It was a hot day, when we visited, with some clouds now and then.
As often in India, we, being tourists, had to pay tenfold of the entry fee for the locals. A bit more is OK, but 5 to 10 times more always feels unfair.
There were renovations going on. Parts were fenced of and inaccessible Even though we came from far and paid a high entry fee, no one in India cares too much about inconveniences and limitations like that. No one tells you in advance, no reduction is given, no, that’s life. Just swallow…. Welcome to India;-). So we did….
Ok, ok, enough complaining;-).
Fortunately there was enough left to see and admire.
Walk around the grounds with me, ok?
Let’s start our tour with some background info on these premises and it’s buildings.
Isa Khan’s tomb was inaccesible due to the renovations. It is in fact 20 years older (1547) then Humayun’s tomb and was used for royal tombs.
Bu-Halima’s Enclosed Garden, dating back from the 16th century, was under construction too.
What we did get to see was amongst others The Arab Serai Gate; red sandstone, white marble, glazed ceramic tiles.
We strolled through parts of the 30 acre gardens, with (dry) water channels, pathways, trees and plants.
We walked through the West Gate with elements of Mughal architecture.
And of course we explored Humayun’s Tomb, precursor of the Taj Mahal (1565). It’s the earliest example of Persian influence in Indian architecture. Inside it are over 100 graves, giving it it’s name ‘Dormitory of the Mughal’s’.
Another building we visited was the Barber’s Tomb. It is told, that the barber got his own tomb out of gratitude for lifelong services;-).
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| We could not visit this one; Isa Khan’s tomb:-( |
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| Looking at these sites, with a little imagination you can envision it in it’s full glory and original state. Usually we see the sites in an impoverished, damaged state. Imagine the wealth and beauty that places like this had originally. Hopefully the renovations here will restore a lot of the original ornamentation and beauty! |
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| Imagine these beautiful huge gardens in the old days when these sites were really used by it’s owners and residents. When the water was running through these water channels…. The Mughals were so wealthy! Reading what we know of life as it was back then is fascinating. |
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| Renovations were everywhere, also on the inside of Humayun’s tomb. |
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| Some of the many, many tombs. |
The Barber’s Tomb:
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| These patterned window covers give pretty shadows. |
It’s an interesting historical site, but I expect that it will get better and more enjoyable, once the renovations are finished.
Have you visited this historic monument? Which was your preferred site in Delhi?
Wow - you were lucky with the weather, the blue sky contrasts so nicely with the orange walls!
Yes, we had a lot of sun while in India. Which can be both a blessing and a curse for a photographer, as you know. The right amount of sunlight brings out the best in all colors, imho. But too much, too harsh sunlight washes out colors and is quite a challenge. That’s why I found it cool to read about what your ‘teacher’ in India told you. With silhouettes and all; cool!