Humayuns Tomb

Quick Facts

At Purana Qila in Nizamuddin East, Delhi, which was founded in 1533 AD by Emperor Humayun, there erected this famous tomb called Humayun’s tomb. The tomb was constructed in the memory of the Emperor by his widow Hamida Banu Begum in 1562 AD, which is considered the first garden-tomb in India.

Humayun’s tomb is also the first red stone structure constructed on a large scale and this was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993, now undergoing extensive restoration work. Apart from the tomb enclosure of Humayun, there are many smaller monuments installed in the pathway heading towards the tomb, among which there is one structure which was erected in 1547 CE much ahead of the main tomb itself. This is the tomb complex of an Afghan Noble of Sher Shah Suri’s court called Isa Khan Niyazi, who served Suri dynasty which fought against the Mughals.

History

Humayun tomb which we see today was not constructed in the present location immediately after his death in 1556 CE. Although his body was buried here first, later it was moved to Sirhind in Punjab because by that time Hindu king Hemu had captured the kingdom from Mughals at Agra and Delhi. The captured places included Purana Qila location and Mughal officers feared that Hemu would destroy any structure that Mughals might erect in that place.

Later, the widow of Humayun, Hamida Banu Begum gave orders to build a tomb at Purana Qila in 1565 CE, nine years after his death, which was completed in 1572 CE at a cost of 15 lakhs of rupees in those days.

What to See

The tomb has two entrances one from the west and other from the south. On north and east sides, there are other spots of a bath and a pavilion, with a burial chamber just under the central dome with a cenotaph whereas at the basement one can see the real burial chamber.

The Barber’s Tomb which was built in 1590 CE is in the south-east corner of the garden, while one does not find any inscription that can clarify as to who had been actually buried inside, the local people explain it as Barber’s Tomb.

As one goes inside the complex, one can see the Tomb and Mosque of Isa Khan, while these monuments are not those of a Mughal dynasty member, Isa Khan being an Afghan who fought against Mughals and the tomb of this noble had been constructed twenty years before that of Humayun.

The other attractions in this complex include

• Afsarwala Tomb and mosque
• Arab Sarai
• Bu Halima's Tomb and Garden
• Chillah Nizamuddin Auliya
• Nila Gumbad

The traveller to Delhi must not miss seeing the Humayun’s tomb, which was an inspiration to Shah Jahan to build Taj Mahal.

Visitor’s Information

Address: Bharat Scouts and Guides Marg, Off Mathura Road, Nizamuddin, New Delhi, Delhi, 110003
Hours:  Sun-Sat from 6am-6pm
Phone:  011 2435 5275

How to Reach Humayun's Tomb

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport helps travellers reach this destination, from where plenty of taxis, buses and A/C coaches run to the location where Humayun tomb exists.

New Delhi railway station is equally well linked with all parts of the country. A rail traveller too can reach Humayun tomb by taking any of the local transport facilities available at the Railway Station, which has two sides to board and alight, Ajmeri Gate will be a better side to reach Humayun tomb.

Travelling from any of the states: Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh by road is also possible as there are a number of long distances buses plying from important destinations of these states are available for getting to Delhi. During the summer months, air-conditioned coaches are recommended. Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) runs special services from Airport, Railway Station and main Bus Stands to different parts of the city.