We know that Mughals loved gardens and
the their culture was heavily dictated by the Persian mores. All these
features are well visible in Humayun's tomb. In fact this mausoleum is said
to be the first mature example of Mughal architecture in India. In many ways
it is the predecessor of the Taj Mahal.
Humayun was the son of Babur( the founder of the Mughal empire in India ).
After his death, Humayun established his capital in Delhi but he couldn't
maintain it for long as he was defeated by the Afghan ruler, Sher Shah Suri.
As a repercussion to this he was compelled to spend a life of exile in the
court of the Persian ruler of Iran. Humayun, however returned to Delhi after
the death of Sher Sha Suri but failed to breathe in the air of Delhi for
long and died unexpectedly from a fall in 1556.
Humayun's Tomb - The Making
Humayun's Tomb is believed to have
been built under the direction of his Persian widow Haji Begum. The chief
architect of this tomb was Mirak Miyaz Ghiyaz. It took him about nine years
to complete the construction of the tomb. The location chosen for Humayun's
tomb on the banks of the RiverYamuna was adjoining the shrine of Sufi saint
Nizam al-Din Awliya.
The Structure
Set in the sprawling square garden , this large red sandstone octagonal
burial structure is ornamented with white and black marble. A high wall
surrounds the garden on three sides, the fourth side being bounded by what
was once the bank of the river Jamuna, which has since been diverted. The
garden is divided into four parts by two bisecting water channels with paved
walkways (khiyabans), which terminate at two gates: a main one in the
southern wall, and a smaller one in the western wall. The top of the central
dome of the tomb reaches 140 feet from the ground. The high arches, screens,
double dome and lotus symbols are some of the specialities of the Humayun's
Tomb. The arched rooms of tomb house numerous tombs of the royal family
while the central mortuary room contains the real grave of the emperor. One
can witness a fine blend of the Persian and Hindu architecture in the
structure of the tomb.
In a nutshell the imperial beauty of the tomb is spellbinding.
Islamic Style Of Architecture To Its Zenith
Humayun's Tomb reflects the traditional Islamic style of architecture. The
bolbous dome, geometric patterns, high arches, spire, lattice stone windows,
geometric proportions etc. are some of the specialities of the Islamic
architecture.
Year Of Kudos
Humayun's Tomb is one of the most spectacular Mughal
buildings in India as was deemed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.
Peppery Bulletin
- The Mughals were fervent in their devotion to the Sufi saints. Even
Akbar, Humayun's successor was to build his capital in Fatehpur Sikri in
honour of them.
- Humayun was temporarily buried in his favourite library where he met
his end.
- Some Historians are of the view that Akbar, son of Humayun must have
lent his genius in the making of the first great Mughal mausoleum.
- It was the forerunner of the incomparable Taj Mahal.
- It was the first garden tomb of the Mughals.
