Everybody know the popular Indian Architecture Taj Mahal but it was another monument which inspired or I can say the first blueprint of Taj Mahal. I’m talking about the Red Taj Mahal which is popularly known as a Humayun’s Tomb. Humayun’s Tomb is located in Delhi near the shrine of Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin.
History of Humayun Tomb
The Mughal Emperor Humayun was the 2nd Mughal Emperor and also the father of great Akbar. The Emperor died in 1556 and after that his widow, Haji Begam decided to construct a Tomb for him. It is well known that Humayun picked up the principles of Persian architecture. Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian, was the architect employed by Haji Begam for this tomb. The tomb construction started in 1565 and completed in 1572.
Taj Mahal was built by devoted husband for his wife and Humayun Tomb was built by devoted wife for her husband.
Many experts believe that Taj Mahal got its design from Humayun Tomb. Taj Mahal Architecture took the inspiration from this tomb and what we see today is the complete design of Mughal Architecture Style.
Talking about the complex area, the tomb stands in the centre and around the tomb you’ll find a beautiful Mughal garden with water channels and fountain on all 4 sides. The Tomb is a synthesis of Persian architecture and Indian tradition. The Entire tomb was built using Red sandstone and white marble used on the dome.
Many consider this as a first garden tomb but Sikandar Lodi tomb was the first garden-tomb to be built in India.
The Humayun Tomb is seen negligence by the Indian Govt. In past, they used cheap plaster work to repair the building but in actual it destroyed the complex building. In 1993, Unesco declared this tomb as a World Heritage Site and then started the long restoration work.
Although the real restoration work started after Aga Khan Trust for Culture step up and decided to renovate the architecture with the help of Archaeological Survey of India, several government agencies, and co-funding partners. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) started the work in 2007 and took 6 years to complete the very tough task. Thousands of local & International artist work on the project. You can read more here about the project.
Visit Humayun Tomb at Sunrise to get best shot.
I recommend you to visit Humayun Tomb at Sunrise time to get the beautiful photos. This place is heaven for Photographers. Even in high temperature you can relax in the shadow of the trees in surrounding garden.
My special thanks to Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Archaeological Survey of India for conserving this beautiful monument for the future generation.
[…] This is Humayum Tomb also know as the Red Taj Mahal. “Taj Mahal was built by devoted husband for his wife and Humayun Tomb was built by devoted wife for her husband.” You can see more details about Humayum Tomb […]