Humayuni died in 1556 and his mausoleum was completed in 1573 by his senior wife. It was revolutionary in its time and a precursor of the later (and more frequently visited) Taj Mahal. The dome is one of the earliest built in India.
Humayuni's Tomb is surrounded by gardens laid out in a formal Mughal pattern and are the most complete gardens of their type left in India. Watercourses with working fountains divide the garden into 32 grass covered squares with trees.
When we arrived there were large groups of coach parties heading for the main tomb so went through a side gateway to Isa Khan's Tomb, which predates Humayuni's Tomb and is Lodhi rather than Mughal architecture. It was built for an Afghan nobleman. It was a hexagonal building with highly decorated archways leading into the tomb. There is a large central dome with smaller chhatris around it. It is possible to climb up to the roof for views. Close by is Isa khan's Mosque
We went out through a side gate past a small refreshment kiosk to the main path. About 300 school children appeared in a long crocodile. Two boys broke rank and came to ask Michael to take their photo. He was immediately surrounded by dozens of well-natured, clamouring kids. I think we must have said "hello" and shaken hands with nearly all of them.
Humayuni's Tomb is reached through an impressive gateway of pale sandstone blocks decorated with dark red sandstone and white marble inlays. The tomb is on a huge red sandstone platform with steep steps up to it. (There is no wheelchair access). It is built of red sandstone with decorative white marble inlay. The central octagonal chamber contains Humayuni's tombstone, although the actual tomb is under the floor level. There are many inter connecting rooms with marble tombs.
There are other smaller tombs around the site, Barber's Tomb although little is known about who is buried here or the origin of the name and also Afsarwala Tomb and Mosque.
This is a delightful site. Once away from Humayuni's Tomb, it is easy to lose the crowds. Even if you are intending to visit Agra and the Taj MAhal it is well worth including this on your itinerary as well
There is information about Humayuni's Tomb here.
Our pictures can be seen here.
