Abstract

Humayun tomb built in the 16 th century bears the testimony of true architectural beauty and
provides the example of Mughals' love towards architecture . The project will examine the
confluence of various social, cultural and historical factors. It will also highlight the historical and
cultural relevance of the tomb.

Key words
Humayun tomb
Mughal Architecture
Cultural and Symbolic significance of Humayun tomb

Figure -1

Introduction
Humayun's Tomb stands as a stunning example of architectural brilliance and reflects the
splendor of the Mughal Empire. Initiated in 1562 by Humayun's spouse, Hamida Begum, this
notable edifice greatly impacted future Mughal architecture, particularly the renowned Taj Mahal.
It is also called the 'dormitory of the Mughals'. This paper examines the intricate design of
Humayun's Tomb and investigates its architectural features, layout, and symbolic significance.

Architectural Features

The Charbagh Garden

It is an Indo-Persian quadrilateral garden layout based on the four gardens of paradise (jannat)
in the Quran. It is divided by walkways or flowing water into four smaller parts. The charbagh

creates a serene and harmonious environment around the tomb.

Source (fig 2 - wikipedia)

The elevated platform

The mausoleum rests on a high, wide , terraced platform or plinth made up of 56 small arched
cells that sheltered 150 gravestones of mughal family members. The platform is adorned with
intricate geometric patterns and decorative motifs adding to its grandeur.

The octagonal plan

The tomb is essentially square shaped, its corners are chamferred that give it an irregular
octagonal appearance,a departure from traditional square or rectangular forms Islamic
architecture. This plan creates a dynamic and noticeable silhouette. The octagonal shape is
further emphasized by the four corner chhatris which adds to the buildings' complexity and

grandeur.
Source (fig 3- shutterstock.com)

Figure -4
The double dome

The most iconic feature of Humayun's Tomb is its majestic double dome. The outer dome, 42.5
metre high , clad in white marble, is supported by a drum and topped with a finial. The internal
dome creates a spacious interior space, offering a calm and contemplative space. The double
dome is a masterpiece of Mughal engineering and architectural innovation, and a testament to

the engineering prowess of the empire.

Source(fig 4 - www.nizamuddin renewal.org)

Architectural Features
* Recessed Arched Niches: The tomb's facades feature recessed arched niches, creating a
rhythmic sequence and adding depth to the elevations.

* Red Sandstone and White Marble: The primary materials used for the tomb's construction are
red sandstone, complemented by extensive white marble for decorative aspects such as inlays,
screens, and the dome.

* Balanced Design: The entire complex is crafted with a notable focus on symmetry and
equilibrium, in line with Mughal architectural characteristics.

Interior Areas
* Octagonal Room: Inside the tomb, there is a spacious octagonal room topped with a vaulted
ceiling.

* Cenotaph: The actual burial site is situated beneath the main structure, whereas the cenotaph
(false tomb) is positioned at the center of the upper chamber.

Location
Humayun's Tomb is located on the flat plain of Delhi near the banks of river Yamuna. IT is
surrounded by a series of monuments built during the sultanate and mughal period. The tomb
was constructed in close proximity to the dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, who was one of
the most Sufi saints of India.
Six pointed stars
Six-pointed stars appeared on many monuments constructed during the 15th-16th century in
India and elsewhere in Islamic world. Khvanadamir suggested its use for astrological symbolism
while Akbar's use of them on Humayun's tomb hint at another dimension to their meaning. It
symbolizes the relationship between Akbar and his father and reinforces Akbar’s divine nature
as well as his spiritual descendancy.

Key Features and Associated Structures

Baradari Pavilion: A centrally located structure in the garden, used for gatherings and relaxation.

Hammam (Bathhouse): A Persian-style bath situated in the eastern garden, highlighting royal
leisure practices.

Isa Khan's Tomb: Located nearby, Isa Khan’s octagonal tomb predates Humayun’s Tomb and
showcases early Mughal architectural motifs.

Significance

Humayun's Tomb holds immense cultural and architectural importance:

Architectural Innovation: It represents a synthesis of Persian, Indian, and Central Asian styles,
introducing features like the double dome and charbagh layout that became defining elements
of Mughal architecture.

