Who ordered the construction of Humayun's Tomb and when did it begin?
Empress Bega Begum ordered the construction of Humayun's Tomb in 1558 shortly after her husband died on the 27th of January 1556. Construction began in 1565 and finished in 1572.
Questions about Humayun's Tomb
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Which Persian architect designed Humayun's Tomb and who completed it?
Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas was selected by the Empress to design the structure but he died during construction. His son Sayyid Muhammad ibn Mirak Ghiyathuddin completed the building after his father passed away.
What architectural features distinguish Humayun's Tomb from other Mughal buildings?
Humayun's Tomb became the first Indian building to use red sandstone at such a scale combined with white marble cladding. It reaches a height of 47 meters and features a double dome system unique for its time.
When was the restoration work on Humayun's Tomb completed and what funding supported it?
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India completed restoration work by March 2003. Funding included $650,000 from the Aga Khan Trust plus help from Oberoi Hotels Group.
How many smaller gardens are created within the quadrilateral garden surrounding Humayun's Tomb?
Each square of the quadrilateral garden further divides into eight smaller gardens creating thirty-two miniature spaces total. The design spans thirteen hectares surrounding the tomb.