Continuing our journey of discovering beautiful places from all over India, we have reached the capital city, New Delhi. Today, we will talk about an architectural wonder whose design even inspired the architects of the Taj Mahal. We are talking about the beautiful tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun, known as the Humayun's Tomb.
Humayun's Tomb
Stone plaque placed on site
View from garden at north-west side
View from west side
How to Reach
Humayun tomb is situated in Nizamuddin East, Delhi. Being in the capital city, it is very well connected to the outside world. Foreigners coming to visit India can land at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and can get a private cab reaching Humayun's tomb within 30 min in normal traffic.
If travelling from within the city, or any neighbouring states, visitors can take the metro to Jor Bag station and thereby take an auto-rickshaw or private cab/taxi to the monument.
Reaching Humayun's tomb is very easy. It remains open throughout the day. Usually from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Architecture
Inspired by Persian architecture; the tomb reaches a height of 47 metres (154 ft) and the plinth is 91 metres (299 ft) wide, and was the first Indian building to use the Persian double dome on a high neck drum, and measures 42.5 metres (139 ft), and is topped by 6 metres (20 ft) high brass finial ending in a crescent, common in Timurid tombs.[source]
Red sandstone and white marble used extensively, second storey view
This was the first structure that used red sandstone at this scale. The combination of red sandstone and white marble was first seen in the "Qutub Minar" Complex. Check this post to know more about the Qutub Minar.
Typical mughal arch pattern outside the main structure
West Gate to the garden tomb
Corner arch gate leading inside the tomb
One of my personal favourite architectural designs is the stone lattice windows. All the windows have unique patterns. Let me show you some.
Stone Lattice Window
Stone lattice window, stars pattern
Other Structures with the complex
Apart from the main tomb itself, there are many other structures within the complex. The tomb is itself surrounded by a garden from all four sides, called Charbagh.
West Gate
The main entrance to the site is from the western gate. It has two rooms on each side. Now used as a bookstore.
The Western Facade of the West Gate at Humayun's Tomb
Barber's Tomb (Nai ka Gumbad)
A barber having his tomb, what else would you want. This tomb of Humayun's royale barber is dated 1590-91 from an inscription found inside the tomb. It is situated on the southern side of the complex.
Barber's Tomb, view of west side
colours degrading on Red sandstone and white marbles on the walls of Barber's Tomb
Char Bagh
Charbagh is a Persian-styled garden that encompassed the main tomb from all four sides. People love to spend time here in the mornings and evenings with friends and family. This was the first Mughal era garden tomb built in India.
people in groups sitting in garden at Humayun's Tomb
*View of garden from second storey in Humayun's Tomb *
You can also find the Tomb and mosque of Isa Khan which is just outside the main complex that predates the complex itself. But that needs its own post.
Delhi has always been of importance to Mughal era and in Imperial British era as well. It has a lot of monuments of historical importance and the Humayun's Tomb is one of the them. It was declared as a World Heritage site in 1993.
Visitors from around the world come to see this beautiful garden tomb. I hope you liked this post. Do tell me about your thoughts on the monument and if you want to go and visit it if/when you come to Delhi.
Stay tuned for more episodes...
Previous Episodes
Ep - #2. Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya
Note:
- All the content is mine unless otherwise stated.
- Photos taken from my phone (excuse the camera quality 😅) and edited using "Snapseed" app.
- Text dividers are from @cryptosharan.
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