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Humayun's tomb in the capital Delhi is a fine specimen of the great Mughal architecture. Built in 1570, the tomb is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Its unique beauty is said to have inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the unparalleled Taj Mahal. In many ways, this magnificent red and white sandstone building is as spectacular as the famous 'monument to love' in Agra. This historic monument was erected by Humayun's queen Hamida Banu Begam (Haji Begam) at a cost of about 1.5 million. It is believed that she designed the tomb.
The splendour of this monument becomes evident on entering the grandiose double-storeyed gateway. High rubble walls enclose a square garden divided into four large squares separated by causeways and water channels. Each square is divided again into smaller squares by pathways, forming a typical Mughal garden called Charbagh. The fountains were worked with simple yet highly developed engineering skills quite common in India during this period. The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar II had taken refuge in this tomb during the first War of Independence in 1857. Several rulers of the Mughal dynasty lie buried here. Humayun's wife is buried here too.
The main sarcophagus stands in the central hall, oriented - in accordance with Muslim practice - on the north-south axis. Traditionally, the body is placed with the head to the north, the face turned sideways towards Mecca. The dome is what is called a full dome, a complete semi-circle which is a special feature of Mughal architecture. The structure is built with red sandstone, but white and black marble has been used in the borders. UNESCO has declared this magnificent masterpiece a world heritage.
History
Humayun died in 1556 AD following a fall from stairs. He was laid to rest at his palace at Purana Quilla in Delhi. Following his death, Delhi was attacked by Hemu, the Hindu general and Chief Minister of Adil Shah Suri of Suri Dynasty. To preserve the sanctity of their Emperor’s remains, the retreating Mughal army exhumed Humayun’s remains and took them to be reburied at Kalanaur in Punjab.
Following her husband’s death, the grieving queen Bega Begum set out for Mecca to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage and vowed to build a magnificent mausoleum in his memory. She employed the services of a Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, hailing from Herat region of Afghanistan and having an impressive repertoire. Bega Begum not only commissioned and paid for the construction of the tomb, but supervised its construction as well.
The grandeur of this spectacular edifice gradually diminished due to lack of maintenance as funds dwindled in the royal treasury of the declining Mughal Empire. In 1880, after the establishment of the British rule in Delhi, the surrounding garden was redesigned to accommodate an English style garden. However, it was restored to the original style in a major restoration project between 1903 and 1909. The complex and its structures were heavily defiled when it was used to house the refugees during 1947 Partition of India. The most recent phase of restoration started in 1993, after Humayun’s tomb was named as a UNESCO world Heritage Site, by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) – Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).
How to Reach Humayun Tomb
The tomb is located at Nizamuddin East of Delhi. It is very close to the old fort. The tomb is easily accessible from any part of Delhi. The nearest railway station is Nizammudin and the nearest metro stations are Race Course station and Jorbagh station. You can hire buses from ISBT or Rajiv Chowk or Nizamuddin to reach the tomb. You can also find autos and cabs from any part of the city to the tomb.
Best Time to Visit Humayun Tomb
The monument is open throughout the day and throughout the year. It is better to visit the monument when sun is out so that you can enjoy all delicate architectural features of the monuments. The best to visit is from 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening.
Summers of Delhi are harsh and dehydrating and thus, it is better to avoid summers. Monsoon can cause interruption to sightseeing. Thus, it is better to visit in the winter season when the climate is cool and pleasing. Winter starts in October and ends in March.
Delhi, the capital of India, is built on the banks of the River Yamuna and is a beautiful blend of a historical past and a vibrant present. Be it its culture, vibrant nightlife, bustling markets or tourist attractions, the city never fails to hypnotise people with its irresistible charm. Below described are the most sought-after tourist attractions in this great city. Humayun's Tomb is one of the best examples of Mughal architecture that still stand tall in the city. Surrounded by manicured gardens, it is a mausoleum, which was built to house the corpse of Humayun. Red Fort is another marvellous monument accredited to the Mughals. While here, you can admire the inlaid work on the marble and pietra dura in different sections. Another grand fortress, Purana Qila was built by Humayun and Sher Shah Suri, but claimed to be originally constructed by Yudhishthira. Sher Mandal and Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque are its two main highlights. Most New Delhi packages come with a visit to the magnificent India Gate. This imposing 42-metre-high stone arch was built to commemorate the sacrifice of soldiers during the First World War. You can pay tribute to the soldiers at the eternal flame, Amar Jawan Jyoti. Another site, which holds immense historical significance, is Qutb Minar. Built by Qutb ud din Aibak, this sandstone minaret is renowned for its Arabic calligraphy. Your trip to New Delhi would be incomplete without a visit to Rajghat, a memorial, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Close to Rajghat are the memorials of other Indian leaders like Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri that are worth a visit.
