Humayun's Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is a splendid monument. It was built by Humayun’s widow, Hamida Banu Begum during the years, 1565-72. Humayun (1508-56) was the second Mughal emperor who ruled during 1530-56. Humayun’s Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are a lot of other historical monuments in its vicinity. There is Sabz Burj right at the main road. Then, there is Isa Khan Tomb on the right side on the way to Humayun’s Tomb.
BU HALIMA GATE
The cream colored Bu Halima Gate comes just before the entrance to Humayun’s Tomb. This 16th century gate leads to the tomb garden of Bu Halima. Unfortunately, not much is known about Bu Halima.
Bu Halima Gate
ARAB SERAI GATE
The Arab Serai Gate (1560-61) is about 14 meters high and provided housing for craftsmen from Persia, who came for the construction of Humayun’s Tomb.
Arab Serai Gate
Arab Serai Gate Interior
AFSARWALA TOMB
Afsarwala means an “officer”. Afsarwala Tomb (1566) is an Officer’s tomb built during Mughal rule. The mosque is located next to the tomb.
Afsarwala Tomb and Mosque
Afsarwala Tomb, another view
WEST GATE
The West Gate is the main entrance to Humayun’s Tomb. It is 16 meters high. The white dome seen on the top is of the main monument inside.
West Gate to Humayun's Tomb
HUMAYUN’s TOMB
Humayun’s Tomb (1565-72) stands on a platform of size 12,000 square meters and is 47 meters high. It was designed by Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyath. The Persian influence is evident form the gardens around, use of red sandstone and white marble and the use of double dome with a high neck drum. The brass finial over the white marble dome is itself about 6 meters high.
Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's Tomb, a closer view
CHAR BAGH GARDEN
The Char Bagh Garden,or Four Gardens, are four square shaped gardens with pathways and two bisecting water channels. The gardens create an ambiance of peace and tranquility.
Char Bagh, the garden at Humayun's Tomb
BARBER’S TOMB
Behind Humayuns Tomb, in the south-east corner, is Nai-ka-Gumbad, or Barber’s Tomb (circa 1590). It is said to be the tomb of the barber who worked for the royal family.
Barber's Tomb
NILA GUMBAD
Nila Gumbad, or the Blue Dome, is actually situated outside the Humayun’s Tomb complex. It was built by Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana, whose Hindi couplets are known under his familiar name of Rahim.
Nila Gumbad, or Blue Dome
