Avg Temperature is 12 to 13°C
Recommended Season to Visit	November to March

Qutub Minar Online Ticket

Book your Qutub Minar ticket online today and visit the beautiful monument. You can conveniently book Qutub Minar tickets on Yatra before your tour, and stop wasting time to get the Qutub Minar fare.

The Red Fort-a huge red sandstone fort is associated with Delhi, and is evidence of the glory of the thriving Delhi Mughal Empire.

About Red Fort (Lal Qila) in Delhi

Fast Facts

Location: Old Delhi, India

Built By: Shah Jahan

Built in the Year:1648

Purpose: Main residence of Mughal emperors

Area: 254.67 acres

Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahauri

Architectural styles: Mughal, Indo-Islamic

Current Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Open: Tuesday-Sunday; Monday closed

Timings: Sunrise to Sunset

The Red Fort was designed by one of the most prominent Mughal emperors, Shah Jahan, and is also known as the Lal Qila. The fortress-palace was built on the banks of the Yamuna River and designed by the architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. Building of this impressive fort lasted 8 years and 10 months. The fort served as the Mughal emperors ' royal residence from 1648 till 1857. This took away from the famed Agra Fort the privilege of royal residence, as Shah Jahan wanted to move his capital from Agra to Delhi. The Red Fort takes its name from the red-sandstone walls that almost rendered the fort impregnable. The fort at New Delhi is one of India's huge and prominent buildings, and is a fine example of Mughal architecture. It is often considered as the height of innovation in Mughal. The fort is of interest to the people of India in modern times as the Indian Prime Minister delivers his speech from the fort on the Independence Day, every year on August 15.  

History

The then Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, planned to construct the Red Fort as the Shahjahanabad citadel, his future capital at Delhi. The fort, fully established in the year 1648, remained the Mughal emperors ' residence until 1857. After Aurangzeb's rule, the Mughal empire was poorer in any way and that began to take a toll on the fort. When the ninth Mughal ruler, Farrukhsiyar, took over the rule of Jahandar Shah after assassinating him, the fort started to lose its luster, quite literally. During his rule the fort's silver ceiling was replaced by copper to collect revenue. It was undoubtedly the launch of the looting which would proceed for years to come. In 1739 the Persian emperor Nadir Shah conquered the Mughals and brought some of the valuables belonging to the fort with him, including the famed peacock throne, which had acted as the Mughals ' royal throne. The defeated Mughals had little alternative but to sign a Marathas pact that agreed to secure them and the castle. As Durrani dynasty Ahmed Shah Durrani attempted to take Delhi in 1760, the Marathas dug out the Diwan-i-Khas silver ceiling to reinforce their force. Nevertheless, in Panipat's third war, Ahmed Shah Durrani beat the Marathas, and took over the castle. In 1771 the Marathas reconquered the fort and blocked the 16th Mughal emperor, Shah Alam II.The Marathas captured the fort in 1788 and ruled over Delhi for the next 20 years, until they were defeated by the British in 1803 during the Second Anglo-Maratha War.

The fort was now controlled by the Americans, who had also established their own home inside the fort. Bahadur Shah II was captured by the British after the Indian revolt of 1857, and was then banished to Rangoon. The Mughal Dynasty came to an end with Bahadur Shah II and this opened up a window of chance for the British to plunder valuables from the city. Virtually all furniture was either lost or transported to England. Many structures and monuments inside the fort were demolished, and they were replaced by stone barracks. Some valuable items such as the diamond Koh-i-Noor, Bahadur Shah's crown and Shah Jahan's wine cup were given to the British Government. The Indian Army controlled a significant part of the fort after independence, before handing it over to the Archeological Survey of India (ASA) for reconstruction.

