Tomb of Humayun

Tomb of Humayun, the mausoleum of Mughal Empire's second emperor Humayun, is a notable example of Mughal architecture in India, influenced by Persian architecture and Indian architecture. The tomb was commissioned by Bega Begum, Humayun's wife, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect. The construction of the tomb was overseen by Akbar, Humayun's son, who later became a prominent emperor of the Mughal Empire, known for his role in the Battle of Haldighati and the Siege of Chittorgarh. The tomb's design was also influenced by the works of Abu al-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, Fakhr-i-Mudabbir, and Ibn Battuta.

● History

The history of the Tomb of Humayun dates back to the 16th century, when Humayun died in 1556 after falling from the stairs of his library, Sher Mandal, in Purana Qila. His wife, Bega Begum, also known as Haji Begum, commissioned the construction of the tomb, which was completed in 1572. The tomb was built during the reign of Akbar, who was a patron of Mughal architecture and Persian architecture. The construction of the tomb was also influenced by the Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, and his role in the Battle of Panipat (1526) and the Battle of Khanwa. The tomb's history is also connected to the Timurid Empire, the Safavid Empire, and the Ottoman Empire, which were all influential empires of the time, known for their roles in the Battle of Ankara and the Siege of Vienna.

● Architecture

The architecture of the Tomb of Humayun is a blend of Mughal architecture, Persian architecture, and Indian architecture, with influences from the works of Abu al-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, Fakhr-i-Mudabbir, and Ibn Battuta. The tomb's design was inspired by the Taj al-Masjid in Isfahan, Iran, and the Gur-e-Amir in Samarqand, Uzbekistan, which were both built during the reign of Timur. The tomb's architecture is also similar to that of the Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb in Agra, which was built by Noor Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, and the Akbar's Mausoleum in Sikandra, which was built by Akbar himself. The tomb's design was influenced by the Mughal Empire's interactions with the Safavid Empire and the Ottoman Empire, which were both known for their architectural achievements, including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Cairo and the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.

● Design and Layout

The design and layout of the Tomb of Humayun is based on the principles of Mughal architecture and Persian architecture, with a large charbagh garden, a typical feature of Mughal gardens. The tomb is surrounded by a high wall, with two gateways, one on the south and one on the west, which were built during the reign of Shah Jahan, the son of Jahangir. The tomb's design is also influenced by the works of Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the architect of the Taj Mahal, and Isa Khan Niazi, the architect of the Lahore Fort. The tomb's layout is similar to that of the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, which was built by Shah Jahan, and the Nishat Bagh in Srinagar, which was built by Asaf Khan, the brother of Noor Jahan.

● Construction

The construction of the Tomb of Humayun was a complex process that involved the labor of thousands of workers, including masons, carpenters, and craftsmen. The tomb was built using red sandstone and white marble, which were brought from the Rajasthan region and the Makrana region, respectively. The construction of the tomb was overseen by Akbar, who was a skilled engineer and architect, and was influenced by the works of Abu al-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, Fakhr-i-Mudabbir, and Ibn Battuta. The tomb's construction was also influenced by the Mughal Empire's interactions with the Safavid Empire and the Ottoman Empire, which were both known for their architectural achievements, including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Cairo and the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.

● Significance

The Tomb of Humayun is a significant monument in India, not only because of its historical importance but also because of its architectural significance. The tomb is considered one of the best examples of Mughal architecture in India, and its design has influenced the construction of many other monuments, including the Taj Mahal, which was built by Shah Jahan, and the Lahore Fort, which was built by Akbar. The tomb is also a significant tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year, including Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, and Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The tomb's significance is also recognized by UNESCO, which has designated it as a World Heritage Site, along with other notable monuments, including the Red Fort and the Qutub Minar.

● Restoration

The Tomb of Humayun has undergone several restoration projects over the years, including a major restoration project undertaken by the Agencies of the United Nations, including the UNESCO, and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage. The restoration project aimed to preserve the tomb's original architecture and design, and to restore its original beauty. The project was supported by the Government of India, the Government of Delhi, and several other organizations, including the World Monuments Fund and the Getty Foundation. The restoration of the tomb is an ongoing process, with new projects being undertaken to preserve the monument and its surroundings, including the Nizamuddin East area, which is home to several other notable monuments, including the Dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya and the Chausath Khambha.