Who Built the Humayun's Tomb in Delhi?

The Mughal Empire, which existed from the beginning of the 16th century till the middle of the 19th century, was a prominent dynasty that held control over large portions of the Indian subcontinent often referred to by historians today as part of the Golden Age of Indian History due to its contributions to art, architecture, and literature. 

Founded by Babur in 1526, and characterized by its cultural blending of Persian, Indian, and Islamic traditions into a unique Indo-Islamic culture, the Mughal Empire became an influential political and cultural force.

During the Mughal period, a multitude of magnificent monuments were constructed throughout the subcontinent, trade flourished, and centralised governance was instituted. The city of Delhi rose to become one of the central political and cultural capitals of the Mughal Empire.

Who Built Humayun's Tomb in Delhi?

One particular monument that represents the greatness of the Mughal Empire is Humayun's Tomb, which was commissioned by Humayun's chief wife Bega Begum, also referred to as Haji Begum. 

The construction of the tomb began in 1565 and was completed approximately seven years later, with Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect imported from Bukhara as the architect. Mirak is credited with being the first to introduce the charbagh four-part garden layout to India. Humayun's Tomb was built in remembrance of Emperor Humayun after his death in 1556; thus, it became the first known garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent and the model for Taj Mahal.

Interesting Facts About Humayun’s Tomb 

1. First Garden Tomb in India 

Humayun's Tomb in India harmonized the first garden tomb in relation to the Persion landscape, garden style of charbagh gardens, consisting of a 4-part garden layout made of paths and water courses together with the tomb structure.

This innovative design is one of many examples of buildings constructed on a similar design produced by Mughal-Sultanate construction and/or architectural methods, and is now associated with different forms of Persian Garden architecture relating to the Taj Mahal.

2. Persian Architectural Influence 

The architectural design of Humayun's Tomb is based primarily on Persian architecture, much of which is reflected in the overall design of the dome, archways, and gardens. The designer of Humayun's Tomb, Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, designed the building using a combination of features from Central Asian and Persian architectural styles with Indian craftsmanship which created a unique architectural identity still associated with Mughal architecture.

3. UNESCO World Heritage Site 

The designation of Humayun's Tomb as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was conducted in 1993. This designation represents the architectural significance of the site on a global level as well as its architecture. In addition, there are numerous smaller structures and gardens which are included in the overall complex that represent the overall stature and quality of early Mughal architecture in India.

4. Inspiration for the Taj Mahal 

The Taj Mahal was inspired greatly by Humayun's Tomb, the beautiful architectural aspects, many of which were improved and added upon to create the Taj Mahal, the central dome shape, symmetry of the whole layout, the height of the throne platform, are signs of this being an example of the Mughal architecture's excellence through time.

5. Resting Place of Many Royals 

A number of other Mughal royalty and nobles had been buried in Humayun's Tomb in addition to Emperor Humayun himself. Humayun's Tomb evolved into a dynastic burial ground and it is still used today.

 Its serene gardens and monumental buildings represent both Imperial strength and the Mughal belief in a paradise-like afterlife for their people.