Humayun’s Tomb
Aug 17 2022 Attractions Humayun's Tomb
This tomb, built for the second Mughal emperor, Humayun, launched a great Mughal architectural legacy – that even the great architectural gem, the Taj Mahal, which was built by Humayun’s great-grandson, was built guided along the inspiration derived from the tomb’s structure.
Though the Taj’s beauty admittedly eclipses this beautiful garden tomb, it’s still well worth a visit, even if your intention is to visit its progeny.
Similar to the Taj, the Tomb was also built to stand as a testimony to Love. It was commissioned by Humayun’s “senior” wife, Haji Begum, and designed by the Persian (Iranian) architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas.
Set amidst peaceful surroundings, the tomb features an artful and very romantic combination of red sandstone and white marble, which coincides perfectly with the wonderful symmetry and scale used by the makers and architects of the Mughal empire.
Though it doesn’t have the fine and elaborate detailing of the Taj, some features such as the painstakingly and intricately carved stone trellis windows are lovely. If you’re traveling on to Agra, it is interesting to see how the Mughals’ prolonged stay started to influence design elements.
There are also a number of outlying tombs, and if you want to do more than simply wander through the garden and marvel at the sheer intricacy and width of scale, this is one place where the services of a guide are well worth your while and money. Guests may hire one through their hotel or get references at the central tourism office.