After
wandering in wilderness for 25 years, Humayun
reoccupied Delhi in the year 1555 AD but he was not
destined to rule any longer and died barely six
months of his arrival, from a fall in his library,
Sher Mandal. Humayun's tomb was built by his widow,
Hajji Begum around 1565 AD. The Taj Mahal and many
other Mughal buildings are said to have been
inspired from Humayun's tomb. Humayun's tomb is one
of the world heritage sites. The tomb of Humayun is
based on Islamic paradise gardens. This type of
garden is known as a Charbagh and is based on a grid
system. The square garden is divided into four large
squares and separated by causeways and channels with
each square again divided into smaller squares.
Humayun's tomb is remarkable in many ways. Humayun's
tomb is the first Indian building to use the Persian
double dome; it is noteworthy for its harmonious
proportions. Like many later Mughal tombs, Humayun's
tomb is set upon a platform. Humayun's tomb is built
with red sandstone, but white and black marble have
also been used to relieve the monotony in the
structure. The lofty mausoleum is positioned at the
centre of the enclosure and rises from a plinth
faced with series of cells with arched openings. The
central octagonal chamber of Humayun's tomb,
containing the cenotaph is encompassed by octagonal
chambers at the diagonals and arched lobbies on the
sides and their openings closed with perforated
screens.
Each of the sides of the monument is dominated by
three emphatic arches with the central one being the
highest. The same plan is repeated on the second
storey and a 42.5m high double dome of marble
surmounts the roof with "Chhatris" (pillared kiosks)
placed around it. Some of the apparent Indian
features in the monument are the small kiosks or
chhatris on the roof. Humayun's tomb is also
remarkable for its inlaid tile work and carving,
representing both Indian and Persian decorative
elements. Humayun's tomb was designed by the Persian
architect, Mirza Ghyas. In addition to the remains
of Humayun, the complex also houses the grave of
many other distinguished members of the Mughal
dynasty.
