Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi 

Humayun Tomb is one of the most impressive structures in Delhi, the Humayun’s Tomb which is located conveniently at the banks of Yamuna River is a brilliant architectural splendor of the Mughal period. The Mausoleum is basically a tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun which was built in the 1560s by Humayun’s eldest wife Bega Begum after his death. Today the tomb is a major attraction among the tourists visiting Delhi. Although the building of the Tomb has a complex structure but it is the charm and grandeur of this imposing structure that attracts thousands of travelers every year across the globe.

Visiting Humayun's Tomb one could see the beauty that depicts the true Mughal style of architecture, which was inspired from the Persian style of architecture. The tomb was even inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1993 because of the brilliant architectural beauty. Also, the tomb is surrounded by beautiful lush Mughal garden which is divided into four parts by the pathways. Above all it is the various water channels for the fountains that makes the Humayun’s Tomb a true architectural delight which is a treat to the eyes.

The tomb is built of redstone and the dome of the tomb is made of white marble. Taking a walk inside the Humayun’s Tomb, one could find the architectural features comprising the Baradari (pavilion) and a Hammam (bath chamber). The interior of the tomb is a large octagonal chamber with vaulted roof compartments interconnected by galleries or corridors. This same octagonal plan is repeated on the second storey of of the tomb.

Architecture of Humayun's Tomb

The structure of Humayun's tomb is a mix of Islamic and Persian architecture with smatterings of Indian elegance too. Six-sided stars that embellish the main opening on the west, are also seen on the main tomb structure, though it has been used as a patterned galactic symbol. The mosque also has the tomb of Emperor's beloved barber. The tomb built of debris of granite and red sandstone uses white marble as a covering material. It has main features of Indian - Islamic architecture like jaalis, door frames and chhajja. It stands on a leaped terrace eight-metre high and spread over 12,000-meter square. This tomb houses over 100 gravestones and the entire base structure is elevated on a stage, a few steps high.

Char Bagh Garden

The Char-Bagh is a Persian style garden with a geometric layout, and divided into 4 square walkways, giving it the name, Char Bagh. The four squares are further subdivided into smaller pathways, creating 36 squares. The central water system flows beneath the ground, feeding the mini fountains without appearing at the surface. The garden is enclosed within rubble walls on three sides while the fourth opening serves as an inlet to the river Yamuna, which unfortunately no longer flows here. The gardens are exquisitely maintained and will certainly transport you the times of the royalty with their charms.

Monuments at Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's tomb has a number of other monuments leading up to it. Some of these are:-

• Tomb and mosque of Isa Khan: This is the mausoleum complex of Isa Khan Niyazi, who was an Afghan noble in Sher Shah Suri's court. He was actually an adversary of the Mughals and had fought against them. The octagonal tomb was built during the reign of Islam Shah Suri, son of Sher Shah. It is surrounded by an octagonal garden and later went on to serve as the burial place for Isa Khan's family as well.

• Bu Halima's tomb and garden: This attraction is located towards the western entry of Humayun's tomb. Information about Bu Halima is scanty, and the tomb is believed to be a later addition to this place.

• Afsarwala tomb and mosque: Afsarwala was a noble in Akbar's court, and his tomb is located towards the southwest end of Humayun's Tomb. Adjacent to the tomb is a mosque which is also believed to be dedicated to Afsarwala. These constructions belong to the period of 1566-67 CE.

• Arab Sarai: This was a safe house meant for craftsmen doing construction work.

• Nila Gumbad: Right outside the boundary of the complex is the Nila Gumbad or "Blue Dome", which is embellished with blue tiles. It has a unique structure which is octagonal from the outside and is a square from within. It was built by Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana who was a courtier in Akbar's court for his servant Miyan Fahim.

• Chillah Nizamuddin Aulia: This was meant to serve as the residence of Delhi's patron saint Nizamuddin Auliya, and is located right outside the complex.

• Humayun's Barber's tomb: This structure is located towards the south-east corner within the Char Bagh. It is not known to whom does this tomb belong, however, locals believe that it is the final resting place of Humayun's favourite barber.

History of Humayun's Tomb

Mughal emperor Humayun died in 1556 and was buried in his palace in Dehli.

Later he was reburied in Sirhind, Punjab in order to secure him from possible damage by Hindu king Hemu, who had defeated the Mughals in Agra and Delhi in 1556.

In 1565, nine years after Humayun’s death, his empress consort Bega Begum decided to create the most beautiful tomb for her deceased husband. The construction lasted 7 years and was finished in 1572.

The decline of the monument started almost immediately after its construction. The capital was moved to Agra, the Mughal dynasty started to decline and the monument lost its importance to the ruling elites.

After a century from the construction of the monument the surrounding gardens were being used as vegetable gardens for people who settled near the mausoleum. In 1857, after British invasion of Delhi, these vegetable gardens were replaced with English style gardens. Later from 1903-1909 the original look of the garden was recreated by the order of Viceroy, Lord Curzon.