NEW DELHI, Dec 22: The Indian army on Monday moved out of Delhi’s sprawling 17th-century Red Fort, a symbol of power for the Mughal and British empires and for independent India, which now wants to develop its tourism potential.

The end of the army’s 56-year presence within the fort’s red sandstone walls will let visitors tour areas once strictly off-limits.

The Red Fort stretches for two kilometres by the Jamuna river with a series of marble palaces, intricately carved domes and elaborate gardens.

“The armed forces have been here since independence. The history of the armed forces is interlinked with the fort. Now it is time to show to the world an aspect of our history and heritage,” Defence Minister George Fernandes said at a ceremony.

The handover comes exactly three years after guerillas gunned down three people inside the Red Fort.

Mughal emperor Shah Jehan ordered the construction of the fort in 1638, about the same time he started building the Taj Mahal in nearby Agra in memory of his dead wife.

The fort was attacked in 1739 by Persian ruler Nadir Shah who carried back with him the ornate gold Peacock Throne that was to become a symbol of the Iranian kings.

The British army assumed control of the Red Fort after putting down an 1857 uprising.

In 1947 the British turned over the compound to the Indian military, which has remained there since.

Indian prime minister delivers an address and raises the Indian flag from the Red Fort each August 15 to mark independence.—AFP