Lalbagh Fort

Lalbagh Fort

Also known as Fort Aurangabad after the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, in whose reign the construction commenced, the fort was probably designed to fulfil the same defensive, protective and residential role as the more famous Red Fort in Delhi.

Walls of Lalbagh Fort

Within the huge walls, substantial sections of which remain intact, and the three gateways there are only three standing structures.  However, excavations have revealed the foundations of as many as 27 structures as well as complex water and sewage systems and decorative gardens and fountains. 

These recent discoveries point towards not only an earlier history for the site, but also a remarkable complex of administration, residential and leisure facilities.

Gate, Lalbagh Fort

Construction was commenced in 1678, by the then Viceroy of Bengal Prince Muhammad Azam.  Azam’s immediate successor was Shaista Khan whose daughter Pari Bibi died at the fort; her mausoleum is one of the three buildings in the complex. After the death of his daughter, Khan felt the location to be ominous and construction was never completed.

Mausoleum of Pari Bibi

He may well have been right. In 1857 the fort garrison joined the ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ but were defeated by the army of the East India Company and those who were captured were publicly hanged in nearby Victoria Park (now known as Bahadur Shah Park after the leader of the failed rebellion).

Dewan-i-Aam

The visible buildings within the fort walls are the Dewan-i-Aam, a mosque, and the tomb of Bibi Para.  The Dewan-i-Aam is essentially the citadel and headquarters, including guest accommodations for VIPs. 

Quilla Mosque

The mosque, known as the Quilla Mosque is a three domed structure in the same Mughal style as the rest of the buildings.  The tomb of Pari Bibi is rare in its interior decoration made of black basalt, white marble and coloured tile. Further structures including arrangements for water supply and fountain courts, sewerage, gardens, stables, barracks, and residential accommodation have been identified by the Archaeology department.

Excavations have also revealed strata of earlier occupation of the site, including terracotta plaques and heads from a pre Muslim period, probably from the time of Buddhist occupation after 7^th Century.