A masterpiece of the era of the Mughals. Tomb of Humayun in Delhi

Among the sights of the Indian capital the honorable place is occupied by the Humayun tomb. Outwardly, this building resembles the world famous Taj Mahal. Therefore, you can safely refuse to travel to Agra and enjoy the beautiful architectural lines in Delhi. Although it is better to see both.

A few common words

In tourist guides to Delhi, Humayun's tomb is always mentioned. This is a prominent architectural monument, in which the ashes of the great Mughal emperor of the Timurid dynasty rests. For the deceased, the monastery was ordered to build by his wife Hamid Banu Begum. The object was built for eight years - from 1562 to 1570, and the architect Miraq Giyakhuddin and his son Saeed Muhammad directed the works.

If you look at the mausoleum, it may seem that it looks like the middle link between the earlier construction of the Gur Emir (the tomb of Tamerlane) and later - the Taj Mahal. The Humayun Tomb, a photo of which can be found in our article, is one of the World Heritage sites protected by UNESCO. Therefore, she deserves the guest of the Indian capital to give her a little attention.

A little bit of history

Today, the tomb of Humayun delights contemporaries with elegant lines, masterly design, luxurious decoration. This is the first mausoleum built on the territory of India and surrounded by a garden. By the way, many tombs of that time stand in the middle of an amazing park with artificial canals and fountains. This is due to the fact that in Islam it is believed that the paradise is located in a large garden, divided by a river. So the rulers tried to create for their ashes a small paradise on earth.

Humayun himself was emperor twice, with a break of fifteen years. For the first time he took the throne after the death of his father, the founder of the Mogul Empire Babur, and then regained power, selected by Sher-Shah and his son. The second rule he began with the strengthening of the state, which was divided into parts. Son of Humayun Akbar the Great, born in exile, became the next monarch and went down in history as a wise reformer. Death Humayun himself was premature: walking down the marble staircase to the library, he was entangled in the hem of his robe and fell, crashing to death. It is possible that he was pushed by ill-wishers, but this version remains only a hypothesis without confirmation or refutation.

Architectural masterpiece

So what is the tomb of Humayun, about which so much is said about? The original masterpiece of the Mughal era, it rises to a height of 44 m. The building is erected from red brick and has the shape of an octagon on a wide pedestal. The top is crowned with a double marble dome of white and black color with a crescent. Immediately striking stone gratings on the windows, skillfully carved by craftsmen, graceful columns and arches. Wealth is fascinating, but a note of sadness is caught in it: after all, it is a grave, and for the people resting here, their loved ones were sad.

The shrine, in which not only Humayun and his wives rest, but also many representatives of the Timurids' house, are symmetrically surrounded by lush gardens. The sarcophagi of the ruler and his harem are located in the central hall of the second floor, on the first floor in the rooms rest the others. Also on the territory of the complex are several smaller tombs, which are inferior to the main mausoleum of beauty and grandeur.

Other useful information

We are sure that many of the travelers were interested in Humayun's tomb. Where is she and how to get to her? This historic masterpiece is located in the eastern part of Delhi, where you can easily get to the train, bus or taxi. If the tourist prefers the bus, then it is worth choosing the routes heading to New Delhi. These are numbers 19, 40, 109, 160, 166, the necessary stop is called "Darga Khazrat Naizamaddin". Next, it is worth to walk very little, and Humayun's tomb appears before his eyes. How to get there - the reader already knows. Now we will tell about the visit itself.

For the entrance to the complex will have to pay about five dollars. Separately, you can order an audio guide for two dollars or take in the escort of a guide (five dollars), which will not only show the most beautiful places, but also will accompany all this with interesting stories and legends.