History Project

Reviving History: Exploring the Architectural Marvel of Humayun's

Tomb
Introduction
Humayun's Tomb, situated in the heart of Delhi, stands as an iconic symbol of Mughal
architecture and a testament to the grandeur of the era. It is the tomb of Mughal
emperor, Mirza Nasir al-Din Muhammad commonly known as Humayun situated in
Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife and chief consort,
Empress Bega Begum under her patronage in 1558, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas
and his son, Sayyid Muhammad, Persian architects chosen by her.
It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, and is located in Nizamuddin
East, Delhi. It was also the first structure to use red sandstone at such a scale. The tomb
was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and since then has undergone
extensive restoration work.

History
After his death on 27 January 1556, Humayun's body was first buried in his palace in
Purana Quila at Delhi. Thereafter it was taken to Sirhind, in Punjab by Khanjar Beg and,
in 1558, it was seen by Humayun's son, the then Mughal Emperor, Akbar.
The tomb of Humayun was built by the orders of his first wife and chief consort,
Empress Bega Begum (also known as Haji Begum). Construction began in 1565 and was
completed in 1572; it cost 1.5 million rupees, paid entirely by the Empress. According to
Ain-i-Akbari, a 16th-century detailed document written during the reign of Akbar, Bega
Begum supervised the construction of the tomb after returning from Mecca and
undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage.
According to Abd al-Qadir Bada'uni, one of the few contemporary historians to mention
construction of the tomb, it was designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas
(also referred to as Mirak Ghiyathuddin), who was selected by the Empress and brought
from Herat (northwest Afghanistan).
An English merchant, William Finch, who visited the tomb in 1611, describes rich
interior furnishing of the central chamber (in comparison to the sparse look today).

Architecture
The complex encompasses the main tomb of the Emperor Humayun, which houses the
graves of Empress Bega Begum, Hajji Begum, and also Dara Shikoh, great-great-
grandson of Humayun and son of the later Emperor Shah Jahan, as well as numerous
other subsequent Mughals.
The site was chosen on the banks of Yamuna River, due to its proximity to Nizamuddin
Dargah, the mausoleum of the celebrated Sufi saint of Delhi, Nizamuddin Auliya, who
was much revered by the rulers of Delhi, and whose residence, Chilla Nizamuddin Auliya
lies just north-east of the tomb.
The combination of red sandstone and white marble was previously seen in Delhi
Sultanate period tombs and mosques, most distinctively in the highly decorative Alai
Darwaza gatehouse in the Qutub complex, Mehrauli, built in 1311, under the Khalji
dynasty.
The high rubble built enclosure is entered through two lofty double-storied gateways on
the west and south, 16 metres high with rooms on either side of the passage and small
courtyards on the upper floors. The tomb, built of rubble masonry and red sandstone,
uses white marble as a cladding material and also for the flooring, lattice screens
(jaalis), door frames, eaves (chhajja), and the main dome.
Inspired by Persian architecture; the tomb reaches a height of 47 metres (154 ft) and
the plinth is 91 metres (299 ft) wide, and was the first Indian building to use the Persian
double dome on a high neck drum, and measures 42.5 metres (139 ft), and is topped by
6 metres (20 ft) high brass finial ending in a crescent, common in Timurid tombs. The
double or 'double-layered' dome, has an outer layer that supports the white marble
exterior, while the inner part gives shape to the cavernous interior volume. In a contrast
to the pure white exterior dome, the rest of the building is made up of red sandstone,
with white and black marble and yellow sandstone detailing, to relieve the monotony.
While the main tomb took over eight years to build, it was also placed in centre of a 30-
acre Charbagh, a Persian-style garden with a quadrilateral layout. It was the first of its
kind in South Asia on such a scale. The highly geometrical and enclosed Paradise
Garden is divided into four squares by paved walkways (khiyabans) and two bisecting
central water channels, reflecting the four rivers that flow in jannat, the Islamic concept
of paradise.

Cultural significance and importance as a Tourist destination

As the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent, Humayun Tomb, represents a
fusion of Persian and Indian architectural styles, showcasing the cultural exchange
between the two regions during the Mughal era. In present times, Humayun's Tomb
continues to attract tourists from all over the world, drawn by its architectural splendor,
historical importance, and serene surroundings.
Moreover, Humayun's Tomb is a popular destination for photography enthusiasts, who
are drawn to its symmetrical layout, intricate details, and picturesque surroundings. It
also serves as a venue for cultural events and festivals, further enhancing its allure as a
tourist hotspot.
The tomb complex offers a glimpse into India's rich cultural heritage, allowing visitors to
immerse themselves in the grandeur of the Mughal era. The site's accessibility, coupled
with efforts in conservation and restoration, ensures that it continues to enchant
visitors and serve as a testament to India's glorious past. As such, Humayun's Tomb
plays a vital role in promoting tourism and fostering cultural exchange, contributing to
the vibrant tapestry of India's cultural landscape.
Submitted by: Gouri Ajayakumar
Roll No.: 220132
Course: BA Program (English + History)