Interesting facts you didn't know
about Humayun's Makabara(Tomb)
Built in the 15th century, Humayun’s Tomb is an intriguing historical site in Delhi. Below are some of the interesting facts about Humayun’s Tomb that you would like to know –
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About Humayun's Tomb
Predating the Taj Mahal by 60 years, and echoing the sentiment behind its creation where a grieving husband built a mausoleum in the memory of his beloved wife, the Humayun’s Tomb was the result of a wife’s love for her deceased husband. Incorporating Persian and Mughal architectural elements, this one-of-a-kind garden tomb was built mid-16th century in the memory of Mughal Emperor Humayun by his Persian-born first wife, Haji Begum. The interspersing of red sandstone and white marble in its arched facades is the striking feature of this mausoleum that from a distance seems to hover mid air. Little wonder, the grand scale of the structure, the Islamic geometry, restrained decoration, and the symmetrical gardens are believed to be an inspiration for the Taj Mahal in Agra.
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INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HUMAYUN’S TOMB
1. There are more than 100 graves within the entire complex. Several of them are on the first level terrace, known as “Dormitory of the Mughals”.
2. Humayun’s Tomb was designed by a Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyath.
3. It was notably the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent with beautiful causeways and channels.
4. It was the first Indian building known as a classic specimen of the double-domed elevation with kiosks on a huge scale.
5. The tomb’s concept of eight side chambers symbolizes the Islamic concept of paradise.
6. The building introduced the distinctive combination of red sandstone and white marble.
7. Contrary to Taj Mahal, which a husband built in the memory of his wife, Humayun Tomb was built by a wife, Hamida Banu Begam, for her husband.
8. UNESCO declared the tomb a World Heritage Site in 1993.
9. Humayun’s Tomb has earned the status of being a landmark in the expansion of Mughal architecture.
10. Humayun’s Tomb inspired the construction of the much celebrated Taj Mahal, which was built a century later.
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FAQ About Humayun's Tomb
Q. Who constructed Humayun's Tomb and why?
A: Humayun's Tomb was built by Mirak Mirza Ghiyath who was of Persian descent. It's construction was initiated by Mughal Emperor Humayun's second wife - Hamida Banu Begum in the memory of her deceased husband. The construction took a span of nine years, it began in the year 1565 and was completed in the year 1572.
Q. Why is Humayun's Tomb famous?
A: Humayun's Tomb is the first example of Mughal architecture in India and is known to have inspired the construction of Taj Mahal. It is also famous for its distinct Persian architecture and happens to be the first garden-tomb in the country. While the structure is made from red sandstone, the tomb has been made with black and yellow marble, and stands on 7-meter high platform. The domes are made with white marbles in Persian style and the lower tier is adorned with graceful arches in four directions. The exterior is in an Octagnal shape with corner chambers. Humayun's Tomb is truly an exemplary masterpiece of the Mughal Dynasty.
Q. Please mention the Humayun Tomb entry fee?
A: For Indian Nationals and citizens of the SAARC nations, the entry fee is INR 35. For foreigners, the entry is INR 550. The entry is free for children upto 15 years of age. If you are carrying a video camera inside the monument, you have to shell another INR 25.
Q. Please list the Humayun's Tomb timings?
A: The Humayun Tomb opens from sunrise to sunset (typically 6:00 am to 6:00pm)
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Humayun’s Tomb Information
Located in New Delhi’s Nizamuddin East neighbourhood, Haji Begum not only chose the Persian architects who built the monument, but also the location. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Humayun’s Tomb lies on the banks of the Yamuna,
in proximity to the dargah of popular Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya. The first ever structure to use red sandstone on such a majestic scale, Haji Begum it is believed after the Emperor’s death spent her remaining years envisioning and building this iconic building. 
The construction of the Humayun’s Tomb began nine years after the Emperor’s death in 1565 and was completed by 1572 AD, for which Haji Begum roped in Mirak Mirza Ghiyas from Herat in Afghanistan to give shape to the exquisite designs she had in mind for her husband’s mausoleum.
However, the final structure was completed by Ghiyas’ son, Sayyed Muhammad ibn Mirak Ghiyathuddin after his sudden demise. The sheer scale of the Humayun’s tomb is considered a departure from his father, first Mughal Emperor Babur’s modest mausoleum in Kabul. Although, it was with Babur that the trend of garden mausoleum or the Persian Charbagh took root, and got enhanced with every passing generation.
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Humayun’s Tomb Architecture
Central Asian and Persian elements became more conspicuous in the Islamic style of architecture by the late 12th century during the regime of the Delhi Sultanate.
It all began with the construction of the Qutub Minar in 1192 AD by Qutab-ud-din Aibak of the Slave Dynasty. The Humayun’s Tomb can be entered through two double-storeyed gateways, 16 metre-high, to the south and west adorned with rooms and a courtyard on the upper floors.
And unlike the Taj, there is no mosque on the site of the Humayun’s Tomb, instead a unique feature of this structure is the tomb of Humayun’s favourite barber. Popularly referred to as Nai ka Gumbad, the tomb is a fine specimen in red sandstone and white marble with extensive jaali work, door frames and embellished eaves.
The tomb of Emperor Humayun at 47 metres is built in Persian style, and is also the first Indian structure to incorporate the Persian double dome that is 42.5 metres high where the outer structure supports the marble exterior and the inner one leads into the cavernous interiors.
Enter the structure through the south entrance and you will immediately notice the heavy jaali and stone lattice work. And just beneath this white dome lies an octagonal burial chamber with a single cenotaph,
that of Mughal Emperor Humayun. Suffice it to say that this is not the real burial chamber, for the real one is stowed away in the crest of the earth right under the upper cenotaph. While this part can be approached through a passage from the outside of the main building, it remains closed to public viewing.
In the last days of the Mughal rule and during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar along with three other princes took refuge here. He was eventually captured by Captain Hodson and sent to exile in Rangoon.
Charbagh
The Persian-style garden which translates into four gardens is basically a square or a rectangular layout which is strictly geometrical and is divided into four walkways and dissected twice by a water body. Rubble walls on three sides enclose the Charbagh, and on fourth side lay the Yamuna, which has since changed its course away from the structure.
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Humayun’s Tomb Other Monuments in the Complex
Tomb and mosque of Isla Khan:
On entering from the west, you will see several monuments on either side on the pathway that goes up to the main tomb. The most significant one of the lot is the tomb complex of an Afghan noble, Isa Khan Niyazi from Sher Shah Suri’s court. This remarkable octagonal tomb is flanked by an octagonal garden that predates the main Humayun’s Tomb by 20 years. Built during the reign of Sher Shah Suri’s son, Islam Shah Suri, the complex houses the tombs of all members of Isa Khan’s family. This tomb has a mosque adjacent to it in red sandstone. Experts believe some architectural details from this tomb were adapted in the Mughal Emperor’s, though on a larger scale.Nila Gumbad:
Chillah Nizamuddin Auliya:
A paradigm of Tughlaq period architecture, this structure to the northeast end of the main mausoleum is considered the residence of Delhi’s patron saint, Nizamuddin Auliya.
Barber’s Tomb:
Enclosed by the Charbagh, Nai ka Gumbad or Barber’s Tomb lies to the southeast end. Dating back to 1590-91 CE, this tomb belongs to the royal barber in Humayun’s court. The fact that the barber in question found favour with the Mughal Emperor is corroborated by the presence of his tomb in close proximity to the main mausoleum. Besides, Nai ka Gumbad is the only other structure within the main tomb complex.
Delhi is an interesting city to trace back the Mughal history and study its vestiges. On a given day, you can club a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb with Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Purana Qila, Safdarjung Tomb, Chandni Chowk, Fatehpuri Masjid and explore the tenets of Mughal glory in the capital.
Humayun’s Tomb Timings
Humayun’s Tomb visiting hours are between sunrise and sunset.
Humayun’s Tomb Address
Mathura Road, Opposite Nizamuddin Dargah, New Delhi - 110013
Humayun’s Tomb Opening Days
Humayun’s Tomb is open on all days of the week.Humayun’s Tomb entry ticket
for Indian travellers is INR =40. For visitors from BIMSTEC and SAARC nations, the Humayun’sTomb entry ticket price
stays the same at INR 40 each. Howver, if you are an international visitor, the Humayun’s Tomb ticket price is INR 550. The entry is free for children under the age of 15.
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