HUMAYUN’S TOMB

The custom among Muslim rulers and dignitaries in India was to build one’s tomb during one’s own life time, but Humayun’s accidental death, following so soon after the wilderness years, found him unprepared, and it was some years later that he was finally laid to rest in the handsome structure which lies to the south of Puana Qila and in Nizamuddin area of Delhi. This site was chosen keeping in mind the proximity of the place to Nizamuddin Dargah, the mausoleum of Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia. Thus, Humyun remains buried in the city of Din-e-Panah established by him which extended from the Purana Qila to the Hazarat Nzamuddin area, on the bank of river Yamuna.

The tomb of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun, called Humayun’s Tomb, was built in Delhi in 1569-70. The construction of Humayun’s Tomb was commissioned by his first wife and chief consort Empress Bega Begum.

It was designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and his son, Sayyid Muhammad along with some Persian architects, who were chosen by the Begum. Located in Nizamuddin East, Humayun’s Tomb is the first garden tomb of Indian sub-continent. It was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

The complex of Humayun’s Tomb not just houses the tomb of Emperor Humayun, but also the graves of Bega Begum, Hamida Begum and also Dara Shikoh, grandson of Emperor Humayun and son of Emperor Shah Jahan. The building of tomb is a perfect showcase of Mughal architecture and the way it has evolved.