The “Life Bestowing Garden” Of Delhi’s Red Fort

Hayat Baksh Bagh, meaning “Life-Bestowing Garden,” is the biggest garden located in Red Fort of Delhi city.

History

Hayat Bakhsh Bagh was built by Shah Jahan I. It is sprawled in an area of about 200 square feet. The British colonial forces destroyed the garden during the 1857 rebellion. After this, Lord Curzon restored some elements of the Bagh.

Architecture

Hayat Bakhsh Bagh has four square divisions. They contain water channels, causeways, and a parterre in the shape of a star. It is framed with red sandstone. White, blue, and purple flowers were planted earlier.

Three structures of the garden have stood the test of time. One of them is Sawan and Bhadon mandaps or pavilions. Sawan and Bhadon are two monsoon months of the Hindu calendar. Both pavilions are almost identical to each other and face opposite ends of the canal. They are made of white marble.

Between the two pavilions is the Zafar Mahal in the center. This was built in 1842 during the rule of Bahadur Shah II. It is made of red sandstone. It is named after the ruler.

At the west of Hayat Bakhsh Bagh is Mehtab Bagh, meaning “Moonlit Garden.” The British completely destroyed it during the rebellion period. They built four big military barracks on the spot.

At the northwest corner of Hayat Bakhsh Bagh is Baoli tank. A road from this spot leads to the south to the Delhi Gate of Red Fort.

Attractions

An attractive feature of Hayat Bakhsh Bagh is a wall with niches in which, earlier, small oil lamps were lit at night and vases with golden flowers were kept during day. Water flowed from the channel, cascading over the wall and creating a beautiful golden curtain.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Delhi is from October to March. Summers are too hot to wander in the gardens of the city.

How to Reach

Delhi city is well connected to all major cities of India through rail, road, and air. Within the city tourists can avail themselves of excellent bus, cab, auto rickshaw, and metro train services to reach the Red Fort.