Humayun’s Tomb

An early example of Mughal architecture, Humayun’s Tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s wife, Hamida Banu Begum, in 1562 in memory of her husband, post his death in the same year. It took almost 10 years for the completion of the monument.

The Tomb was the first Mughal structure to be built in red sandstone, and the first in the Indian Subcontinent with gardens, water channels and mausoleums, which till date attract thousands of tourists to this place.

It was in 1993 that the Tomb was declared as a UNESCO Heritage Site, and ever since it has undergone extensive restoration, which continues till date. And, apart from the graves of Humayun and his wife, the tomb, also houses the graves of various other Mughal Rulers including, Dara Shikoh, Emperor Jahandar Shah and many others.

Designed by a noted Prussian Architect of that time, Mirak Mirza Ghiyuath was planned to be constructed on the banks of River Yamuna because of its proximity to the Nizamuddin Dargah, a place revered by all Mughal Rulers of that time.

The Tomb is a clear reflection of the good afterlife that Mughals wished to create for their dead. The Char Bagh garden was designed keeping in the mind the jannat (paradise) where the dead would start a new life. The garden is divided into four squares by paved walkways that represent the four rivers in paradise.

What most tourists enjoy is the long walks you’ll have to undertake in order to explore the place and its history. This is another reason why it’s advisable to avoid visiting the place during the peak summer time.

Also, you’ll be surprised to know that the first of its kind to be built in India, it went ahead to inspire the designs of almost all Mughal architecture, including that of Taj Mahal.