Historical Importance: As the first monumental Mughal mausoleum, it marked the transition to a
more cohesive architectural style under Akbar.

Cultural Symbol: The tomb reflects the Mughal Empire's aspirations for permanence, grandeur,
and spiritual transcendence.

Historical Background and Legacy

Humayun's Tomb was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, setting a precedent for
Mughal architectural traditions. After Humayun's death in 1556, his body was temporarily
interred at Purana Qila in Delhi and later moved to Sirhind. In 1558, Empress Bega Begum
selected the site in Nizamuddin for a grand mausoleum, and construction began in 1565.

Completed in 1572, the tomb also became a burial site for other Mughal royalty, including Bega
Begum herself. It influenced later Mughal edifices, such as the Taj Mahal, which adopted its
garden layout, white marble construction, and architectural elements.
It stands as one of the earliest large-scale Mughal architectural projects, designed by Persian
architects Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and his son Sayyid Muhammad.

Set amidst sprawling gardens, the tomb is surrounded by a complex of structures, including a
mosque, madrasa, and hamam. Its grandeur symbolizes the Mughal Empire's evolving
architectural style, blending Persian and Indian influences.

Conclusion
Humayun's Tomb exemplifies the brilliance of Mughal architecture, highlighting the empire's
artistic and engineering accomplishments. Its distinctive design, which merges Persian and
Indian architectural styles, has significantly influenced later architectural trends. The tomb's
seamless integration of aesthetics and utility, along with its symbolic importance and timeless
beauty, continues to inspire and enchant visitors globally.

Preservation efforts

Humayun's Tomb began to collapse just a few years after its construction. The decline of the
Mughal Empire and the resulting drop in revenue made the costly maintenance of the gardens
impossible, hastening their destruction.

The arrival of the British made matters worse. After capturing Delhi in 1857, they brought the
British landscape and altered the already existing Mughal monuments such as Humayun's Tomb
and the Taj Mahal.

Archaeological Survey of India

The Archaeological Survey of India has taken over the task of monitoring India's cultural
heritage sites and has begun work on repairing and restoring the damage caused by the
refugee camps.

UNESCO
Humayun's Tomb was Declared as a world heritage site under UNESCO in 1993. This provides
the site international recognition and helps in mobilizing resources and expertise for the
preservation. UNESCO monitors and undertakes regular assessments and reviews to ensure
that appropriate conservation efforts are implemented.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture

The Aga khan trust funded and collaborated with ASI in implementing a project to revitalise the
26 acres garden surrounding the tomb. Amongst other conservation works, 3 kms of water
channels have been repaired,3.5 km of pathway edging restored, 3000 trucks of excess earth
manually removed, 4 kms of sandstone hand chiseled,2500 plants favoured by the mughals
planted 25000 square metres of pathways restored, an exhaustive rainwater harvesting system
introduced, minor structures conserved historic wells discovered and desilted, wheelchair
access and a site interpretation centre provided.
Preservation Techniques:

Employment of traditional craftsmen:

They focused on their conservation efforts on restoring the structure's architectural integrity
through the use of traditional construction methods and with the assistance of local artisans,
stone carvers, masons, tile craftsmen and plasterers.
The artisans, with their years of experience and unwavering dedication, worked tirelessly to
restore the tomb to its former glory. They replaced damaged stones, repaired crumbling plaster
work, and rebuilt collapsed sections, all while preserving the original architectural integrity.

Minimal Intervention: The main focus is the conservation rather than restoration and to ensure
that there must not be any tampering with the originality of the structure.

Problem of Water seepage: This was one of the main issues for the mausoleum. Layers of
concrete, added in previous attempts to protect the tomb, were carefully removed, revealing the
original structure beneath. Each stone, each arch, each intricate detail was meticulously
examined and repaired.

Challenges

The challenges faced include environmental degradation, urban encroachment, tourism

pressure, inadequate funding and maintenance ,biodeterioration of the site.

Future Considerations

Need to make a switch to advance conservation techniques, adopting sustainable tourism

practices, improving drainage and water management, increase Collaborations with
international heritage organizations, NGOs to ensure financial security and undertake
restoration projects