November 11, 2010

H is for Humayun

Preface June 11, 2012: This post is now linked to the community at Taphophile Tragics. If you have a fascination for tombs, graves, burial gounds and the histories of the humans who were "put to rest" in them, check out this meme.

:::

I introduced Humayun's tomb two days ago, but there is more to show and tell, and since the letter for Alphabe-Thursday this week is H, it felt fitting to continue.

Humayun was the second emperor of the Mughal era in India that began in the early sixteenth century. He was the favorite son of Babur, the first monarch, who could trace his ancestry directly to Tamerlane and Genghis Khan, two great Asian conquerors. Humayun ruled for 26 years and left an empire of nearly one million square kilometers.

Quoting from wiki - notes in brackets mine:
He is best remembered today for his great tomb, built by his widow after his death between 1562 and 1571. The ultimate model for Humayun's tomb is the Gur-e Amir in Samarkand (Tamerlane's tomb in Uzbekistan), and it is best-known as a precursor to the Taj Mahal in style. However, in its striking composition of dome and iwan (vaulted hall), and its imaginative use of local materials (including the red sandstone), it is one of the finest Mughal monuments in India in its own right.

Here are a few more of my images of this splendid piece of architecture and cultural heritage site. Photos enlarge when clicked. 



 
 
 
 
 
 Delhi, 2010

Humayun's tomb was listed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.

34 comments:

Kay L. Davies said...

When I die, I want my husband to build one for me...
No, seriously, Francisca, this is beautiful and certainly should be a World Heritage site for its architectural splendor and its unique history.
-- K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

EG CameraGirl said...

OH MY! That is a stunning structure! How nice that the public can now enjoy such affluence...at least to see in photos or close up in person

Unknown said...

Thanks for the details. So beautiful. Especially love the 2 pics side by side with see thru details.

Lola said...

Terrific captures! Great post too!

XOXO Lola:)

H said...

This was really interesting. I love the Islamic arches, minarets and geometric artwork. It is a beautiful piece of architecture.

Mary said...

Spectacular architecture...especially for a tomb :-)

Judie said...

This is really fascinating stuff to me. Thanks for sharing.

Sue McPeak said...

Thanks so much for showing these wonderful photos and giving the history of this splendid and historic architecture. It's a place I'm sure I'll never see in person and your post has enriched my virtual travels immensly! Great Letter H!

Birgit said...

Wow -- that was very interesting! I am glad I found your blog. :)

Greetings from Germany,
Birgit

Jenny said...

What a magnificent and fascinating stop on our little journey through Alphabe-Thursday's letter "H".

I am really intriqued by the history of this amazing place. The architecture and romance is really wonderful.

Thanks for letting us tag along on your happy adventure.

A+

Unknown said...

What a wonderful place to visit! I enjoyed the tour.

Betty said...

Wonderful photos and I enjoyed the history lesson too.

Cildemer said...

Wow! What magnificient architecture!
Your pics are wonderful and I enjoyed a lot reading about this romantic place;o)

***
Have a nice day***

Ps: Thank you so much for the information about the castle:o) I looked for it on the Net and it is about 400 km from my place. We will see;o)

Tracy said...

It is amazing what is in this world to discover. Jus wish I had the money to do so. Next best thing is to sharein somebody elses experienxes Thank you

JJ said...

I am your newest follower from Jenny Matlock. My middle name is Helper. Please follow me as well. Thank you.

The Disconnected Writer
http://thedisconnectedwriter.blogspot.com/

Pondside said...

This is a part of the world I'll probably never visit, so a trip through your lens was a treat!

Susan Anderson said...

I love posts that take me somewhere I'm never likely to see in person.

Thanks for sharing!

=)

Unknown said...

Loved this post.I am an Indian and have seen this monument, but it is always fun to see things through somebody else's eyes,isn't it?

lissa said...

looks like a wonderful place to visit and enjoy the history and the spaces

enjoy alphabe-thursday, thanks for visiting my

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

Beautiful photos!

Thanks for the little trip!

tapirgal said...

This is a stunning post (as are so many of yours). The colors are deep and rich, and the layout is beautiful. Lots of nice info, too. Great blog.

☺lani☺ said...

Wow! Impressive!

Joanne said...

Passed by here also while I was in Delhi, magnificent place. We have very similar shots:) Delhi was my first stop in India and a real eye opener!!

Unknown said...

This place is fantastic and you took some great shots there.

VioletSky said...

the architecture is stunningly beautiful.I am also impressed that his widow was able to have this made for him!

Gemma Wiseman said...

So grand! Such attention to architectural detail! Like a palace! Fascinating post!

hamilton said...

This is so huge.
And I bet it is wonderful at sunset and sunrise,
with the red sandstone.

Joe said...

I'm glad it was listed by UNESCO. Well deserved.

s.c said...

Great building, great details. Show some more of this stuff.

SeaThreePeeO said...

Simply gorgeous!

Herding Cats

Halcyon said...

Very impressive! Some people really want to make sure they won't be forgotten. ;)

biebkriebels said...

That is quite a tomb, you can say. He can be satisfied to lay in such a beautiful building. But he is not aware of it anymore is he? You made me laugh about the "Norman Rockwell" grave I posted.It is indeed a kind of family life you are watching,very Italian I think.
I have seen so much "dramatic" images there, I couldn't stop photographing.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

An incredible mausoleum. The actual toms are on the roof? Your pictures give a sense of quiet and calm in the mausoleum. Like a place you'd go to reflect.

Ann said...

What a stunningly beautiful place. Would like to see it one day.