History of Humayun Tomb:
Humayun's Tomb is also known as Humayun ka Maqbara. It is established in Delhi. It is the final resting place of Mughal Emperor 'Humayun'. It is also known as the Maqbara-e-Humayun, this tomb is one of the best-preserved Mughal monument and the first Mughal architecture in India. This is also the first garden-tomb to be built in the Indian subcontinent.
It was built in the 16th century by Haji Begum, Humayun's first wife, and the Empress consort. Following Humayun’s untimely death his grieving wife Haji Begum set out to Mecca to undertake a Hajj pilgrimage. She vowed to build a magnificent mausoleum in the memory of her husband. The construction work started in 1565, nine years after Humayun's death, and completed in 1572. Haji Begum not only commissioned the tomb but also paid for the construction and supervised the construction.
Architecture of Humayun Tomb:
Humayun Tomb is built primarily of red sandstone, a perfectly symmetrical structure with white marble domes. Humayun Tomb architecture is a perfect amalgamation of Persian and Indo-Islamic architectural style. The tomb is built near the shrine of Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya as Mughals considered it auspicious to be buried near a saint's grave.
The tomb was designed by the reputed Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas who died before the completion of the work and it was continued by his son Sayyid Mohammed Ibn Mirak. This was the first structure built in India to incorporate the double dome style of architecture. Three sides of the tomb complex are enclosed by walls and the River Yamuna flows on the fourth side.
Humayun's Tomb stands on a 7 meter high stone platform in the center of a beautiful lush green garden. The central dome towers to a height of 140 feet. The memorial of Emperor Humayun has an octagonal chamber on the upper floor whereas the mortal remains are in the basement. There are other chambers in the tomb which houses other members of the royal family including Haji Begum, Hamida Banu Begum, Isa Khan, Dara Shikoh and Bahadur Shah Zafar.
The garden surrounding the tomb has the tomb of the Emperor's favorite barber. There are nearly 150 tombs of Mughal’s family members in Humayun’s Tomb complex and it is also referred to as the Mughal's dormitory. Marble lattice works, Pieta Dura style floor, arches in laid with red sandstone and white marble, and attics add to the beauty of this tomb.
The garden around the Humayun’s Tomb is based on the Char Bagh style with pools connected by water channels. The complex houses many buildings like Nila Gumbad or blue dome, Arab Sarai, Bu Halima’s tomb, bardaari (pavilion) and Hamam (bath chamber). The Arab Sarai was built to accommodate 200 Arab craftsmen brought from Mecca to build Humayun's tomb.
South Gate and West Gate of Humayun Tomb:
The complex has two lofty gateways, the southern gate (the main gate) and the western gate. The southern gate was used during the Mughal period by the royal family and now the western gate is used for tourists. The eastern and northern walls of the tomb complex have pavilions. The pavilion in the center of the eastern wall has twelve doors to allow free movement of air.
In 1857, the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured from Humayun’s Tomb by Lieutenant Hudson. This astonishing Mughal monument has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to Reach Humayun Tomb:
Tourist can take metro train and nearest metro station is hazrat nizamuddin on pink line. By the way there are many option of transportation to reach Humayun tomb. You may rent a cab like ola, uber, and auto ricksaw from your staying in delhi.
Book your new delhi holiday packages with Indian Visit or also read more Delhi Tourism Information.
Humayun's Tomb Timings:
The visiting time of humayun tomb through all week and from morning 8 A.M to evening 6 P.M.
Humayun’s Tomb Entry fees:
The entrence fee for indian tourist is INR 30 and for foreigners INR 500.
No entry fee for children below 15 years.
For video filming, the fees are INR 25.