Red Fort (Lal Qila) 

Layout of the Fort

The Red Fort is spread over 254.67 acres of area. The protective wall is estimated at 2,41 kilometers, enclosing the castle. The walls vary in height because they rise on the river side at 18 meters, because opposed to the city side's 33 meter high wall.The fort rises over a wide dry moat at the northeastern corner of Shahjahanabad's medieval city.
The fort's main gate (Lahori Gate) opens at the' Chatta Chowk,' a protected street bordered by arched cells that used to host the most skilled jewellers, fabric designers, weavers and goldsmiths in Delhi.This protected passage was also known as the' Meena Bazaar' which served as the court-owned ladies ' shopping centre. A few meters away from the' Chatta Chowk' is the' Naubat Khana' or the Drum Hall. The musicians will perform from the' Naubat Khana' for the emperor and from here they heralded the birth of princesses and the aristocracy.
The magnificent Delhi Gate, close in design to the main gate, stands in the southern portion of the city. The Red Fort contains many of the Mughal dynasty's paraphernalia including public and private audience halls(' Diwan-i-Am' and' Diwan-i-Khas'), domed and arched marble palaces, spacious private quarters, a mosque (Moti Masjid) and richly built garden. While at the' Diwan-i-Am,' the emperor will hear grievances from his people, he kept private discussions at the' Diwan-i-Khas.' The fort is also home to the Royal Bath or' Hammam,' the' Shahi Burj' (private work area of Shah Jahan) and the famed Pearl Mosque, designed by Aurangzeb. The Emperor's wives and mistresses stayed in the' Rang Mahal,' or the Colors Residence.

Architectural Style

The Red Fort was designed by the famed Ustad architect Ahmad Lahauri who is claimed to have established the world-famous Taj Mahal. The fort is known as a innovative framework and the center of Mughal innovation. Red Fort has several buildings that function as fine examples of Islamic architectural form and Mughal architecture that fuses the Timurid and Persian architectural styles.The Red Fort is renowned for its gardens (most of which the British destroyed), and a water channel named the Paradise Lake. This water canal links several pavilions, a type of design built by the Mughals. This style of design began to encourage the post-independence period creation of many edifices and gardens. The fort was often embellished with precious ornaments and decorative decorations. The Kohinoor diamond is reported to have been part of the design rendering the interiors appear ostentatious.

HINDI ME JANE.....

दिल्ली की शान लाल किला का इतिहास, रेड फोर्ट किसने बनाया

दिल्ली की शान लाल किला

दिल्ली ही नहीं पुरे भारत की शान ‘लाल किला’ अपनी शान-शोहरत के लिए पूरी दुनिया में प्रख्यात है. दिल्ली की सलतनत पर 200 सालों से ज्यादा राज्य करने वाले मुग़ल साम्राज्य ने लाल किला से अपनी पूरी सल्तनत को संभाला. ये दिल्ली के बीचों बीच स्थित है, जहाँ अब देखने योग्य बहुत से संग्रहालय है. यह इतिहासिक कलाकृति है, जिसे देखने के लिए दूर दूर से दुसरे देश के लोग भी आते है. 1648 में इसे बनाया गया, और उस समय मुग़ल सम्राज के पांचवें मुग़ल शासक शाहजहाँ का राज्य था, व् दिल्ली को शाहजहांनाबाद कहा जाता था. लाल किले को लाल पत्थर से बनाया गया था, इसलिए इसे लाल किला कहा गया. लाल किले का आर्किटेक्चर स्टाइल बहुत अनोखा है, यहाँ का गार्डन, महल, दीवारे खास, सब कुछ बहुत सोच समझ कर बनाया गया है, यहाँ भारत देश के अलग अलग संस्कृति की झलक देखने को मिलती है.

भारत की शान लाल किले पर आजादी के बाद सबसे पहले पंडित जवाहरलाल नेहरु ने हमारा राष्ट्रीय ध्वज तिरंगा झंडा फ़हराया था.  इसके बाद से हर साल आजादी दिवस यानि स्वतंत्रता दिवस के मौके पर यहाँ तत्कालीन प्रधानमंत्री द्वारा ध्वजा रोहण होता है.

