Built fourteen years after the death of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, this imposing structure stands today reminiscent of the glories past. It was the widow of the emperor Hamida Banu Begam who commissioned the tomb and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, this is also known to be the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent having been built in the year 1569.
A veritable landmark of the Mughal architecture, this red sandstone double-storied structure is built in the middle of a picturesque garden, laid out in four-fold style also known as char baah, with pools joined by channels, thereby creating a spectacular sight. The main entrance to this mausoleum is located on the south while another entrance can be found on the west. The centre of the eastside wall is occupied by a pavilion also known as a baradaari, while a hammam, a bath chamber is found at the centre of the north wall.
The first of a long series of dynastic tombs, the Humayun’s Tomb also houses the tombs of his wife, Hamida Begum, Dara Shikoh, son of Shah Jahan, as well as tombs of other Mughals such as that of Emperor Jahandar Shah, Rafi Ul-Darjat, Farrukhsiyar, Rafi Ud-Daulat and Alamgir II in addition to the main tomb of the Emperor Humayun. The structure made out of stone dressed in sandstone with white and black inlaid marble borders and the interior of the tomb is a significantly large octagonal chamber equipped with vaulted roof compartments which are interconnected with galleries and corridors. It is evident that the concept was inspired by Persian architecture as it beautiful garden is accomplished in the Char Bagh style demonstrates characteristics of a typical Persian garden. The site itself located upon the banks of the beautifully flowing Yamuna River is quite special as it is built in close proximity to the mausoleum of the Sufi saint of Delhi, Nizamuddin Auliya who was a venerated personality by the rulers of Delhi.
If you are planning to explore these premises, one of the best hotels in New Delhi Airport can be easily obtained for accommodation. Eaton Smart New Delhi Airport Transit Hotel is a reputed New Delhi Airport hotel which combines innovative lodging with class and convenience that would appease the choosiest of all travellers.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
