HUMAYUN'S TOMB
A Grand Memorial - Tomb of Humayun
The
first substantial example of a garden tomb on Charbagh pattern with high
arches and double dome was erected by Humayun's queen Hamida Banu Begam (Haji
Begam) in AD 1569 at cost of 15 lakh rupees (1.5 million).
The high rubble built enclosure is entered through two lofty double-storeyed
gateways on the west and south. A Baradari (pavilion) occupies the centre of
the eastern wall and a Hammam (bath chamber) in the centre of northern wall.
The lofty mausoleum is in the centre of the enclosure and rises from a podium
faced with series of cells having arched openings.
The
central octagonal chamber contains the cenotaph, encompassed by octagonal
chambers at the diagonals and arched lobbies on the side. Their openings are
closed with perforated screens. Three arches dominate each side, the central
one being the highest. This plan is repeated on the second storey too. The
roof surmounted by a double dome (42.5m) of marble has pillared kiosks (Chhatris)
placed around it. Several rulers of the Mughal dynasty lie buried here.
Bahadur Shah Zafar had taken refuge in this tomb with three princes during the
First War Independence (AD 1857).
On the southwestern side of the Humayon Tomb is located Barber's Tomb (Nai-ka-Gumbad),
which stands on a raised platform, reached by seven steps from the south. The
building is square on plan and consists of a signal compartment covered with a
double-dome.