Humayun’s Tomb

The second Mughal Emperor Humayun died just a year after he regained Delhi. His Persian wife, Hamida Begum, supervised the construction of his tomb from 1562-1572. It was designed by the Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyuath. Situated on the bank of River Yamuna and adjoining the shrine of the famous Sufi saint Nizam al-Din Auliya, this tomb is said to have been a precedent of later Mughal mausoleums in India. The geometrically arranged gardens intersected with numerous water channels present a paradise setting.

The tomb took eight years to build and had a Char Bagh Garden style in its design, the first of its kind in the region. These were later introduced in the Red Fort of Delhi and at the Taj Mahal of Agra. Persian architectural traits are also evident in the building and its main chamber is said to be inspired from the tomb of the Persian Mongol ruler, Oljeytu, at Sultaniyya. The tomb of Timur (Tamerlane) in Samarkand is also said to be the source of inspiration for the Mughal architecture in India.

In the central domed chamber, the sarcophagus of Humayun is found. According to Islamic practice, his head is pointing south, and facing east. The vaulted chambers also contain tombs that were added later. These tombs contain symbols that provide complete information about their occupant. The sarcophagi are not usually inscribed, but these tombs are believed to be containing the remains of the wives of Humayun, along with several later Mughal emperors and princes.

The name of Humayun’s tomb is found in the list of UNESCO Heritage buildings and was the first Indian building to use the Persian double dome. Its harmonious proportions are undoubtedly the work of skilled craftsmen. Set upon a platform, it exhibits certain Indian architectural features too, such as the small kiosks or ‘chhatris’ on the roof. The attractive inlaid tile work is carved intricately using Indian and Persian patterns and elements. Its carved stone screens are praiseworthy for their delicate look.

Humayun’s Tomb ( 1565-72 AD )

Humayun’s tomb is a world heritage site located in Delhi city. This tomb can easily reached by visiting from any part of Delhi and is very close to Hazrat Nizamuddin Indian railway station ( station code NZM within Delhi city). The railway station announcements can be heard from the tomb. Delhi airport is the nearest airport. This place can be visited within a one day tour of Delhi. For a causal visitor it will take one hour minimum to complete the visit of this tomb. Beautiful gardens are maintained by archeological survey of India around the tomb area. You can spend some more time in the green lawns of the tomb.


The main structure of Humauns Tomb standing on a platform of 12000 sq meter area has a height of 47 meter. This tomb is an earliest example of Persian Influence on Indian architecture. The main credit of building this tomb goes to Hamida Banu Begum the widow of Humaun.

While entering to gardens of Humayuns Tomb at your right there is another tomb and mosque located within a complex with high wall surrounding it. You can walk over this compound wall. This is the tomb of Isa Khan Niyazi a noble in the court of Sher Shah Sur. This octagonal tomb has some attractive canopies, glazed titles and lattice screens.

West Gate

Before the main structure there is a 16 meter tall gate designed to maintain symmetry in all sides was used by Mughals as an ornamental cosmic symbol.

Arab Serai Gate ( 1560 – 61 AD )

Persian craftsmen came to Delhi to construct the Humayuns Tomb.They were staying in beautiful house built in red.



stand stone and white marble. There is a 14 meter high gate to enter to this complex. This complex is located at right side while approaching to Humayuns tomb.

Aga Khan Trust for culture and founded and collaborated by Archaeological survey of India has revitalized the 30 acre garden around this monument and the structures during the year 2000 and 2003.

Entry is free for Kids upto the age of 15 years. For Indians the entry fee is Rs 10-/ (rupees ten only) and for foreign nationals it is US $5 or Rs 250/-. For SAARC countries it is Rs 10-/ only. Entry is open from sunrise to sunset.