Humayun's Tomb

Why in News?

Recently, six people were killed and four others injured after a wall of a dargah near Humayun's Tomb in Delhi's Nizamuddin.

• It is also known as Maqbara-e Humayun, a burial site of the Mughal emperor Humayun.
• Location – It is located in Nizamuddin East, Delhi.
• Period – The construction took place during 1569-70 after 14 years of Humayun death.
• Designed by – Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian architect.
• Commissioned by – His wife, Hamida Banu Begam, also known as Haji Begam, commenced the construction of his tomb, with the patronage of Humayun’s son, Akbar.
• Architecture - This tomb is an example of the charbagh (a four-quadrant garden with the four rivers of the Quranic paradise represented), with pools joined by channels.
• The mausoleum itself stands on a high, wide, terraced platform with two bay deep vaulted cells on all four sides.
• It has an irregular octagon plan with four long sides and chamfered edges.
• Humayun’s garden-tomb is also called the ‘dormitory of the Mughals’ as in the cells are buried over 150 Mughal family members.
• Integrity – It comprises the gateways, pavilions and attached structures pre-dating Humayun’s Tomb, such as
  • The Barber’s Tomb
  • Nila Gumbad and its garden setting
  • Isa Khan’s Garden tomb
  • Bu Halima’s garden-tomb
  • Afsarwala garden-Tomb.

• Architectural Style - The architecture showcases a blend of Persian and Indian styles.
  • Evident in the use of red sandstone, marble, and the charbagh layout, along with Persian features like the double dome and arched alcoves.
  • Indian elements such as chhatris (kiosks) and the raised terrace platform.
• It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.

Humayun’s garden-tomb is also called the ‘dormitory of the Mughals’ as in the cells are buried over 150 Mughal family members.

• Authenticity – It is a highly authentic example of Mughal funerary architecture.
• It lies in the mausoleum, other structures, and the garden retaining its original form and design, materials, and setting.
• Protection and management requirements – It were managed and protected by the Archaeology Survey of India (ASI).
• There is adequate protection through various legislations such as
  • Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 and Rules 1959
  • Delhi Municipal Corporation Act 1957
  • Land Acquisition Act 1894
  • Delhi Urban Art Commission Act 1973
  • Urban Land (Sealing and Regulation) Act 1976
  • Environmental Pollution Act, 1986.

• The conservation project of Humayun's Tomb has been undertaken in partnership with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).
• UNESCO List – The tomb was declared a World Heritage Site in 1993

References

1. Archaeology of India| Humayun Tomb
2. UNESCO| Humayun Tomb Architecture