The second Mughal Emperor Humayun died just a year after he regained Delhi. His Persian wife, Hamida Begum, supervised the construction of his tomb from 1562 to 1.572. Designed by the Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyuath. Located on the banks of Yamuna River and adjacent to the famous shrine of Sufi saint Nizam al-Din Auliya, this tomb is said to have been a precedent of later Mughal mausoleums in India. Geometric gardens intersected with numerous water channels present an idyllic setting.
The tomb took eight years to build and Char Bagh had a style of garden design, the first of its kind in the region. These were introduced later in the Red Fort in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra. Persian architectural features are also evident in the building and its main camera is said to be inspired by the tomb of Mongolian Persian ruler, Oljeytu in Sultaniyya. The tomb of Timur (Tamerlane) in Samarkand is also said to be the source of inspiration for the Mughal architecture in India.
The central domed chamber, the sarcophagus of Humayun is found. In accordance with Islamic practice, his head is pointing south and facing east. The vaulted chambers also contain graves that were added later. These tombs contain symbols that provide complete information about its occupants. The sarcophagi are often not registered, but these graves are thought to contain the remains of the wives of Humayun, along with several Mughal emperors and later the princes.
The name of Humayun's tomb is on the UNESCO list of Heritage buildings and was the first Indian building to use the Persian double dome. Its harmonious proportions are undoubtedly the work of skilled artisans. Located on a platform, it exhibits certain Indian architectural features too, like small kiosks or 'chhatris' on the roof. Work attractive tile is carved intricately inlaid with Indian and Persian designs and items. Its carved stone screens are to be commended for its graceful appearance.