लाल किले का इतिहास और रेड फोर्ट किसने बनाया

सम्राट शाहजहाँ ने 1638 में अपनी राजधानी आगरा को दिल्ली में शिफ्ट करने का सोचा, जिसके बाद दिल्ली में लाल किले का निर्माण कार्य शुरू किया गया. शाहजहाँ का पसंदीदा रंग लाल व् सफ़ेद हुआ करता था, इसलिए इसके पत्थर का चुनाव लाल रंग का हुआ. इसे उस समय के वास्तुकार उस्ताद अहमद लाहौरी ने डिजाईन किया था, इन्होने आगरा की शान ताजमहल जैसी महान कृति को भी डिजाईन किया था. किले का निर्माण यमुना नदी के तट पर किया गया था, किला तीन तरफ से नदी से घिरा हुआ है. किले का निर्माण कार्य मुसलमानों के पावन दिन मुहरम पर 13 मई 1638 को शुरू किया गया. किले की पहली नींव इज्जर खान ने रखी थी. शाहजहाँ चाहते थे कि दिल्ली में उनका यह किला सबसे बड़ा हो, वे उसे लाहोर व् आगरा के किलों से भी बड़ा चाहते थे.

Red Fort In Night

किले को बनने में 10 साल का समय लगा, यह 1648 में पूरा हुआ. शीश महल मुख्य किले के उत्तरी व् दक्षिणी में स्थित है. यहाँ एक खास महल भी बनाया गया है, जो राजा का निजी कक्ष हुआ करता था, यहाँ वे सोते या आराधना किया करते थे. किले के निर्माण में मुख्य रूप से इज्जत खान, अलीवर्दी खान, मुकर्मत खान का हाथ था. इन्हीं की देखरेख में किले का काम पूरा हुआ था. मुकर्मत खान शाहजहाँ के बहुत खास थे, जब किला का काम पूरा हो गया तब वे दिल्ली में नहीं थे, बल्कि सल्तनत के काम के सिलसिले में काबुल गए हुए थे. मुकर्मत खान से शाहजहाँ को ख़त लिखकर बताया कि उनका महल बन कर तैयार है.

पहले दिन जब शाहजहाँ महल में आ रहे थे, उस दिन महल को किसी दुल्हन की तरह सजाया गया. जश्न की तैयारी की गई. सजावट की छोटी से छोटी बात का ख्याल रखा गया. शाहजहाँ की सभा जहाँ लगती थी, दीवाने खास को विशेष तौर पर तैयार किया गया, इसकी छतों, दीवारों पर नक्काशी की गई, रेशमी चादर का उपयोग किया गया. दीवाने खास के बीचों बीच एक बड़ा झूमर लगाया गया, जिसे खास अहमदाबाद में बनवाया गया था. दरबार में शाहजहाँ के पहुँचते ही फूलों की वर्षा की गई. शाहजहाँ ने सबको बहुत से जेवर, सिक्के, हीरे जवारत बाटें.

लाल किले में दुसरे शासकों का राज्य –

मुग़ल शासक औरंगजेब के सत्ता में आने के बाद, मुग़ल सल्तनत की वित्तीय व् प्रशासनिक संरचना पर फर्क पड़ा, 18वी सदी आते आते मुग़ल साम्राज्य का पतन हो गया. औरंगजेब ने अपने शासन में लाल किले में मोती मस्जिद का निर्माण करवाया. औरंगजेब के सत्ता से हटने के बाद लाल किला 30 सालों तक, अपने शासक के इंतजार में लावारिस सा पड़ा रहा. 1712 में जहंदर शाह को यहाँ का शासक बनाया गया. कुछ ही साल में इनको मार कर फर्रुखसियर राजा बन गया.  फर्रुखसियर ने यहाँ बहुत लूट मचाई, चांदी से जड़ी उपरी दिवार को ताम्बे में बदल दिया गया. 1719 में लाल किले में मुहम्मद शाह आ गए, उन्हें रंगीला राजा के रूप में जाना जाता था. उन्होंने यहाँ 1739 तक राज्य किया, इसके बाद फारसी सम्राट नादिर शाह से वे हार गए, जिससे बाद लाल किले की गद्दी नादिर शाह को मिली. नादिर शाह ने, मुग़ल साम्राज्य को अंदर से खोखला कर दिया था, यहाँ 3 महीने रहने के बाद वो वापस अपनी जगह चला गया. 1752 में मराठाओं ने दिल्ली की लड़ाई जीत ली. 1761 में मराठा पानीपत की तीसरी लड़ाई हार गए, जिसके बाद दिल्ली अहमद शाह दुर्रानी की हो गई.

