a case study of one of the most famous structure in india "humayu's tomb" in perspective of architectural history

1. INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE
H.N.G.U - PATAN
By:-
Shreya Rastogi
Deesha Khamar
Parv Dhonde
Ishan Jain
HUMAYAN TOMB

2. Humayun's Tomb is an early example of
Mughal architecture built in Delhi. Built
in the mid 16th century by his wife Haji
Begum.
The tomb is situated south of the Purana
Qila, on the eastern edge of Delhi
It is set in the center of a garden in the
classical Mughal char bagh pattern.
A high wall surrounds the garden on
three sides.
The garden is divided into four parts by
two bisecting water channels with paved
walkways (khiyabans), which terminate
at two gates.
Its plan, based on the description of
Islamic paradise gardens, is known to
have inspired the Taj Mahal
INTRODUCTION

3. LOCATION

4. SELECTION OF SITE
Hazrat nizammudin auliya
residence was in the
precinct,Humayun himself found
close to this soil.
The premises was already within
the city of sher shah suri and
perhaps the south gate of the
purana qila and barapullah.
Easily available materials,
artesian and skilled laborers
Its close proximity to yamuna river
were other factors for the selection
of this site.

5. AI DUKA
It was a quadrangular structure which
enshrined bone relics.
It was a three tiered quadrangular
structure which assume a circular form
above the third plinth and having steps
on all the four sides.
Humayun’s tomb is also a three tiered
quadrangular structure having steps on
all sides and circular dome above the
third plinth.

6. THE TOMB

8. It is a square ninefold plan.
Eight two-storyed vaulted
chambers radiate from the
central, double-height domed
chamber.
The chambers of each level
are interconnected by straight
and diagonal passages.
Each of the main chambers
has in turn eight more, smaller
chambers radiating from it.
The symmetrical ground
plan contains 124 vaulted
chambers in all.
PLAN

9. The central octagonal chamber has the cenotaph
of Humayun, which is encompassed by octagonal
chambers at the diagonals
It also has arched lobbies on the sides and their
openings are closed with perforated screens.
Central octagonal hall has eight alcoves, one on
either side,divided into a double-storeyed
elevation.
The third storey above them has jail openings.
Above them is the stalactite which takes the
double-dome.
Three emphatic arches dominate on each side,
of which the central one is the highest
PLAN

10. The second storey also has a similar design
Roof surmounted by a 42.5 meters high
double dome with marble and pillared kiosks
or chhatris placed around it, which occurs
here for the first time in India.
This architectural design is known as hasht
bihisht (Eight Paradise) and is typical of
Iranian buildings from the time of Timur the
Lame.
ROOFPLAN
The stone windows are placed in such a
way on all the floors that they allow light to
stream into the central hall throughout the day.

11. The top of its central
dome reaches 140 feet
from the ground.
The dome is double-
layered
•The outer layer
supports the white
marble exterior
facing.
•The inner one defines
the cavernous interior
volume.

12. THE SARCOPHAGUS
The sarcophagus of Humayun is found
in the central domed chamber.
The head pointing north,and facing
west according to Islamic practice.
Black marble has been used for
geometrical patterns to relive the
monotony.
S E chamber – 3 daughters of
humayun
N E chamber – 2 wives of humayun
S W chamber – bahadur shah and his
wife
The sex of each occupant is marked by
a simple carved symbol:
k)A box of writing instruments indicates a
male.
l)A writing slate indicates a female.

13. WESTERN GATE
This west gateway is 16 m high.
Rooms on each side flank the
central passage
The upper floor has small
courtyard.each side is crowned by
a square chatri composed of
jalied balustrade, slender piller,
chajja and a white marble cupola
resting on a square inlaid drum.
Six sided stars used by the
mughals as an ornamental cosmic
symbol adorn the structure.

14. SOUTHERN GATE
It is a double story building
Local grey quartzite with red
sandstone is used lavishly on all
edges.
White marble is used on all
prominent outline.
A screen of arches attach to
the gateway on either side at an
inclined angle adds the grand
effect of this imposing gateway.

15. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
Pink and white stone is used in the construction of the tomb.
.
The dome of the tomb is made of white stone, which gives it
a beautiful look.
A large iwan, a high arch, punctuates the center of
each facade, and is set back slightly. Together with the
other arches and openings, giving the façade a depth.
The architects of the tomb, Sayyed Mohammad and his
father were persian.But they were influ.enced with the
Hindu architecture and other buildings in the Delhi.
It has hexagonal chattries (domed pavilions) like those
found in the Rajput forts

17. THANK YOU