At the Yamuna River bank in New Delhi, India stands Humayun’s tomb.
It is considered as a creation that paved path for the future wonders that amaze the tourists till date. Humayun was a mughal emperor. Mughals ruled over Indian subcontinent before it was ruled by British empire. As with other dynasties, Mughals too commemorated their departed leaders with Mausoleums(an impressive building housing a tomb) and architectural marvels. Humayun’s tomb was constructed as a burial site for Humayun by his first wife(Bega Begum) and his son(Akbar). It was first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent and was supervised by architects who were called from Persia.

Spread over an area of around 27 Hectares, the complex consists of other garden tombs as well such as – Nila Gumbad, Isa Khan, Bu Halima, Afsarwala, Barber’s Tomb and Arab Serai. Humayun’s tomb has a Charbagh design. Charbagh means 4 gardens which are separated by pathways or water channels depicting the 4 rivers of paradise mentioned in the Holy Quran.

Humayun’s tomb is a good example of Persian architecture with Indian components in it. Domed kiosks, star motifs(star patterns) and inverted lotus are primarily Hindu designs(Inverted lotus or kalash is revered as pious in Hinduism). Kiosks or Chhatris is typically found in traditional Hindu architecture (Rajasthani forts and Hindu temples).


Humayun’s tomb has earned itself the name “Dormitory of Mughals” owing to a large number of Mughal graves in the complex(around 100). A few other graves which do not belong to Mughal family are also present.
Image Source : Aga Khan Development Network With the restoration of the entire complex, the place looks rejuvenated with beautiful restoration art-work Inside View of the grave inside the Isa Khan Tomb. Isa Khan belonged to Suri dynasty. The octagonal tomb is housed in an octagonal garden where the entire family of Isa Khan rests.
Bu Halima’s tomb is an interesting place to be.
Its unlike other tombs which don a dome. Not much is known about Bu Halima except that she was wet nurse of Humaun and held an important position in Humayun’s court.

Arab Sarai was a motel/shelter built for craftsmen who were employed to construct Humayun’s tomb. Arab Sarai after being restored by Aga Khan TC. Image Courtesy : Aga Khan Trust for Culture



Humayun’s tomb had been weathered out owing to its age. Aga Khan Trust for Culture completed its restoration in 2013. Apart from the Humayun’s tomb complex another important initiative that was taken was to improve the quality of lives of residents of Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti( Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti is a locality near Humayun’s tomb which required extensive infrastructure development along with cultural upliftment of the inhabitants).
Here is a short slide showcasing the restoration work undergone here at Humayun’s tomb.
One may want to visit – http://www.nizamuddinrenewal.org/ – to read through the information provided regarding Nizamuddin Renewal.
With restoration done for the entire Humayun’s tomb complex, the tourists tend to spend more time at the historical place gazing at the beauty of the monuments.
A few videos to relish the beauty of this place…