Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
Red Fort
The Construction
Built during the reign of Shah Jahan, the Lal Qila (or Red Fort) has been a mute
witness to innumerable conspiracies, scandals, battles. Completed in a span of
nine years, it cost about ten million rupees , with about half the sum going
towards the building of palaces.
The fort is octagonal in shape, like most Islamic buildings in India. The north
of the fort is connected to the smaller Salimgarh fort. The Red Fort is an
intimidating structure. It measures 900m by 550m, with its rampart walls
covering a perimeter of 2.41km. It towers at a height of 33.5m. On the outside,
the moat that was originally connected with the Yamuna River can still be seen.
The Major Gateways
Besides the Lahori Gate, the entry point is the Hathipol (elephant gate), where
the king and his visitors would dismount from their elephants. The other major
attractions of the Red Fort are the Mumtaz Mahal, the Rang Mahal, the Khas Mahal,
the Diwan-e-Aam, the Diwan-e-Khas, the Hamam and the Shah Burj.
Every year, on the 15th of August, the National Flag of India is hoisted at the
Red Fort by the Prime Minister , celebrating India's independence.
