Humayun's Tomb

These snaps were taken during my visit to Delhi in the second of week of December 2013. Visiting this imperial Mughal tomb had been one of my greatest desires and now it has been fulfilled .

The masterpiece 

The second Mughal emperor Humayun died in 1556, and his widow Hamida Banu Begam, also known as Haji Begam, commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death.

looking back

Gateway to Humayun's tomb

View of the distant mausoleum through he gateway

It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style, which was inspired by Persian architecture. It is well known that Humayun picked up the principles of Persian architecture during his exile, and he himself is likely to have planned the tomb, although there is no record to that effect. The tomb was constructed at a cost of 15 lakh rupees (1.5 million).

Water fountains were a distinctive Mughal architectural innovation to beat the scorching heat of Indian summers

Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian, was the architect employed by Haji Begam for this tomb.

Steep steps leading up to the main terrace of the tomb

Close up view of the structure

The tomb proper stands in the centre of a square garden, divided into four main parterres by causeways (charbagh), in the centre of which ran shallow water-channels. The high rubble built enclosure is entered through two lofty double-storeyed gateways on the west and south. A baradari (pavilion) occupies the centre of the eastern wall and a hammam (bath chamber) in the centre of northern wall.

Minor Mughal tombs on the terrace 

Old ruined minor graves 

The square red sandstone double-storeyed structure of the mausoleum with chamfered corners rises from a 7-m. high square terrace, raised over a series of cells, which are accessible through, arches on each side. 

 Externally each side of the tomb, its elevations decorated by marble borders and panels, is dominated by three arched alcoves, the central one being the highest. Over the roof pillared kiosks are disposed around the high emphatic double dome in the center.

Here rests the son of Babur  and the father of Akbar

The grave proper in the center of this cell-complex is reached by a passage on the south. The octagonal central chamber contains the cenotaph, and the diagonal sides lead to corner-chambers which house the graves of other members of the royal family.

The central octagonal chamber contains the cenotaph, encompassed by octagonal chambers at the diagonals and arched lobbies on the sides. Their openings are closed with perforated screens. Each side is dominated by three arches, the central one being the highest. This plan is repeated on the second storey too. The roof surmounted by a double dome (42.5m) of marble has pillared kiosks (chhatris) placed around it.

Other Mughal family members

Thus the sun shines upon me for ever and for ever 

Tourists at the tomb

Steps leading the southern gate 

The back end of the main entrance to the complex

Bu Halima Gateway that lead to "Arab ki Sarai" , that used to house the foreign craftsmen engaged in the construction