1803 में ब्रिटिश ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी से मराठाओं की लड़ाई हुई, जिसमें वे हार गए, और दिल्ली व् लाल किला दोनों पर मराठा का हक नहीं रहा. लड़ाई जितने के बाद ब्रिटिश लोगों ने मुगलों की इस एतेहासिक जगह को अपना घर बना लिया.  आखिरी मुग़ल बहादुर शाह 2 थे, जो किले में रहे थे, इन्होने 1857 की लड़ाई में ब्रिटिश को हराया था, लेकिन वे ज्यादा दिन तक यहाँ राज्य नहीं कर पाए. ब्रिटिशों के इस महल में कब्जे के बाद इसे पूरी तरह से बदल दिया गया, दीवाने खास, मोती महल, शीश महल, बगीचा, हरम, फर्नीचर सब कुछ तोड़ दिया गया. ब्रिटिश ने सारी किमती चीज लूट ली, और उसे अपने गुप्त खजाने में रख दिया, या यूँ कहें यही से भारत को लूटा उन्होंने शूरू कर दिया था. किले के 2 तिहाई अंदरूनी भाग तोड़ दिया गया था. 1890-1900 के दौरान ब्रिटिशर लार्ड ने लाल किले के टूटे हिस्से को फिर बनवाने का आदेश दिया.

सबसे पहले 1747 में नादिर शाह ने लाल किले में लूट व् चोरी की थी, उसके बाद जो कुछ बचा हुआ था वो ब्रिटिश ने चुरा लिया. ब्रिटिश अफसर यहाँ से लूट कर उसकी बड़े लोगों के सामने नीलामी करते थे. यही कुछ भारत की शान रहे कोहिनूर के  साथ हुआ, जिसे ब्रिटिश यही से ले गए थे, जो आज लन्दन की शोभा बना हुआ है.

आजादी के लिए संघर्ष कर रहे, भारत के स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों को कई बार लाल किले में बनाई गई जेल में रखा गया. 15 अगस्त 1947 को जब अंग्रेज भारत छोड़कर गए, तब पहले प्रधानमंत्री जवाहर लाल जी ने लाल किले के लाहौर दरवाजे पर अपने देश की शान तिरंगे झंडे को फ़हराया. आजादी के बाद से लाल किले को आर्मी की छावनी बना दिया गया. 2003 तक किले का बहुत बड़ा हिस्सा आर्मी के हिस्से में था, लेकिन उसके बाद उसे भारतीय पुरातत्व विभाग को मरम्मत के लिए दे दिया गया.

लाल किले में बने दर्शनीय स्थल

लाल किले के स्ट्रक्चर में मुख्य रूप से उसकी दीवारे, मुख्य दरवाजा, दर्शक हाल, यमुना नदी के तट पर बना शाही महल है. इसके अलावा नीचे आपको अन्य स्थल बताये जा रहे है –

छाबरी बाजार – यह लाल किले के सामने मौजूद है.

लाहोरी दरवाजा – लाल किले का यह मुख्य दरवाजा है, लाहौर की तरफ मुख होने से इसे ये नाम दिया गया. आजादी के बाद से यही हर साल ध्वजारोहण होता है, और यहाँ की बालकनी से प्रधानमंत्री देश के नाम अपना सन्देश पढ़ते है.

दिल्ली दरवाजा – यह किले के दक्षिण की ओर है. इसका रूप, बनावट बिलकुल मुख्य लाहोरी दरवाजे जैसी है. इस दरवाजे के दोनों और पत्थर के विशाल हाथी बने हुए है. इसे औरंगजेब के द्वारा तोड़ दिया गया था, लेकिन 1903 में इसे लार्ड के द्वारा फिर से बनवाया गया.

पानी दरवाजा – यह छोटा दरवाजा है, जो दक्षिण पूर्व में स्थित है. यह नदी के तट के समीप था, इसलिए इसका यह नाम पड़ गया.

