In 1638, during the Mughal period, Shah Jihan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and constructed the new fortress-capital of Shah Jahanabad or Red Fort. Located to the east of the city, it was laid out in a series of squares surrounded by massive, fortified walls and gateways of red sandstone.

Progression into the center of the fort was through bazaars, a music pavilion gatehouse, and a large garden at the back of which was set Diwan-i-Amm the (Public Audience Hall), a single-story pavilion of red sandstone with cupped arches. On either side were gardens flanked by white marble constructions overlooking the Jumna River. The open, single-story pavilions were built as interconnecting courts. They were linked and cooled by channels of water flowing through them under delicately carved dividing screens into shallow marble basins such as the lotus-shaped pool of the Rang Mahal. Architectural features included curved cornices, bulbous domes, and highly decorated flat ceilings in gilt overlaid with sinuous serpentine patterns and naturalistic flower designs.