Why did this Mughal emperor's wife build a magnificent tomb after his untimely death

Nasir-ud-Din Muḥammad, known as Humayun, met an untimely end on January 27, 1556. The circumstances of his death were as tragic as they were unusual. Humayun was descending the staircase of his library when he heard the call to prayer. In a fateful moment, his foot caught in his robe, causing him to tumble down the steps. He sustained severe injuries, which led to his death three days later. This sudden demise of the emperor who had fought so hard to reclaim his empire was a painful blow to the Mughal dynasty.

Image: Public Domain

In the wake of Humayun’s death, his senior widow and chief consort, Bega Begum, also known as Haji Begum, embarked on a mission to memorialize her husband. She commissioned a magnificent tomb, not just as a final resting place for Humayun but as a sanctuary of peace and a symbol of her love for him.

Image: Canva

The construction of Humayun’s Tomb began in 1565, nine years after his death, and was completed in 15721. It was an architectural feat, the first of its kind in the Indian subcontinent, introducing the Persian concept of a garden tomb. The tomb was designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect chosen by Bega Begum herself. The grandeur of the new structure, utilizing red sandstone on a large scale for the first time, represented a departure from the simpler mausoleum of Humayun's father, Babur.

Image: Canva

Humayun’s Tomb stands not only as a testament to the love of Bega Begum for her husband but also as a precursor to the architectural wonders that would follow, including the Taj Mahal. The tomb’s design set a precedent for Mughal architecture, with its grand domes, intricate carvings, and the harmonious balance between building and garden, which would become hallmarks of the Mughal aesthetic.

Image: Canva

Surrounding the tomb is the Charbagh, a quadrilateral garden divided by walkways or flowing water into four smaller parts. This style was brought to India from Persia and was symbolic of the four rivers that flow in jannat, the Islamic concept of paradise. The garden, with its tranquil ambiance, was meant to reflect the paradise that awaited the emperor in the afterlife.

Image: Canva

In 1993, UNESCO bestowed upon Humayun’s Tomb the prestigious designation of a World Heritage Site, acknowledging its profound cultural and historical importance. This recognition was primarily attributed to its pioneering architectural design, which introduced the distinctive Mughal garden-tomb pattern. This pattern, characterized by the integration of lush gardens with monumental mausoleums, not only showcased the aesthetic sensibilities of the Mughal Empire but also exerted a significant influence on the evolution of Indian architecture. Humayun’s Tomb, with its intricate blend of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian architectural elements, is proof of the innovative contributions of the Mughals to the architectural landscape of India.

Image: Canva