Humayun was one of the greatest rulers of Mughal Dynasty, which to a large extent influenced Indian civilization. His promising reign was tragically interrupted with freak accident on the stairs of Sher Mandal Library. Humayun's Tomb was built in memory of this charismatic ruler in Delhi by his Persian widow, Haji Begum during the time period of 1562-1572.
The monument had close competition with Taj Mahal’s architectural novelty. Exhibiting Persian influence, the mausoleum was built by Persian architect Mirak Ghiyathuddin on the banks of River Yamuna adjoining Sufi saint, Nizamuddin Auliya’s shrine. Babur laid the garden’s design in Persian style. A complex of buildings, it contains Emperor Humayun’s tomb and of others including the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, Hamida Begum, Akbar's mother and Dara Shikoh- Shah Jahan's son. Also, is the tomb of Humayun’s wife and his barber’s, who played significant roles in the lives of Mughal rulers.
Features:
Humayun’s is the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent. Four-sectioned, Char Bagh garden housing Humayun’s Tomb at the centre is divided into 36 squares by grid of water channels and paths. A high rubble wall separates the garden into four large squares by causeways and channels.
With gigantic double dome of sandstone bordered with white and black marble, the octagonal tomb is placed on high platform with colonnades, facing a series of cells with arched openings. Underneath, are graves of lesser-known nobles and workers of Humayun. Central chamber houses four double storied offsets containing the cenotaph of Emperor Humayun and his queen Bega Begum. Two double storied gateways guard the enclosure in the south and west. Centrally, the eastern wall houses a pavilion, while that of the north has a bath-chamber.
Major Structures Around:
Arab Sarai: Built by Bega Begam for 300 Arab priests, she brought from Mecca.
Bu Halima’s Tomb: Built for Babur’s noblewoman amidst beautifully structured garden, it is among popular tourist attractions in Delhi.
Isa Khan’s Tomb: Isa Khan was a nobleman of Sher Shah.
Afsarwala Mosque: On raised platform, the prayer-chamber has three arched openings along with the tomb. It is unknown as to who built them.
Humayun’s Tomb, Today:
A World Heritage Site, Humayun's Tomb is maintained by Aga Khan Trust that brought back its lost glory. Grandeur of Humayun’s Tomb was revived, with the beautiful water channels flowing once again from the fountains. Today, it is among leading sightseeing attractions in Delhi, in Delhi travel guide.