Like the Taj Mahal, Humayun’s tomb is a property worthy of special protection. And like the Taj Mahal, it’s a grave. And just as Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal for his late, much-loved wife, this tomb was built by Humayun’s widow, Biga Begum, in memory of her late (and equally-loved, one must assume) husband. Taj Mahal may be far better-known, but Humayun’s Tomb came first. By about 100 years.
Humayun’s memorial is made of red sandstone and white marble and is special because it
…stands as a landmark in the development of Mughal architecture, and also represents the earliest extant specimen of the Mughal scheme of the garden tomb, with causeways and channels. It is a well-developed specimen of the double-domed elevation with kiosks on a grand scale.
So who was this Humayun?
Nasir ud-din Muhammad Humayun was a Mughal emperor (the second after Bubur, direct descendant of Genghis Khan). And while he may have started out as a weakling ruler, losing territory hither and dither, he made up for it by gaining back all of it (and then some) in later years.
Though, later years… Humayun died at the fairly young age of 47, after getting his foot caught in his robes as he was walking down stone stairs with an armful of books, while at the same time kneeling down for the call to prayer. Of course, there are those who claim he was pushed. I suppose we’ll never know. (Meanwhile, note to self: walking while reading a book can be an equally fatal combination.)
I enjoyed wandering around this garden, admiring the architecture, listening to birds twittering… it’s a lovely, peaceful sanctuary in an otherwise bustling, slightly chaotic city. If you’re going to Agra and the Taj Mahal by way of Delhi, I recommend stopping by Humayun’s Tomb first.
World at a Glance is a series of short articles here on Sophie’s World, with a single photo, portraying curious, evocative, happy, sad or wondrous, unexpected little encounters.
Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Here are more UNESCO World Heritage sites around the world.
I can see the headline now – World leader dies from tripping while checking his iPhone!
Isn’t really that unthinkable, is it…
Great picture 🙂
Thanks, Lili.
Great picture of a very impressive building. Interesting story.. Thanks.
Thank you for stopping by, Gil. 🙂
So many accomplishments during such a short life. Diggin’ the mini history lesson Sophie.
🙂
Thank you for sharing the story of Humayun’s sad demise. I visited his tomb once, but did not learn the lesson.
Nothing like a bit of back story to appreciate a place more.
Great photo of an impressive structure! Interesting info on Humayun. I guess you’re right we’ll never be sure what really happened. Thanks for sharing this!
He was an interesting character.
Stunning building and fascinating story – hopefully I get to India one day to see both the Taj Mahal and Humayun’s Tomb.
I’m sure you will, Lisa 🙂
Humayun’s Tomb is the best historical place for tourist places. Unbelievable Nice sharing Thanks.
Glad to hear a local voice 🙂
Wow. Humayu tomb in delhi is one of the best attraction to explore. Humayun’s Tomb was also designed by a Persian architect and his name was Mirak Mirza Ghiyath. Thanks for sharing nice information. Subscribed your blog for more updates.