Humayun’s Tomb is a mausoleum located in Delhi, India, built in the mid-16th century. It was commissioned by Bega Begum, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, to commemorate his memory after his death.
The tomb is a fine example of Mughal architecture and is considered to be the precursor of the famous Taj Mahal. It was designed by Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and is built using red sandstone and marble. The tomb is situated in a Char Bagh (four garden) layout, which is a Persian-inspired design that was popular during the Mughal period.
The tomb has a double dome and is surrounded by beautiful gardens, water channels, and pavilions. The complex also has other tombs and monuments, including the tomb of Bega Begum, which is located nearby.
The tomb was neglected for many years after the decline of the Mughal Empire, but it was later restored and renovated under the supervision of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. In 1993, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, Humayun’s Tomb is a popular tourist attraction in Delhi and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India. It is also a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Mughal Empire and is a testament to the grandeur and opulence of that era.
Other Names Of The Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi:
- Maqbara-e-Humayun: This is the original name of the tomb, which means “tomb of Humayun” in Urdu. The name reflects the purpose of the monument, which was built to serve as a burial place for the Mughal Emperor Humayun.
- Tomb of Humayun: This is a straightforward English name for the tomb, which describes it simply as a tomb built for Humayun. It is a commonly used name, particularly among tourists and visitors to Delhi.
- Mausoleum of Humayun: This is another English name for the tomb, which emphasizes its status as a grand mausoleum. The name “mausoleum” has connotations of grandeur and majesty, which are fitting for a monument of this type.
- Humayun ka Maqbara: This is another Urdu name for the tomb, which means “Humayun’s tomb” in English. It is a simpler and more colloquial name than Maqbara-e-Humayun, and is commonly used among locals and visitors alike.
- Humayun Darwaza: This is a lesser-known name for the tomb, which refers to the entry gate or darwaza of the complex. The name is derived from the Persian word “darwaza,” which means “door” or “gateway.”
- Rohtas ka Makbara: This is a local name for the tomb, which refers to the nearby Rohtas Fort. The fort was built by Sher Shah Suri, a rival of Humayun, and the name “Rohtas ka Makbara” reflects this historical connection.
- Afsarwala ka Maqbara: This is another local name for the tomb, which means “tomb of the official” in Urdu. The name reflects a local legend that the tomb was built for a high-ranking official of the Mughal court, rather than for Humayun himself.
- Nila Gumbad: This is a nearby monument that is sometimes confused with Humayun’s Tomb. The name means “blue dome” in Urdu, and refers to a 14th-century tomb that is located near the Humayun’s Tomb complex.
- Choti Baoli: This is another nearby monument that is sometimes associated with Humayun’s Tomb. The name means “small stepwell” in Hindi, and refers to a historic stepwell that is located within the Humayun’s Tomb complex.
- Arab Sarai: This is a nearby monument that was built during the Mughal era to serve as a resting place for pilgrims. The name means “Arabian rest house” in Urdu, and reflects the fact that it was intended for travelers from the Arab world.
How To Reach The Humayun’s Tomb:
Humayun’s Tomb is located in Delhi, India and can be easily reached by various means of transportation. Here are some of the ways to reach the tomb:
- By Metro: The nearest metro station to Humayun’s Tomb is the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro Station, which is located on the Violet Line of the Delhi Metro. From there, you can take a short auto-rickshaw ride or walk to the tomb.
- By Bus: Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses are available from various parts of the city to Humayun’s Tomb. The nearest bus stop to the tomb is the Sundar Nursery Bus Stop, which is located about 500 meters away.
- By Car: You can also reach the tomb by car or taxi. It is easily accessible by road and there is ample parking available near the tomb.
- By Bicycle or on Foot: If you are staying nearby, you can also reach Humayun’s Tomb by bicycle or on foot. The area surrounding the tomb is relatively pedestrian-friendly, and cycling or walking can be a great way to explore the nearby attractions.
It’s worth noting that the tomb is located in a busy area of Delhi, so it’s best to plan your visit in advance and be prepared for traffic and crowds. Additionally, the tomb is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and there is an entrance fee for visitors.
Things To Keep In Mind When Visiting The Humayun’s Tomb:
Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Humayun’s Tomb:
- Dress Code: Visitors are advised to dress modestly and conservatively, covering their shoulders and knees, as the tomb is a religious site.
- Footwear: Prior to entering the main mausoleum and mosque, visitors must take off their shoes. There are shoe storage facilities located near the entrance for this purpose.
- Timings: The tomb is open daily from sunrise to sunset, except on Fridays when it is closed for prayer between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm.
- Ticket Prices: To enter Humayun’s Tomb, Indian citizens are charged an entry fee of Rs. 40 while foreign nationals are charged Rs. 600. It is important to note that visitors may incur additional charges for using a camera or video camera.
- Photography: Photography is allowed in most areas of the tomb complex, but flash photography is not allowed inside the mausoleum. Tripods are also not allowed inside the premises.
- Guided Tours: Visitors can opt for a guided tour of the tomb complex to learn more about its history and architecture.
- Crowd Management: The tomb can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, so visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid long queues and crowds.
- Hydration: The tomb complex is spread across a large area, so it is advisable to carry water bottles to stay hydrated.
- Respectful Behaviour: Visitors are expected to behave respectfully and maintain decorum while visiting the tomb complex, as it is a religious site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
By keeping these things in mind, visitors can have a smooth and enjoyable experience while exploring the history and architecture of Humayun’s Tomb.
Historical Importance Of The Humayun’s Tomb:
Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, India is of great historical importance as it represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Mughal architecture in India. Here are some of the historical significance and importance of Humayun’s Tomb:
- First garden-tomb in India: Humayun’s Tomb is the first garden-tomb in India and represents a unique architectural style that later became the hallmark of Mughal architecture.
- Symbol of Mughal architecture: The tomb is an early example of Mughal architecture in India and set the standard for subsequent Mughal monuments, including the Taj Mahal.
- Restoration of Mughal rule: The construction of Humayun’s Tomb marked the beginning of the restoration of Mughal rule in India after the brief period of Sur Dynasty rule. It also signaled the beginning of a new era of Mughal architecture.
- Monument to a great Mughal emperor: Humayun’s Tomb was built to honor the memory of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun, who played a significant role in the development of the Mughal Empire in India.
- Blend of Persian and Indian architecture: The tomb is a stunning example of the fusion of Persian and Indian architectural styles. The intricate geometric patterns, calligraphy, and the use of red sandstone and white marble are some of the unique features of the tomb.
- World Heritage Site: Humayun’s Tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and is recognized as an outstanding example of Mughal architecture in India.
Overall, Humayun’s Tomb holds a significant place in the history and culture of India, and serves as an important symbol of Mughal architecture and the Mughal Empire.
Construction Of The Humayun’s Tomb:
Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, India was commissioned by Bega Begum, the wife of Mughal Emperor Humayun, in 1565, after the Emperor’s death. Here are some details about the construction of Humayun’s Tomb:
- Architect: The architect of the tomb was Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, who was appointed by Bega Begum. He was a Persian architect and was also responsible for the design and construction of the Taj Mahal.
- Design: The tomb was designed as a garden-tomb, with the mausoleum placed at the center of a large square garden with four water channels, which symbolize the four rivers of Paradise in Islamic tradition. The garden is also divided into 36 parts, which represent the Islamic concept of paradise.
- Materials: The tomb was constructed using red sandstone and white marble, which were brought from Rajasthan and the quarries in Makrana respectively. The use of white marble was a new feature in Mughal architecture.
- Construction Process: The construction of the tomb took around nine years and involved the work of thousands of laborers and artisans. The tomb was built on a raised platform with a height of about 7 meters, which provides an elevated view of the garden.
