Humayun's Tomb is regarded as a masterpiece of the Indo-Islamic culture. It was built in the year 1565 by Haji Begum, the eldest widow of the Mogul emperor Humayun. It is built on a large stone platform, typical of all the monuments of that era. The stone pedestal was surrounded on three sides by lush-green lawns. On the back of the structure was river Yamuna. Though the river has shifted its course in these years, one can still find the traces of marks left by the gurgling water.
The mausoleum was commissioned to one Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, who started the work in the year 1556. The total expenditure of the project was more than 1 million rupees at that time. This structure has been designed keeping in view the Iranian 'Charbhag'. This particular style was brought to India by Emperor Babur who greatly detested the existing indigenous style. Therefore the building has gardens and high walls on 3 sides which are further divided in to 36 equal areas with the help of fountains and canal. This style was later applied in the building of Taj Mahal. In fact, many features of the Taj have been copied from this tomb, such as 'Charbagh' style and Crescent on the top of the dome. This architecturally pioneering tomb is mainly built of red sandstone and red and white marble. It has a series of cells with arched openings. This was the first use of the architectural design style, known as 'Hasht Bahisht' (Eight circles of Paradise), in the sub-continent.
Humayun’s tomb is located on Lodi Road in South Delhi, India. The best way to reach is to take an Auto Rickshaw, Taxi or disembark at the Central Secretariat metro station. The place is open to visitors all through the week from sunrise to sunset.
