The Humayun Tomb is the first example of the monumental scale that would characterize subsequent Mughal imperial architecture. This is the grave of second Mughal emperor Humayun, which was built by his widow Haji Begam, also known as Hamida Banu Begam or by her son Akbar.Humayun died in 1556 and construction of the tomb began in 1569, fourteen years after his death. It is the first distinct example of Mughal style that was inspired by the Persian architectural style. Humayun`s tomb is now one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments in Delhi and is declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
It is a well-known fact that Humayun picked up Persian style of architecture during his exile from India. It is also believed that he himself was likely to plan the architecture of the tomb, although there is no credible record in support of the fact. Mirak Mirza Ghiyanth, a Persian architecture constructed Humayun`s tomb and the total cost was 1.5 million rupees.
The Humayun Tomb stands in the heart of a square garden, which is divided into four main parts by the causeways (khiyabans). This style is known as `Charbagh` style. In the centre of the garden run shallow water channels, bisecting the garden in four parts. A high wall surrounds the garden on three sides, the fourth side being bounded by what was once the bank of the river Yamuna. There are two lofty double-storied gateways on the north and south of this cenotaph. The eastern wall contains a `Baradari` (pavilion), which occupies the centre and a `Hammam`(bath chamber) is situated in the centre of the northern wall.
The Humayun Tomb is a double-storied square structure made up of red sandstone. The mausoleum has furrowed corners and it rises from a 7 metre high square terrace. The top of its central dome reaches 140 feet from the ground. The tomb is raised over a series of cells, which can be entered through arches on each side. The actual grave is situated in the centre of the cell-complex, which can be reached by a passage on the south. The central chamber containing the cenotaph is, octagonal in shape. The diagonal sides of this octagonal chamber leads to different corner chambers, which houses the graves of other members of the royal family. The casket of Humayun is found in the central domed chamber, the head pointing south, and facing east according to Islamic practice. The sex of each sarcophagus is marked by a simple carved symbol: a box of writing instruments indicates a male, and a writing slate indicates a female.
The plan of the main tomb building is square and nine-fold.The external wall of the tomb is beautifully decorated by marble borders and panels on each side. It has three arched alcoves, among which the central one being the highest. Over the roof there is pillared kiosk that are flung around the soaring double domes in the centre. The central octagonal chamber also has diagonal arched lobbies, whose openings are covered with perforated screens. Each side of this is dominated by three arches,central one being the highest. The same plan is repeated on the second story. The roof is surmounted by two marbled domes of 42.5 metres height, which are surrounded by pillared kiosks or `Chhatris`.
The Humayun Tomb is a perfect harmony of Persian and Indian architecture. The arched alcoves, corridors and high double dome representing the Persian style while the kiosks, which give it a pyramidal look from the distance reveals Indian art. The Humayun`s tomb was amongst the earliest of garden tombs, which set up a new vogue in Mughal architecture. Several rulers of Mughal dynasty are buried here. Bahadur Shah Zafar and his three princess took shelter here in this tomb during the first war of independence (1857 AD).