चट्टा चौक – लौहोर गेट से अंदर जाते ही चट्टा बाजार है, यहाँ मुगलों के समय में हार्ट लगा करता था, जहाँ सिल्क, ज्वेलरी व् और भी अन्य आइटम बेचे जाते थे.

नौबत खाना – इसे नक्कर खाना भी कहते है. लाहोर गेट के पूर्वी ओर ये स्थित है, यह महल संगीतकारों के लिए विशेष रूप से बनाया गया था, यहां रात्रि को संगीत संध्या आयोजित की जाती थी.

दीवान-ए-आम – यह राजा का मुख्य कोर्ट हुआ करता था, यहाँ वे सारे फैसले लिया करते थे. यह 540 फीट चौड़ा व् 420 फीट गहरा बना हुआ था. जिसके चारों ओर गैलरी बनी हुई थी. इसके सामने जनता के लिए हॉल भी था.

मुमताज महल – यह राजाओं की पत्नी व् दसियों के लिए बना हुआ था, यहाँ आज के समय में संग्रहालय है.

रंग महल – यह भी मुमताज महल की तरह ही रानियों के लिए बना हुआ था. यहाँ बीच में एक पूल भी था जिसे नहर-ए-बहिश्त (यह एक नहर थी, जो यमुना नदी से महल को जोड़ती थी) के द्वारा भरा जाता था.

दीवाने खास – दीवाने आम के उत्तरी और दीवाने खास बनाया गया था. इसे संगरमर और बहुमूल्य पत्थरों से बनाया गया था. यह राजा का पर्सनल रूम हुआ करता था, इसे भी बहुमूल्य पत्थर व् रत्नों से बनाया गया था.

मोती मश्जिद – इसे औरंगजेब के द्वारा 1659 में बनवाया गया था, ये औरंगजेब की निजी मस्जिद थी.

आज के समय में लाल किला का महत्व

लाल किला पुराणी दिल्ली में स्तिथ है, जो दिल्ली का मुख्य दर्शनीय स्थल है. यहाँ हजारों की संख्या में हर साल लोग आते है. यह हफ्ते में 6 दिन आम जनता के लिए खुला रहता है, सोमवार को ये बंद रहता है. यहाँ अंदर जाने के लिए भारतियों की टिकट 10 रूपए व् विदेशियों की 150 रूपए की आती है. यह सुबह 9:30 से शाम 4:30 बजे तक खुला रहता है. यहाँ रोज शाम को साउंड व् लाइट शो होता है, जो मुगलों के इतिहास को दिखाता है. इस लाइट शो को देखने के लिए अलग से 50 रूपए लगते है. ये लाइट शो पर्यटकों का मुख्य आकर्षण का केंद्र होता है. यहाँ कुछ महल को बिलकुल पहले की तरह की सजा के रखा गया है, ताकि लोग हमारी पुरानी संस्कृति को करीब से जान सके, और इतिहास को भी देख पायें.

यहाँ मस्जिद, हमाम को जनता के लिए बंद करके रखा हुआ है. लाहोर गेट को भी हस्तकला के द्वारा सजाया गया है, यहाँ के संग्रहालय में बहुत सी पुरानी चीजों को संजों के रखा गया है.

लाल किले की सुरक्षा

आतंवादी हमलों से बचने के लिए, लाल किले की सुरक्षा का पूरा ख्याल रखा जाता है. स्वतंत्रता दिवस के समय इसकी सुरक्षा को और पुख्ता कर दिया जाता है. दिल्ली पुलिस व् सैनिक दल इसकी अच्छे से निगरानी करते है. यह नो फ्लाई जोन एरिया है, मतलब यहाँ से कोई भी प्लेन नहीं उड़ सकता.

लाल किले हमारे देश की धरोहर है, जो हम देशवासियों की ज़िम्मेदारी है. हमें इसे पूर्णतः सुरक्षित रखना होगा. लाल किले ने कई राजाओं का शासन देखा है, उसने किसी राजा की ख़ुशी तो किसी का गम देखा है.  मुगलों की अइयाशी, रौनकें के साथ साथ ब्रिटिश के जुल्म भी देखें है.  हमें गर्व है भारतीय धरोहर पर.