State-of-the-art shows at iconic Red Fort continue to tell tales of India’s history

SHILLONG, April 3: For close to 400 years, the Red Fort has witnessed many historical events and even to date, continues to stand tall. The iconic monument is today getting more attention in its preservation and is drawing numerous tourists, thanks to the state-of-the-art attractions that are being added there.
It was in 2018, when Dalmia Bharat Limited was selected as a ‘Monument Mitra’ to adopt and develop tourist amenities at the nation’s iconic seventeenth-century heritage site as part of the ‘Adopt a Heritage Project’ by the Tourism Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Since then, a lot of attractions have been added to the site, allowing the visitors to know and understand the in-depth history of the place.
Following its selection, Dalmia Bharat has introduced world class-amenities and state-of-the-art shows in a bid to provide one-of-a-kind experience for the visitors.
There are three major attractions at the Red Fort — The Red Fort Visitor Centre, Matrubhumi Projection Mapping, and Jai Hind Sound and Light Show.
Launched in July 2022, the Red Fort Visitor Centre is housed in a 19th-century British barrack and provides visitors a walkthrough of the Red Fort before they go and see the actual fort. The centre has attractions like a museum on the first floor, covering nine main locations of Red Fort, 360-degree immersive show, an augmented reality photography zone,” a statement in this regard said.
The Matrubhumi – Projection Mapping Show, also introduced by Dalmia Bharat, on the other hand, captures over 5,000 years of India’s journey through projection mapping and laser on the magnificent front facade of the Red Fort.
It showcases the Harappan civilisation and the Vedic Age, dynasties like the Mauryas, Cholas and Guptas, and how India has excelled in the field of spirituality, philosophy, mathematics, science, and economics.
Jai Hind Sound and Light Show, on the other hand, was open to the public from January 17, 2023.
The show, which has been developed by Dalmia Bharat in partnership with Sabhyata Foundation, is a dramatic presentation of the history of India from the 17th century to the present day.
The show brings alive key episodes, including the tussle for power between Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb, the plunder of Red Fort and Shajahanabad by Nadir Shah, the rise of the Marathas and their control of Red Fort, the Revolt of 1857, the rise of the Indian National Army and the INA trials, the fight for Independence and India’s continuing progress over the past 75 years.
The show is narrated by Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan as ‘WAQT’, and is a walkthrough experience staged at Naubat Khana, Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas — the three most prominent locations at Red Fort.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Dalmia Bharat Puneet Dalmia, while speaking about this initiative, said, “Jai Hind is the first Sound and Light show ever to showcase live actors and hi-tech projection mapping technology at a heritage site.”
Inviting schools and college students, government departments and tourists from across India to watch the show, he said the show is a dramatic presentation of Indian history and valour.