- Architectural style: Humayun’s Tomb represents a unique fusion of Persian and Indian architectural styles. It is characterized by its symmetrical layout, use of red sandstone, intricate geometric patterns, and calligraphy.
- Dimensions: The tomb is approximately 47 meters high and 91 meters wide. The mausoleum itself is a double-domed structure, with the interior decorated with exquisite ornamentation and marble inlay work.
Overall, Humayun’s Tomb is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture, and its construction represents an important milestone in the development of this style of architecture in India. The tomb’s intricate design, use of materials, and architectural features make it a must-see destination for tourists and architecture enthusiasts alike.
10 Interesting Facts About The Humayun’s Tomb:
- The tomb was commissioned by Bega Begum, the wife of Mughal Emperor Humayun, in 1565, after his death.
- The tomb was built at a cost of 1.5 million rupees, which was a significant sum of money at the time.
- Humayun’s Tomb is the first garden-tomb in India and represents a unique architectural style that later became the hallmark of Mughal architecture.
- The tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is recognized as an outstanding example of Mughal architecture in India.
- The construction of the tomb took around nine years and involved the work of thousands of laborers and artisans.
- The tomb was designed as a garden-tomb, with the mausoleum placed at the center of a large square garden with four water channels.
- The tomb’s architecture is a fusion of Persian and Indian styles, with the use of red sandstone and white marble.
- The tomb was restored in the early 20th century by the British, who repaired and cleaned the structure and its surrounding gardens.
- The tomb complex also includes other buildings, such as a mosque, a bathhouse, and the tombs of other Mughal emperors and their family members.
- The tomb’s intricate design, use of materials, and architectural features have inspired many other buildings in India and around the world, including the Taj Mahal.
Architecture Of The Humayun’s Tomb:
Humayun’s Tomb is an outstanding example of Mughal architecture in India.
- Layout: The tomb was designed as a garden-tomb, with the mausoleum placed at the center of a large square garden with four water channels. The garden is also divided into 36 parts, which represent the Islamic concept of paradise.
- Materials: The tomb was constructed using red sandstone and white marble, which were brought from Rajasthan and the quarries in Makrana respectively. The use of white marble was a new feature in Mughal architecture.
- Architectural Style: The tomb’s architectural style is a fusion of Persian and Indian styles, with the use of red sandstone and white marble. It is characterized by its symmetrical layout, intricate geometric patterns, and calligraphy.
- The Mausoleum: The mausoleum itself is a double-domed structure, with the interior decorated with exquisite ornamentation and marble inlay work. The entrance to the mausoleum is through a large arched doorway with intricate decoration.
- The Tomb Platform: The tomb was built on a raised platform with a height of about 7 meters, which provides an elevated view of the garden. The platform has arched openings on all four sides, which provide access to the garden.
- The Mosque: On the western side of the tomb, there is a mosque constructed with red sandstone and featuring three domes.
- The Barber’s Tomb: The complex also includes the tomb of Isa Khan Niazi, who was a prominent nobleman during the reign of Sher Shah Suri. His tomb is located on the northern side of the garden.
Overall, the architecture of Humayun’s Tomb is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture in India. Its symmetrical layout, intricate decoration, and fusion of Persian and Indian styles make it a must-see destination for tourists and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Humayun’s Tomb is a magnificent monument that holds immense historical and architectural significance. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Mughal architecture and history. The tomb complex not only includes the mausoleum of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, but also a mosque and several other tombs and monuments. Its unique fusion of Persian and Indian architectural styles, intricate decoration, and well-maintained gardens make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in Delhi. Visitors are advised to keep in mind the dress code, footwear, timings, ticket prices, and other important factors while planning their visit to the tomb complex. With its grandeur and historical importance, Humayun’s Tomb is a true masterpiece of Indian architecture and a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of India.