Humayun, the son of Babur, was the second Moughal ruler of India. He died in 1556 AD and his wife Begam Hamida Banu, also known as Haaji Begam built his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. Humayun’s tomb exemplifies the typical Moughal style architecture which was inspired by the Persian buildings. Humayun, himself had a great knowledge of Persian architecture. Quite possibly he himself designed the tomb when he was alive, although there is no record to verify this premise. The construction of the tomb cost 15 lakh rupees in those days. Its cost in terms of the present value of the rupee cannot be easily calculated.

The tomb is a World Heritage site. It was a precursor to the Taj Mahal of Agra. The only difference is that while the latter was built by the husband in memory of his wife, this tomb was built by the wife in memory of her husband. The fact that it has been adopted as a World Heritage site testifies to its architectural magnificence and historical importance.

The monument is situated quite far away from the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk and Shahajahanabad, the seat of Moughal power in those days. Humayun was a deeply religious and God fearing person. He believed that being buried near the tomb of a saint might bring him salvation from his sins. Therefore he chose to be buried close to the tomb of Nizammuddin Auliya, a prominent 13th century Muslim saint. Humayun’s tomb is located just across the road from that of the saint. The area close to the saint’s tomb contains the graves of numerous poets, noblemen, princes, princesses and other important people. Humayun’s tomb being that of the Moughal emperor is obviously the most magnificent.

The tomb is built with red sandstone and decorated with geometric patterns and calligraphy in white and black marble and tan sandstone. There are several other tombs around it. They belong to Humayun’s poor relatives, sundry officials, even his barber—though this cannot be authenticated. The reason why his barber was privileged to lie close to him was that it was he alone who could actually hold the razor upon the emperor’s throat. His barber’s tomb, known as Nai-ka-gumbad stands on a raised platform, which can be reached by seven steps from the south.
It is said that Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Moughal emperor took refuge in this tomb with his three princes when they were chased by the British forces during the first war of Independence in 1857.