Humayun’s Tomb is of particular cultural significance as it is the first substantial example of a garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent in the Charbagh pattern. The mausoleum is a synthesis of Persian architecture and Indian traditions and is a memorial to the second Mughal emperor Humayun.

The walled enclosure of the tomb is entered through two gates ­– the south gate and the imposing west gate. This gate is flanked externally by screen-walls with arched recesses. The tomb and the enclosure-walls are built of three kinds of stone. The walls and the two gateways are made of quartzite with red sand stone dressing and marble inlay. The main building is made of red sand stone.



The central hall containing the cenotaph is roofed by a double dome with mihrab (niche) inscribed on the western jali (perforated stone). To the north-west of the emperor’s tomb lies the family tomb. It contains the tombs of his two wives and Akbar’s mother.