History of Humayun's Tomb
Post his death on 20 January 1556, Humayun's body was initially buried in Delhi's Purana Qila. The emperor's death caused great agony to his chief consort Bega Begam, who vowed to create the most resplendent mausoleum in all of the empire. The construction began in 1565, nine years after his death, and completed in 1572 AD at a cost of 1.5 million rupees at the time which was borne by the Empress alone. During India's partition, Humayun's tomb along with the Purana Qila served as an asylum for Muslims migrating to Pakistan. However, during this time, the monument was subjected to vandalism which defiled the structure greatly. Archaeological Survey of India took it upon itself to restore its former glory, and this process was accelerated when Humayun's Tomb got featured on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1993.
Architecture of Humayun's Tomb
The structure of Humayun's tomb is a mix of Islamic and Persian architecture with smatterings of Indian elegance too. Six-sided stars that embellish the main opening on the west, are also seen on the main tomb structure, though it has been used as a patterned galactic symbol. The mosque also has the tomb of Emperor's beloved barber. The tomb built of debris of granite and red sandstone uses white marble as a covering material. It has main features of Indian - Islamic architecture like jaalis, door frames and chhajja. It stands on a leaped terrace eight-metre high and spread over 12,000-meter square. This tomb houses over 100 gravestones and the entire base structure is elevated on a stage, a few steps high.
Char Bagh Garden
The Char-Bagh is a Persian style garden with a geometric layout, and divided into 4 square walkways, giving it the name, Char Bagh. The four squares are further subdivided into smaller pathways, creating 36 squares. The central water system flows beneath the ground, feeding the mini fountains without appearing at the surface. The garden is enclosed within rubble walls on three sides while the fourth opening serves as an inlet to the river Yamuna, which unfortunately no longer flows here. The gardens are exquisitely maintained and will certainly transport you the times of the royalty with their charms.
Other Monuments at Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's tomb has a number of other monuments leading up to it. Some of these are:-
1. Tomb and mosque of Isa Khan: This is the mausoleum complex of Isa Khan Niyazi, who was an Afghan noble in Sher Shah Suri's court. He was actually an adversary of the Mughals and had fought against them. The octagonal tomb was built during the reign of Islam Shah Suri, son of Sher Shah. It is surrounded by an octagonal garden and later went on to serve as the burial place for Isa Khan's family as well.
2. Bu Halima's tomb and garden: This attraction is located towards the western entry of Humayun's tomb. Information about Bu Halima is scanty, and the tomb is believed to be a later addition to this place.
3. Afsarwala tomb and mosque: Afsarwala was a noble in Akbar's court, and his tomb is located towards the southwest end of Humayun's Tomb. Adjacent to the tomb is a mosque which is also believed to be dedicated to Afsarwala. These constructions belong to the period of 1566-67 CE.
4. Arab Sarai: This was a safe house meant for craftsmen doing construction work.
5. Nila Gumbad: Right outside the boundary of the complex is the Nila Gumbad or "Blue Dome", which is embellished with blue tiles. It has a unique structure which is octagonal from the outside and is a square from within. It was built by Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana who was a courtier in Akbar's court for his servant Miyan Fahim.
6. Chillah Nizamuddin Aulia: This was meant to serve as the residence of Delhi's patron saint Nizamuddin Auliya, and is located right outside the complex.
7.Humayun's barber's tomb: This structure is located towards the south east corner within the Char Bagh. It is not known to whom does this tomb belong, however, locals believe that it is the final resting place of Humayun's favourite barber.
How to Reach Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's tomb is situated very near to the Nizamuddin railway station, which is 2.8 kilometres away. Taxis, bus and auto rickshaws are available outside the station. This tomb is quite near to Sarai Kale Khan Bus Depot which is about 8 kilometres away. Autorickshaws are available outside the bus stand. The nearest metro station to this destination is the Jawaharlal Nehru metro station on the violet line.
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