Humayun's Tomb: intricacy for royalty

March 17, 2012

Humayun's Tomb pre-dates the Taj Mahal. It is said that Taj Mahal's domed structure follows after the design of Humayun's Tomb. FYI. :)

First Floor: Several of these arched window-ways
(or something) have a cenotaph

Upon climbing the stairs for the first platform, you'll already see some cenotaphs in arched window areas. However, it is pretty obvious that most of these arches has been restored (aka looks so spanking white).

Oh yes, climbing is popular among the tombs

Humayun's Tomb: first garden-tomb of India

March 17, 2012

The West Gate was actually more than just an entrance gate or portal. The structure also housed the exhibit on Humayun's Tomb's history, architecture and even a scaled diorama of the entire complex, showing smaller surrounding monuments.

This is it! Finally going inside!

The Tomb is a massive structure with marble dome on top. According to the illustration at the exhibit, Emperor Humayun would likes to feed pigeons perched on structures similar to the smaller ones (grey dome; I forgot what these are called. dang!) to feed pigeons.

Oh hello there!

Humayun's Tomb: the west gate

March 17, 2012

After resting in the shades of the trees (I felt the heat exhaustion as well), Julie and I finally went to see the main event of the trip: Humayun's Tomb!

When we passed Isa Khan's tomb (under restoration), we went through another gate before we were mesmerized by the view of Humayun's tomb. We stood there and just gazed at the structure in awe. After seconds of silence, Julie gave her trademark "It's lovely" comment and I started snapping away.

View after passing Isa Khan's Tomb
(path on the right leads to Afsarwala Tomb and Mosque)

Afsarwala Tomb and Mosque: getting into details

March 17, 2012

When we got to the Afsarwala's Tomb and Mosque, I didn't know that it was indeed a tomb and a mosque in the same platform. And, you see, my idea of mosques does not really match Afsarwala's.

Windows, windows, and windows

Anyway, there were several young school boys pottering about the platform in an "I'm on a field trip" manner.  They were saying hello, beaming with smiles and all. One of them actually asked my name after I asked his. And he said, "Aap ka naam achha hai". It took a second or two before the translation or decoding happened in my head. The boy was saying that I have a good name. :)

The ceiling's badly dilapidated but you can still see remnants
of the previous design in the center

Afsarwala Tomb and Mosque: structural admiration

March 17, 2012

Once we reached Humayun's Tomb, we didn't go into the complex immediately. Instead, we sat on the grass in the adjoining park and enjoyed our biscuits, banana and ice cream!

 After getting rested, we queued for the entrance ticket. It's Rs. 250 for foreigners and maybe Rs. 10 or 20 for Indians. Just after the entrance, another tomb area is being restored.  If my memory serves me right, it's Isa Khan's Tomb and Mosque.

Afsarwala Mosque from the North Gate of Arab Sarai (resthouse)

Anyway, you'll immediately see the West Gate of Humayun's tomb after some more walking. But, I think we just didn't feel like visiting Humayun yet (save the best for last!) so we went through another gate on the right instead. It's the Arab Sarai gate, where craftsmen who were building Humayun's tomb were housed. This way is leading to the Afsarwala Mosque and Tomb.

Sabz Burj: a monument almost forgotten

March 17, 2012

On the way to Humayun's tomb, we saw another monument serving as the centerpiece for a very busy roundabout.

Sabz Burj at the busy Mathura Road

Safdarjung Tomb: from the outside looking in

March 17, 2012

Build in 1754 following the late Mughal Empire architectural style, Safdarjung's Tomb has also been described as "the last flicker in the lamp of Mughal Architecture.

 closer look at the dome