Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi

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.

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.

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.

WEST GATE

The West Gate is the main entrance to Humayun’s Tomb. It is 16 meters high. The dome seen on the top is a part of the main monument inside.

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.

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.

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.

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.