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This
tomb, built for the second Mughal emperor, Humayun, launched a great
Mughal architectural legacy – that even the great architectural gem, the
Taj Mahal, which was built by Humayun's great-grandson, was built guided
along the inspiration derived from the tomb’s structure.
Though the Taj's beauty admittedly eclipses this beautiful garden tomb,
it's still well worth a visit, even if your intention is to visit its
progeny.
Similar to the Taj, the Tomb was also built to stand as a testimony to
Love. It was commissioned by Humayun's "senior" wife, Haji Begum, and
designed by the Persian (Iranian) architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas.
Set
amidst peaceful surroundings, the tomb features an artful and very
romantic combination of red sandstone and white marble, which coincides
perfectly with the wonderful symmetry and scale used by the makers and
architects of the Mughal empire.
Though it doesn't have the fine and elaborate detailing of the Taj, some
features such as the painstakingly and intricately carved stone trellis
windows are lovely. If you're traveling on to Agra, it is interesting to
see how the Mughals' prolonged stay started to influence design
elements.
There
are also a number of outlying tombs, and if you want to do more than
simply wander through the garden and marvel at the sheer intricacy and
width of scale, this is one place where the services of a guide are well
worth your while and money. Guests may hire one through their hotel or
get references at the central tourism office.
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