One of the many benefits of visiting a different country and culture is learning a whole lot about things that you didn’t know you didn’t know.

This was particularly true of our visit to India. The India we had learnt about through the years was that of an India under English colonisation and since. The India we came to know on this trip was of centuries old battles and disputes,  and changes of rule between warring groups.

Historical figures from each period continue to be recognised by people in India, and their contribution to what has become the India of today is appreciated and respected.

Humayun was one of these. He was the second Mughal Emperor and ascended to the throne in 1530. He died in 1556. During those 25 years, he lost, regained and expanded his empire.

Construction of his extensive tomb was begun in 1565 by his senior widow, Bega Begam. The palatial mausoleum was completed in 1572.

It is reportedly the first significant Mughal structure in India and is set in a garden atmosphere with the four water channels of Islamic Paradise representing honey, wine, milk and water.

As with many of the relics of India’s past that we saw, the details in the tomb are magnificent. It was built of red sandstone and white marble giving it a beautiful, peaceful feel.

Hiaku:
Tomb of Humayun –
Majestic place as befits
Mughal Emperor