They say behind every successful man is a woman.

But in Humayun’s case?

It’s literally behind his death.

Welcome to Humayun’s Tomb — a majestic 16th-century Mughal mausoleum built by his wife, where grief turned into grandeur, and Delhi got its first taste of Persian-Mughal architecture that would later become the stuff of legend.

This isn’t just a tomb. It’s a garden of memory, a museum of Mughal moods, and the spark that lit the Taj Mahal dream decades later.

Who Was Humayun?

Nasir-ud-Din Muhammad Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, son of Babur.

• Took over the empire at 23

• Fought hard to keep it (Sher Shah Suri snatched it for 15 years)

• Finally regained Delhi in 1555

• And then, one year later...

Died by falling down the stairs.

(Yes. He tripped on his robe while rushing to namaz. History’s cruel sometimes.)

Enter: Hamida Banu Begum — Humayun’s wife and mother of Akbar.

She commissioned a monument fit for a king, fusing Persian, Timurid, and Indian styles into one glorious goodbye.

Construction – A Persian Architect and a Queen with a Vision

• Construction started in 1565, 9 years after Humayun’s death

• Completed in 1572

• Designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect invited specially for the project

• First-ever garden-tomb in India (Charbagh layout)

It was the first time red sandstone was used on such a massive scale

And yes — double domes, arched alcoves, and high platforms?

All got their start here, before reaching their peak in Agra.

The Architecture – Big, Bold, and Beautifully Balanced

Here’s what makes Humayun’s Tomb truly iconic:

• Built on a massive platform – 7 metres high

• The main tomb is topped with a white marble double dome

• Surrounded by the classic Charbagh garden — divided into four with water channels representing the Quranic idea of paradise

• Flanked by arched colonnades, Persian domes, and jalis (latticed windows)

There are numerous small tombs within the complex — including:

• Hamida Banu Begum (the queen herself)

• Dara Shikoh (Shah Jahan’s tragic son)

• Isa Khan’s tomb (older than Humayun’s and right nearby)

• Even Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, was captured from here before being exiled

So basically, this place is like the VIP graveyard of Mughal royalty.

The Charbagh Garden – Paradise in Four Pieces

The garden layout isn’t just for aesthetics — it’s spiritual.

• Inspired by Persian and Timurid paradise gardens

• Water channels represent the rivers of paradise

• Walkways divide it into quadrants — symmetry equals serenity

• The flow of water + red stone + white marble = instant calm

Sit here at sunrise or sunset, and you’ll feel like Delhi stopped shouting for a minute.

The Tomb’s Real Legacy – The Taj Before the Taj

Long before Shah Jahan cried into white marble for Mumtaz, Hamida Banu Begum built this beauty.

• The red sandstone + white marble contrast?

• The domed mausoleum on a raised terrace?

• The Charbagh with flowing water?

• The symbolic mix of power + love + afterlife?

All of it started at Humayun’s Tomb.

In fact, it’s fair to say — no Humayun’s Tomb, no Taj Mahal.

What Else to See Inside the Complex?

• Barber’s Tomb (Nai ka Gumbad) – mystery man, still a debate

• Nila Gumbad – bright blue tiled dome

• Arab Serai – lodging for Persian craftsmen who built the tomb

• Bu Halima’s Garden – lesser-known but serene

• Isa Khan’s Garden Tomb – older, octagonal, full of detail

Each part adds to the layered story of empire, exile, elegance, and eternal rest.

The Restoration Story – From Ruin to Radiance

Over time, the tomb fell into disrepair — thanks to neglect, colonial occupation, and good old Delhi pollution.

Then came:

• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC)

• And a multi-crore restoration project that brought back:

1.  Gardens
2. Water channels
3. Original lime plaster
4. Handcrafted jalis

Today, Humayun’s Tomb is not just beautiful — it’s reborn.

Best Photo Spots

• Front of the main tomb just after sunrise

• The reflection pool during golden hour

• Side arches with symmetrical domes

• Shots through jali windows for that Instagram depth

Where to Eat Nearby?

After wandering Mughal tombs, the hunger hits hard.

Khan Chacha, Khan Market

10 mins away

What to eat:

• Mutton Seekh Rolls

• Butter Chicken + Roomali Roti

• Kebabs so juicy they deserve a UNESCO tag too

Or go traditional at:

• Karim’s, Nizamuddin – Mughlai, straight from the royal kitchen vibe

• Sunder Nursery Café – peaceful, open-air, fresh snacks

How to Reach

Location: Nizamuddin East, Delhi

By Metro:

• Nearest station: JLN Stadium (Violet Line) or Hazrat Nizamuddin

• Auto from there

By Cab/Auto:

• Tell them “Humayun ka Maqbara” — everyone knows it

• Parking available nearby

Entry Details

• Open: Sunrise to Sunset (6 AM – 6 PM)

• Closed: Never

• Tickets:

1. Indians: ₹40
2. Foreigners: ₹600
3. Children below 15: Free
4. Camera: Free (DSLR tripods may need permission)

UNESCO World Heritage Status

• Declared: 1993

• Justification:

“First mature example of Mughal architecture in India; precursor to the Taj Mahal and a synthesis of Persian, Turkish, and Indian architectural traditions.”

Final Thoughts – A Tomb That Breathes More Life Than Most Cities

Humayun’s Tomb isn’t just where an emperor rests — it’s where an empire's identity woke up.

It gave birth to an architectural language.

It made grief look like poetry in stone.

And it reminds us that sometimes, the most powerful love stories begin after death.

With Nadodigal, history isn’t quiet. It speaks from domes, whispers through jalis, and glows in every carved petal.