Diwan-i-Am, Public audience hall in Red Fort, India
The Diwan-i-Am is a rectangular hall within the Red Fort featuring a marble platform and red sandstone walls. The space is structured by intricately carved arches, and its facade displays ornamental white plaster work with nine open sections.
Shah Jahan commissioned the hall's construction in 1648 as a space for public audiences and addressing the people's concerns. The building was part of a larger fortification complex and reflects the importance of audience halls in Mughal architecture.
The hall served as a space where the emperor could address common people and handle public matters directly. The elaborate decoration with floral and bird patterns demonstrates how important these encounters were to imperial authority.
Visitors should explore the hall during early morning hours when light best highlights the marble work and sandstone details. The open nature of the structure makes it accessible year-round, though cooler months offer greater comfort.
A Florentine craftsman was employed to create the intricate interior design, lending the hall a European-influenced elegance. This collaboration between European and Indian artisans was unusual during the Mughal period and reflects broader artistic exchanges.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
