\Recently, Class X visited a museum that truly filled their hearts with admiration for the marvellous experience it offered, even within a brief one-hour tour. It was none other than the renowned Humayun’s Tomb Museum, located in Nizamuddin East, Delhi.
The well-known museum offers a fascinating insight into the life of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor who once ruled over the territory known as ‘Hindustan’. It also shares stories of his son, Akbar—the legendary Mughal ruler who elevated his reign beyond mere conquest, embracing tolerance and a deep sense of responsibility toward his people.
Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi was commissioned by his first wife and chief consort, Empress Bega Begum. The museum clearly explains how Indo Islamic architectural styles (Persian and Indian) blend seamlessly, complementing one another to create awe-inspiring structures that continue to captivate people from around the world. Red sandstone—widely used in Hindustani architecture across palaces, baolis, and other monuments in northern India—was skilfully employed in Humayun’s Tomb to carve out intricate Eastern designs. This marks the beginning of a harmonious fusion between two beautiful cultures, contributing to the grandeur of India’s architectural heritage. The museum illustrates this beautifully through replicas of key elements from the tomb.
Miniature models of the Sabz Burj, Nila Burj, Lakkadwala Burj, Sunderwala Burj, and Humayun’s Library left us in awe of the artisans of that era, whose vision and craftsmanship brought such intricate designs to life.
Humayun was a Sunni Muslim. While he adhered to the principles of Sunni Islam, he was also known for his tolerance and his inclination toward Sufism. A copy of the Quran he once read, along with several of his personal belongings, is on display in the museum, offering a deeper glimpse into the emperor’s spiritual side. His belief in astronomy and astrology, including his choice of colours for clothes, was based on the day’s planet.
In addition, a replica of the divine and mystical Dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya is on display, with its construction and significance explained in detail. One of the four main Sufi centres in Asia is right here in our city, which fills us with joy. Sufism is a mystical path that emphasizes a personal, direct connection with God, and it bears remarkable similarities to the Hindu Sanatan Dharma. This, once again, is a reminder that we should all live in unity—recognizing that our feelings toward the Divine and our approach to life are ultimately the same, even if our paths differ.
In addition to these, Akbar’s sword—accompanied by a write-up detailing his relationship with his wet nurse and her family—beautifully illustrates how deep bonds can form with those who offer support. The designs on the ceiling of Humayun’s Tomb and other displayed structures were truly splendid. The vibrant colors left us in awe, and our love for the history of medieval times grew even deeper.
We believe it is essential for more people to understand and appreciate the vibrant, beautiful, mystical, religious, and even scientific history of medieval India. This is a story from the past that deserves recognition, as it inspires us to live in harmony and tolerance with one another. Whether through the blending of architectural designs, art, religion, or the closeness between different economic and social classes, my visit to the museum encouraged me to reflect on these profound topics with ease.
We are thankful to our history coordinator Ms. Sohini Chakravarty for organizing this visit.
