Humayuns Tomb, Delhi

A Comprehensive Guide to Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi

Welcome to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning example of Mughal architecture!

This magnificent mausoleum, built in the 16th century, is a must-see for any tourist visiting Delhi. Humayun’s Tomb is not only a breathtaking testament to early Mughal architectural prowess but also holds historical significance as the inspiration for the Taj Mahal itself.

A Brief History:

  • Built by whom?: Humayun’s Tomb was built by his wife, Hamida Banu Begum (also known as Haji Begum), in his memory.
  • Who is buried there?: The tomb houses the remains of Mughal Emperor Humayun and other members of his family, including his wife Bega Begum, who were later re-interred in a small structure to the north-west of the main tomb.

A Glimpse into the Past:

Humayun’s Tomb is a masterpiece of early Mughal architecture. It was commissioned by Haji Bega Begum, the emperor’s widow, as a tribute to her beloved husband, Humayun. This stunning structure, built in the 1560s, stands as a precursor to the Taj Mahal, showcasing the architectural brilliance that would later culminate in the iconic monument.

  • The Mughal Emperor: Bega Begum, also known as Hamida Banu Begum, was the first wife of Akbar and the mother of his son, Jahangir.
  • The Mughal Garden: The tomb is located within a beautiful Mughal garden, a precursor to the more famous gardens at the Taj Mahal and other Mughal structures.

Exploring the Tomb:

The tomb itself is a square building with a high dome, built in the traditional style of Mughal architecture.

  • Red Sandstone Architecture: Built primarily of red sandstone and adorned with intricate white marble details, the tomb’s architecture reflects the transition from early Lodi-style structures to the more refined and elaborate Mughal designs that followed.
  • Humayun’s Tomb Complex: Beyond the main tomb, Humayun’s Tomb complex is a fascinating place to explore, with numerous other tombs and structures including the impressive Tomb of Isa Khan.

A Look at the Structures:

The tomb itself is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, showcasing a blend of Persian and Indian influences.

  • Persian Inspiration: Humayun’s Tomb draws heavily on Persian architectural styles, as seen in its use of symmetrical design, gardens, and geometric patterns.
  • Influence on the Taj Mahal: The tomb’s design, particularly its use of symmetry and garden elements, served as a crucial model for later Mughal architecture, including the influential “Char Bagh” style (four gardens) that became an architectural cornerstone at the Taj Mahal.

Humayun’s Tomb:

This complex structure features:

  • A symmetrical layout:
    The tomb is built on a square plan with a high central dome and surrounding arched chambers.
  • A stunning garden setting: The tomb is situated in a meticulously planned and designed “char bagh” (four gardens) style Mughal garden, featuring geometric water features and formal gardens.

Double-Storyed Structure:

The tomb itself is a double-storyed structure with the main mausoleum on the upper level and the surrounding gardens on the lower level.

Key Features of the Tomb:

  • The Char Bagh Garden: Visitors are often struck by the resemblance between Humayun’s Tomb and the Mughal architecture that would later influence the design of the Taj Mahal. The tomb features a classic “char bagh” (four gardens) layout, with four squares representing the four gardens of paradise.
  • The Char Chinar:

This design element is not as common in Mughal architecture but still important.

  • Tomb of Isa Khan:

Located within the complex, this tomb showcases earlier architectural styles compared to the Taj Mahal’s elaborate designs.

Other Tombs and Structures:

Within the larger Tomb complex are other smaller tombs and structures, including the tomb of Haji Begum herself.

A Closer Look at History:

  • The Mughal Empire: Humayun’s Tomb is a crucial example of Mughal architecture, as it was built in the 16th century for Haji Begam, the wife of Humayun, who played a pivotal role in its construction.
  • Early Influences:

This tomb complex is known for demonstrating early examples of Mughal architectural styles and techniques.

A Look at Architecture:

The architecture of Humayun’s Tomb showcases:

  • Influence from Persian architecture: The structure is built on a square plan, a common feature in many tombs and gardens of the Mughal Empire.
  • Char Bagh Style: This tomb is a crucial example of the “Mughal Gardens” style.

A Look at the Architecture’s Influence:

The tomb’s design has been influential for future architectural projects, including the Taj Mahal.

  • Double-Storyed Structure: The Tomb of Humayun, unlike the Taj Mahal, is a double-storeyed structure with a central dome and surrounding gardens.
  • Persian Influences: The tomb’s architecture reflects the Mughal Empire’s interest in incorporating elements of Persian design, which they often used as a way to honor their own rulers and ancestors.

The Tomb’s Importance:

Humayun’s Tomb is a significant example of Mughal architecture because it served as a prototype for the “Humayun’s Tomb” style of Mughal architecture.

  • Garden Architecture: The tomb’s design was crucial in shaping the gardens that would later be incorporated into the Taj Mahal’s design, a fact not lost on the architects and designers who came after the tomb’s construction.

The Gardens:

The tomb is surrounded by extensive gardens with: