Specials

Humayun’s Tomb and its majesty on a sultry Delhi morning

Published by
Ahona Sengupta

Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 1560’s, is a specimen of the grandiose of Mughal architecture and its garden setting has no precedence in the Islamic world for a mausoleum. Built on a monumental scale with the patronage of Humayun’s son, the great Emperor Akbar, the Humayun’s Tomb is the first of the grand dynastic mausoleums that later on became synonyms of Mughal architecture with the architectural style reaching its zenith 80 years later at the later Taj Mahal.

The monument includes other contemporary, 16th century Mughal garden-tombs such as Nila Gumbad, Isa Khan, Bu Halima, Afsarwala, Barber’s Tomb and the complex where the craftsmen employed for the Building of Humayun’s Tomb stayed, the Arab Serai.

Also Read: Delhi skies a feast for the eyes before winter arrives

The Humayun’s tomb stands in an extremely significant archaeological setting, centred at the Shrine of the 14th century Sufi Saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. (Photo: Ahona Sengupta)
Visitors walk towards the first gate of the Humayun’s Tomb. (Photo: Ahona Sengupta)
The grand gate that leads one to the main mausoleum-structured Humayun’s Tomb. (Photo: Ahona Sengupta)
Visitors walk towards the grand mausoleum through the second gate inside the Humayun’s Tomb. (Photo: Ahona Sengupta)
Humayun’s garden-tomb is also called the ‘dormitory of the Mughals’, which means the cells are buried over 150 Mughal family members. (Photo: Ahona Sengupta)
The mausoleum has an irregular octagon plan with four long sides and chamfered edges. (Photo: Ahona Sengupta)
The Barber’s Tomb or ‘Nai-ka-Gumbad’ belonging to royal barber, within the premise of the Humayun’s Tomb. (Photo: Ahona Sengupta)
The mausoleum is built of plaster and rubble. At the time of construction, it was entire covered with blue, green and white tiles. Turquoise blue was the dominant amongst the other colors. (Photo: Ahona Sengupta)
The intricate designs on the walls of the Nila Gumbad. (Photo: Ahona Sengupta)
A close visual of the Nila Gumbad. (Photo: Ahona sengupta
The intricate designs on the walls of the Nila Gumbad. (Photo: Ahona Sengupta)
The magnificent tomb and a sprawling garden. (Photo: Ahona Sengupta)
The Arab Serai is said to have been built by Mughal emperor Humayun’s widow Haji Begum. (Photo: Ahona Sengupta)

For more stories that cover the ongoings of Delhi NCR, follow us on:

Instagram: instagram.com/thepatriot_in/
Twitter: twitter.com/Patriot_Delhi
Facebook: facebook.com/Thepatriotnewsindia

Ahona Sengupta

Published by
Ahona Sengupta

Recent Posts

Major traffic restrictions in Delhi amid Putin’s visit

Putin is expected to make diplomatic visits to Rajghat, Bharat Mandapam, Hyderabad House and Rashtrapati…

December 5, 2025

No respite from pollution woes; cold wave forecast in city

Toxic air persists with AQI at 323; sharp morning chill adds to city’s discomfort

December 5, 2025

Delhi pollution: Strict instructions issued to control dust, remove debris at public places

The government has mandated intensive cleanliness drives and zero tolerance for dust as Delhi steps…

December 5, 2025

Delhi: Waterlogging cripples key Mathura Road stretch for a month

The crisis exposes failing drainage systems and recurring pipeline leaks across the capital

December 5, 2025

Badshah to perform at The O2 Arena in March 2026

The event is produced and promoted by TCO Group, in partnership with TM Ventures and…

December 4, 2025

Metro excavation leaves Lohar Basti residents injured and fearful

Residents say drilling for the new metro line has damaged homes and left families without…

December 4, 2025