|
 Humayun's
Tomb is probably one of the most innovative and experimental
monuments of its time, incorporating within it Indo-Islamic
architectural styles. Hamida Bhanu Begum (Haji
Begum), Humayun's grieving widow built it in
1565-66. She is said to have spent 15 lakh rupees
on it.
Humayun's Tomb shows a very remarkable Persian influence,
and art historians conjecture that this influence
could probably have its origin in Humayun's exile
in Persia. The tomb, typical of a Persian design,
is a square building cut off at its corners to make
it octagonal. It started a whole new form of architecture,
where tombs were built in the centre of a four-portioned
garden.
Another fact that is interesting is the double dome
of the tomb. The tomb has two domes, one below the
other. This is yet another example of the engineering
brilliancy of the Mughals. To have a huge, inspiring
dome from the exterior would mean a much too large
dome for the inside of the building. So there's a
lower, interior ceiling. And it makes any visitor
very comfortable, who does not have to deal with an
intimidating hall.
There is an entrance in the south of the complex.
It leads to the emperor's tomb, which lies in the
centre of a serene chamber. However, the actual resting
place of Humayun is directly beneath, in an underground
chamber. Several royalties of the Mughal family are
buried in the mausoleum.
The tomb is open on all days of the week.
Address: Off Mathura Road, Phone:
462 5275
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm, Entrance
Fee: Rs. 0.50/-
Pics by: Manjunath Bijjahalli
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6:52:55 AM 
Unfortunately
for the emperor, before he could move his capital
from Agra to Shahjahanabad in Delhi, he was
taken a political prisoner by his son Aurangazeb.
