Humayun’s Tomb: The First Mughal Architectural Masterpiece

Brief Rule and Lasting Legacy

Nasir-ud-Din Muhammad Humayun was the second emperor of the Mughal dynasty, taking the throne after his father, Babur, established Mughal rule in India in 1526. His reign was one of challenges, and he lost much of his territory to the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri and spent over a decade in exile, mainly in Persia.

While in Persia, Humayun was welcomed by the Safavid court, where he was deeply influenced by Persian art and culture. When he returned to India and reclaimed the throne in 1555, he brought with him Persian artists, architects, and scholars. These individuals helped shape the early Mughal artistic style.

His return to power was short-lived. In 1556, just months after his restoration, Humayun died after falling down the polished steps of his library in Delhi. Although his rule was brief and marked by setbacks, the cultural legacy he established would flourish under his son, Akbar, and shape the golden age of Mughal art and architecture.

A Tomb Fit for an Emperor

After Humayun’s death, his first wife and chief consort, Empress Bega Begum, commissioned a grand mausoleum to honor his memory and reinforce the prestige of the Mughal dynasty. Construction began in 1565 under the guidance of the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and his son, Sayyid Muhammad.

The tomb introduced a new architectural model: a monumental, garden-tomb complex inspired by Persian visions of paradise or firdaus, but brought to life through Indian materials and craftsmanship. It marked the formal beginning of Mughal architecture, a distinctive style that would reach its peak under later emperors such as Akbar and Shah Jahan.

The Birth of Mughal Architecture

Humayun’s Tomb was the first major structure of its kind in Islamic India and laid the foundation for the Mughal architectural style. It introduced key features that would become central to later monuments, including the charbagh garden layout, elevated platforms, grand domes, and the distinctive use of red sandstone accented with white marble.

The tomb stands on a raised plinth, giving it a commanding presence. It is surrounded by a network of water channels that form a formal garden, intended to represent the paradise described in Islamic tradition. At its heart lies the emperor’s grave, placed directly beneath a soaring double dome.

Many of the design elements seen at Humayun’s Tomb, including its domes, charbagh layout, and impeccable symmetry, would later appear in the Taj Mahal, built by Humayun’s great-grandson, Shah Jahan.

Iconic Features of Humayun’s Tomb

From a distance, Humayun’s Tomb appears like a regal stone pavilion. Its square base, raised platform, and large central dome give it a commanding presence. The structure is meticulously symmetrical, featuring arched entrances, octagonal chambers, domed pavilions, and finely carved jali screens that filter light and air into graceful patterns.

The surrounding charbagh garden is divided into four equal quadrants by water channels and walkways, reflecting the concept of spiritual harmony and cosmic order. This harmonious blend of architecture and landscape design was new to India at the time and became a defining feature of Mughal monuments for generations to come.

Royal Resting Place

Although built as a mausoleum, Humayun’s Tomb carries the grandeur and scale of a palace. Over the centuries, it became the burial site for more than 100 members of the Mughal royal family, including several nobles and descendants of Humayun. The complex gradually evolved into a Mughal necropolis, a sacred space of remembrance. Even today, the tomb maintains a quiet, serene presence, offering a sense of stillness and reflection that continues to resonate.

Restoration and Rediscovery

By the 20th century, Humayun’s Tomb had fallen into neglect. British-era landscaping replaced its original gardens, and pollution had darkened the once-vibrant red sandstone. In recent decades, however, the site has undergone extensive restoration. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India, led a major effort to revive both the structure and its gardens following their original design.

Today, Humayun’s Tomb is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands as one of Delhi’s most significant landmarks and a place where the legacy of the Mughal Empire lives on.