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.