After the death of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1556, Hamida Banu Begum, his widow, started the construction of his tomb. The construction, the total cost of which amounted to 1.5 lakh rupees, began in 1569. It is the perfect example of Mughal style of architecture which is inspired from the Persian architecture and Indian Traditions. Many experts believe that Humayun had planned his tomb before this death although there are no supporting evidences. Hamida Banu Begum, also referred to as Haji Begum, hired the famous Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyath for the construction.
The tomb is present exactly at the centre of a garden and it is divided into four parterres by a raised roadway. There are two gateways to enter the structure; one in the west direction and other in the south. The grave of the great Humayun is placed appropriately in the centre and one could reach it through a passage from the south. The cenotaph and the corner chambers for other members of the royal family are placed in the central chamber which is octagonal. The elevations in the side of the tomb are adorned with marble borders and have arched alcoves with the one in the middle being the highest. The opening of these octagonal chamber and the lobbies have been closed with perforated screens. The plan that is used over here is repeated on the second floor too. The roof of the tomb has a double dome which is made up of marble and adjacent to it, there are small kiosks which are pillared.
Later on, many prominent rulers of Mughal dynasty were buried here after their death. It is believed that during the great rebellion of 1857 the last Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar along with his three princes took refuge in Humayun’s tomb. In close proximity could one find Babar’s tomb. This monument was a World heritage site in the year of 1993 and is famous attraction point not only for the travellers but for the natives too.