Humayun's Tomb in Delhi India

Built in 1570, Humayun's tomb is one of the finest exemplar of the great Mughal architecture and the fact that makes it more special is that it was the first garden-tomb to be built on the Indian subcontinent. The mesmerizing beauty of this historic monument has inspired several major architectural innovations, including the culmination of the unparalleled Taj Mahal. Located near the crossing of Mahura road and Lodhi road, this magnificent garden tomb was erected by Humayun's queen Hamida Banu Begam (Haji Begam) it is believed that she designed this tomb herself. The monument is surrounded my many new buildings but still the structure has maintained its importance and has been standing upright since centuries.

Construction of Humayun's Tomb

The tomb displays wonderful Mughal architecture and the history of Mughal India. Humayun's tomb is headed by a tomb with blue coloured dome which has been made with Persian tiles which became very popular since the emergence of Mughals in India. The structure has been built with red sandstone, along with white and black marbles used in the borders.

The entry of the splendid monument is welcomed by the grand double-storeyed gateway with rooms on both sides of the gateway and small courtyards on the upper floors. The high ruined walls enclosing the square garden divided the garden into four large squares separated by causeways and water channels. Each square is again divided into smaller squares by pathways, forming a typical Mughal garden called Charbagh. Inspired by Persian architecture; the tomb touches the height of 47 m and is 300 feet wide, and is counted among the first Indian building to use the Persian double dome with high brass finial ending. As you move further, one will find another doorway on the right, which headed towards a place called ‘Arab Serai,’ that was used as a resting area where people used to take some time off from the tedious daily routine. The structure was built by Hamida Banu Begum to accommodate more than 200 Arabs she brought with her from Mecca to build this monument.

The tomb has been erected on a stone platform with beautiful stone channels crafted skillfully on each side of the platform. These channels were filled with water in order to keep the garden green and natural throughout the year. As you reach the rooftop, one can find little porches that are believed to have been used by the students of Madarsa or college where Arabic was taught. And standing at the roof will give you the clear view of the Jama Masjid and the Qutub Minar.

The tomb houses the graves of his wife, Hamida Begum, and Dara Shikoh, the son of Shah Jahan, as well as numerous other subsequent Mughals. The real burial chamber of the Emperor is kept away from public visiting and is sited in an underground chamber that lies exactly beneath the upper monument, and is accessible through a separate passage outside the main structure.

At present, the reconstruction work, illegal work around the area, disposal of plastics in the complex and the construction work of Delhi Metro has ruined the structure and is day by day losing its old charm.