| Shahjahanabad, the 17th century city of Shah
Jahan and the seventh city of Delhi, which was completed in
1649, was built like a huge fortress surrounded by strong rubble-built
high walls from all sides with bastions, 14 high-arched openings
gates and 16 windows. The city with its base at the imposing
Red Fort (now the world's largest non-functional fort) was a
difficult proposition for any enemy to enter and challenge the
sovereignty of the Mughal Emperor. Polygonal in plan, the city
was strategically built with 14 gates for the people and the
royal procession to enter or exit, while taking trips in different
directions. At present, there are just five gates left of the
grand city that have fortunately survived the ravages of time.
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