In the past era the rulers of India Maharajahs, Muslim kings and others never failed to follow a long held tradition before the arrival of Europeans in India. Inviting Royal guests or other important dignitaries by the ruler/head of a state (host), followed certain protocol norms. Hence in almost most of the palaces built by the Indian rulers in the north had a well built drum house at the entrance to invite the dignitaries and their retinue with honor and dignity worthy of them.
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| Naubat Khanna, Red fort Delhi .istockphoto.com |
The drum house or Nausat Khana was meant to announce the arrival and departure of the ruler from the fort or palace. The Mogul rulers followed a specific design - a blend of Muslim and Hindu design style.
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| Part of Naubat Khanna, Red Fort, Delhi.Alamy.com |
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| Naubat Khanna, Red fort Delhi commons.wikimedia.org |
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| Naubat Khana and red fort before 1857.Delhi en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: The Naubat Khana and the courtyard, before its destruction in the 1850s by the EIC's army. The vaulted arcade of the Chhatta Chowk (long passage that has a bazaar) measures 540 x 360 feet, and ends in the centre of the outer court. The side arcades and central tank were destroyed following the 1857 rebellion apparently during the siege of Delhi
The Naubat Khana, or Naggar Khana (Drum House), is an iconic structure at the entrance of the Red Fort complex in Delhi, India. Built during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, it functioned as a ceremonial gateway to the inner courts of the fort, emphasizing the grandeur and protocol of the Mughal Empire. Musicians stationed in the Naubat Khana announced the arrival of the emperor, members of the royal family, or other dignitaries through performances on traditional instruments (Diwan-i-Am). Music was also played five times a day at designated hours, adding to the ceremonial life of the court.
The building, a three-storied rectangular structure made of red sandstone is part of Mogul architecture. On the external walls one can see embellishment of intricate floral carvings, originally gilded with gold, which exemplify the refined artistic sensibilities and opulence of the Mughal period. The interior, now faded, was painted in vivid colors, remnants of which can still be seen, revealing multiple layers of decorative artwork. In the bygone era, every one but for people with royal blood would dismount from their elephant at this point. Beyond this point only royal members were allowed to ride the jumbo. So this place was also referred to as Hathiyan pol or "elephant gate.
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| Interior. Naubat Khanna, Red fort Delhi Pixelated Memories |
The Naubat Khana that played a regular role during the heyday of Mogul reign also was a silent witness to the unfolding political upheavals, including the assassinations of Jahandar Shah (1712–1713) and Farrukhsiyar (1713–1719), two Mughal emperors. These events during a period of decline underscore the Drum House's connection to the empire's later struggles to survive period of competition to catch the thrown, power and pelf.
As part of the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Naubat Khana was integral to the design of Shah Jahan's new capital, Shahjahanabad (modern-day Old Delhi). Commissioned in 1638, the Red Fort was constructed over ten years and became a symbol of Mogul power and aesthetics. Its architect, Ustad Ahmad Lahori, also designed the Taj Mahal. The fort's strategic location along the Yamuna River allowed it to integrate natural defenses, with moats surrounding most of the complex.
Naqqar Khana or Naubat Khana (Hindi:/ Urdu), a special drum house or orchestra pit that normally becomes very active during ceremonies. Colloquially speaking, it is a drum house of a distinct Mogul architectural feature..
Today, the Naubat Khana is preserved as a heritage structure and houses the Archaeological Museum, which showcases artifacts from India's diverse historical periods. Visitors can explore its rich architectural details and learn about its role in Mughal court life. It stands as a testament to the artistic and cultural heights of the Mogul Empire, interspersed with the political intrigue of its decline.
, Red Fort, Delhi Played a crucial Role In Protocols When Royal Guests Arrived){kind=link}