My weekend visit to Humayun’s tomb can be said in one word that is “Awesome”. It is one of the astonishing structures inspired by several major architectural innovations in the construction of the Taj Mahal and many other Mughal architectures in India. This is one of the many beautiful and historical monuments in Delhi. You will somehow forget (during your visit) that you are in a polluted and populated city/capital of the country. In my visit, I explored Isa Khan’s tomb, Bu Halima’s tomb, Arab Serai gate, West Entrance gate, Char Bagh, and other tombs.
Isa Khan’s Tomb & Mosque
As I had entered the Humayun’s tomb complex the first thing I saw was Isa Khan’s Tomb & Mosque. I wanted to explore it first because of the many arches and the rusted red & bright blue color. The tomb is in the octagon shape and as I turned right I noticed that the mosque resembles the same architectural patterns as of the tomb.
Isa Khan was a minister of the famous Sher Shah Suri. Isa Khan built the tomb during his own lifetime (about 1548).
Bu Halima’s Tomb, Garden, and Gateway
As I walked towards the Buhalima Gateway, on the left side of it, I saw Buhalima’s Tomb and Garden. It was quite weird as the tomb isn’t in the center of the garden (like the Isa Khan’s Tomb).
The rectangular shape of her tomb with two entrances each at four sides. Upfront there is a staircase that leads up to the top and at the center of the top, there is an octagonal platform which is where Buhalima is buried.
The main entrance to Humayun’s tomb is through Bu Halima’s Garden and Gateway.
Arab Sarai Gate & the West Gate Entrance
As I entered through Bu Halima’s Gateway, on the right side, there is a huge arch (called the Arab Sarai Gate) known to be the residence of the craftsmen who built the actual Humayun’s Tomb. The gate has been restored to its current form after it collapsed.
Moving onto the West Gate Entrance to the Humanyun’s tomb, well the gate is quite huge and the largest of it all. While I was getting close to the west gate I got a glimpse of the real red beauty (Humayun’s Tomb).
Char Bagh
I am not quite sure why it is called Char Bagh because there are more than four gardens but yes the main partition is into four pathways. The garden is well maintained, do spend some time sitting in the garden looking at the beautiful Humayun’s tomb.
Humayun’s Tomb (Exterior and Interior)
After entering from the west gate, when I looked at the tomb through the fountain which was running at that time, I fell for the place. It was so beautiful and peaceful yet crowded. The red sandstone and white marbles are alluring and artistic. The mini blue & green umbrella-shaped space called Chhatris is so adorable.
I circled around the Humayun’s tomb and still hadn’t indulged in the pure beauty of human art. After exploring the exterior beauty I went inside.
The central chamber has this ancient lamp hanging from the ceiling and when my eyes looked at the ceiling I was stunned. It is in the shape of a huge star, I fell for this place again. The fascinating thing to notice is that while you are standing in the center you can get a glimpse of another 8 rooms connected to the main chamber. The sunlight coming from the latticed windows of the room makes the chamber so bright. Don’t forget to look at the inscriptions on the grave of Humayun.
The connecting chambers have other graves of the royal Mughals including the wives of Humayun, his grandson (Dara Shukoh) and many more. There are more than 100 graves in the complex and is known as the “The Dormitory of the Mughals”.
Other Tombs: Afsarwala Tomb & Mosque
Afsar means “officer”. The identity of the person buried here is not known but the saying is that he was an officer of some standing at the Mughal times.
I was standing in front of the Afsarwala Tomb & Mosque and it was so beautiful and prehistoric. The tomb and mosque stand together next to each other. The tomb next to the mosque is better preserved than the mosque. The mosque contains three arches and is quite bigger than the tomb. The tomb is in the shape of an irregular octagon lined with red sandstone and marble.
The Afsarwala Tomb has a grave with the date 974 marked on it. According to archaeologists both the tomb and the mosque were built around 1566-67.
There are two other tombs: Barber’s Tomb and Nila Gumbad.
Humayun’s Visiting Time & Days: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm & All days of the week
Humayun’s Entry Fee: INR 30/- for Indians (free for children up to 15 years of age) & INR 500/- for foreigners and INR 25/- for video filming.
The place is one of a splendid piece of architecture. Humayun’s tomb was declared a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site in India in the year 1993. With what I experienced I couldn’t believe that the craftsmen under the UNESCO guidelines have done such a marvelous job by restoring what has faded. Share your experience of your visit to Humayun’s Tomb – New Delhi.
