Humayun Tomb, Delhi

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The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), along with the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), set about rennovating the ancient gardens at Humayuns tomb, in what was the first privately funded project undertaken by the ASI.
The restoration involved using traditional craftsmanship methods, and there were over 200 people who worked on this project, for over 3 years...

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Located in Nizamuddin East, Humayan's Tomb was built upon the orders of his widow, or perhaps by his son Akbar during the 16th century. Humayan was the first Mughal emperor to be buried in a tomb, since Babur, his father preferred out of piety not to have a tomb. Thus, this grand complex represents an early form of Mughal Architecture that eventually gave rise to the great Taj Mahal. The tomb and much of the surrounding garden features are made from red sandstone, a traditional Hindu material in the region, but white marble is included to provide color and architectural detail. The layout of the complex includes two bisecting watercourses and a central fountains, that cuts the garden complex into four equal squares. Nearby are other tombs, at least one of which appears older, and for which I have not found any reference. This is a World Heritage Site.

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This World Heritage site is a great example of Mughal architecture, and is widely considered to be the precursor of the Taj Mahal. It definitely ranked high on my list of things to see in Delhi, not only for the great buildings, but also for the fountains that run throughout the grassy park grounds.

There are several other tombs littered around the grounds as well, but they are not nearly as well-maintained as Humayun's Tomb. They are worth visiting however, as you can climb up on top and wander the roof or walk along the surrounding walls.

Much of the park is still being restored, and not all of the fountains are running yet. We even saw a group of men hand-chiseling stone to be laid in the pathway. It wasn't exactly the fastest way to make repairs, but the end result was a definite improvement.

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The Humayun's tomb complex also contains several other lesser known monuments that are littered across the landscape within this walled enclosure. Some of them pre-date the main tomb structure itself. One such tomb is that of Isa Khan Niyazi, an Afghan noble who served under Sher Shah Suri. You will see it to the right, just as you are entering the complex. It seems kind of hidden and tucked away, but just as you pass thru its narrow gate, you will see the pretty huge complex.
There are some other monuments too- like the `Asfarwala Tomb', which was built for an officer in Emperor Akbar's court.
Its an extremely interesting place, especially if you love history or architecture.

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On Mathura Road, near the crossing with Lodi Road., Nizamuddin East, New Delhi chieftain and ruler of eastern India. Humayun finally returned to Delhi following Sher Shah Suri’s death. Unfortunately in 1556, he died suddenly after a fatal fall from the stairs of the Sher Mandal library, after which his main wife Persian queen Haji (or Bega Begum) decided to have his tomb built.

Open : Open on all days from sunrise to sunset

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The tomb apparently was in a state of disrepair over many years and restoration work was finally undertaken by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. They completed the task in March 2003. One of the tasks was enabling water to flow through the watercourses in the gardens yet again.

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Many Mughal rulers are buried in the Mausoleum along with Humayun’s wifes. Some graves there have been impossible to identify. Of course there is the tomb of Bega Begum along with Akbar’s mother and the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah II.

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The exterior of the building is red sandstone but black and white marble has been used to enhance and lift the colour and the plainness and create borders. The additional arches around the building allow a lot of natural light to enter. Along with the large Domes are Hindu chattris (domed pavilions).