Saturday, 26 January 2013

Humayun's Tomb

21:59 | Posted by | Edit Post

Humayun's Tomb
One of the prominent Mughal Monuments of New Delhi, Humayun's Tomb was the first building to be constructed during the reign of Akbar. It was built in 1562. Designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyuath and supervised by Haji Begum, the Persian wife of Humayun, it took 10 years to complete the monument. Representing the early era of Islamic architecture, Humayun’s Tomb is heavily influenced by Persian art - especially the mausoleums of Bibi Khanam and Timur situated at Samarqand.
The Garden Tomb of Humayun is situated in midst of a landscaped garden with a geometrical pattern. The garden is divided in four parts and is hence known as Char Bagh. It is further divided into 36 squares by a network of walkways and water channels. The high rubble wall surrounding the garden is also divided into four large squares. The design of the Garden Tomb is inspired by the description of Jannat or Paradise in Islam, which is surrounded by a beautifully arranged garden. From Babur to Shah Jehan, these gardens remained a popular fad in all Mughal construction work.
The mausoleum itself is octagonal and its foundation platform has number of arcades housing graves of nobles of royal court that lived and died during the reign of Humayun. The main entrance to the tomb comprises a long axial processional avenue. However, there are a number of gateways to allow free entry and exit to the tomb from anywhere. The central chamber is gigantic in size and has a double storied structure with cloisters. There are four offsets of this chamber.

Three big arches built on each side of the chamber demand attention because of their size. The central arch is the highest one though. All the openings in the chamber have beautiful perforated screens that lend a glowing look to the chamber when sunrays fall on it. The cenotaphs of Emperor Humayun and his Queen Bega Begum are housed in the main room of the central chamber.
Humayun’s Tomb features first double dome ever built in India. The white marble double dome at the top of the tomb is 42.5 m high. Largely, the edifice is red sandstone work with subtle use of black and white marble in the borders. The entire structure has two double-storied entrance arches – one to the West and other to the South. The southern gateway remains closed at the present though. The Baradari or pavilion is situated right in center of the eastern wall while the northern wall has Hamam or Bath Chamber.

Listed as one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, Humayun’s Tomb is presently owned and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It has been declared a protected monument and is one of the top tourist attractions of Delhi. It is believed to be the precursor of Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, at Agra. Apart from the tombs of the Royal Couple, the structure entombs a number of other important historical figures such as Hamida Begum, mother of Emperor Akbar; Dara Shikoh, son of Shah Jehan who was slain by his own brother Aurangzeb; and the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II.

Fact Files : Humayun's Tomb
Location: Mathura Road, New Delhi
Built By: Hamida Banu Begam, widow of Humayun
Founded In: 1562-1572
Architect: Mirak Mirza Ghiyuath
Entombs: Mughal Emperor Humayun
Timings: Open till 10 pm (Daily)
Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site

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