Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's Tomb in Delhi is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, built in 1569-70 by Empress Bega Begum, the widow of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, fourteen years after his death. It is the first grand garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and served as a precursor for later Mughal monuments, including the Taj Mahal.
Historical Significance
The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's wife, Bega Begum, and designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, blending Persian and Indian architectural styles.
It marks a leap in Mughal architecture with its charbagh layout — a Persian-inspired garden divided into four quadrants, symbolizing the Islamic paradise. The tomb complex covers over 27 hectares and includes tombs of other Mughal family members within the large garden setting.
Humayun's Tomb is also known as the "dormitory of the Mughals," containing around 150 graves of royal family members.
It marks a leap in Mughal architecture with its charbagh layout — a Persian-inspired garden divided into four quadrants, symbolizing the Islamic paradise. The tomb complex covers over 27 hectares and includes tombs of other Mughal family members within the large garden setting.
Humayun's Tomb is also known as the "dormitory of the Mughals," containing around 150 graves of royal family members.
Architectural Features
The tomb is built on a high, wide platform clad in red sandstone with white and black marble inlay borders. It features a large octagonal central chamber topped with a striking 42.5-meter-high double dome made of marble.
The design includes chamfered edges and large arched alcoves on each side, with intricately carved stone latticework (jaalis) and symmetrical vaults creating a harmonious interior space.
The interior houses the central octagonal sepulcher with a cenotaph aligned according to Islamic tradition. The actual burial chamber lies underground and is not accessible to the public.
The compound has two grand gateways, a baradari (pillared pavilion), and a hammam (bath chamber), enriching the architectural splendor of the site.
The design includes chamfered edges and large arched alcoves on each side, with intricately carved stone latticework (jaalis) and symmetrical vaults creating a harmonious interior space.
The interior houses the central octagonal sepulcher with a cenotaph aligned according to Islamic tradition. The actual burial chamber lies underground and is not accessible to the public.
The compound has two grand gateways, a baradari (pillared pavilion), and a hammam (bath chamber), enriching the architectural splendor of the site.