Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi needs no introduction. It’s probably one of the most majestic monuments in Delhi and definitely one of the masterpieces of Mughal architecture. Though its reputation id often overshadowed by the Taj Mahal in Agra, Humayun Tomb is definitely a magnificent landmark to behold as it was here that the dream that was Taj Mahal was put to test my the artisans of Indo-Islamic architects.
If you have visited both the Taj Mahal and the Humayun’s Tomb, the similarity would be inescapable in their design and pattern. The Charbagh pattern of Persian style of architecture was put to test here at Humayun’s Tomb and later perfected in the Taj Mahal’s design. The symmetry of the iwan is also reminiscent of the main structure of the Taj Mahal with the only difference being the color of the stone used.
Humayun’s Tomb, recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site is the tomb of Mughal emperor Humayun commissioned to be built after his death by his wife Hamida Bano Begum. It would be not wrong to say that Humayun’s Tomb is the royal cemetery of the Mughals with the site housing as many as 100 tombs of the members of royal family.
The structure is constructed entirely of red stone as was typical during that time of Mughal Empire. The garden and water ways were patterned after the Persian style of charbagh. The tomb is located in the centre of the quadrilateral which is divided into four equal parts by causeways with water canal flowing through the centre of it.
A sense of serenity is all pervading inside the structure even though the tomb is located in one of the busiest part of the bustling megalopolis of Delhi. Lush greenery is a sight to behold manifest in the garden. Although the place is full of visitors – thanks to its popularity – it definitely offers a serene haven in the midst of the din of the city life of Delhi.
A visit to Humayun’s Tomb is always recommended. It’s not the just the architecture of the central iwan that is magnificent, but the ambience as soon as you enter the site is simply ethereal. It’s a sight to make you exclaim “wow” when you behold it any time of the day but during the sunrise and the sunsets its one of the most breathtaking view to behold.
