Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Delhi, stands as one of the most significant Mughal monuments in India. As the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent, its architectural magnificence and historical importance draw visitors from across the globe. Over the years, however, the need for an enhanced visitor experience at this monumental complex became increasingly apparent.
In response to this demand, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) has partnered with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other key institutions to establish the Humayun’s Tomb Site Interpretation Centre. This state-of-the-art facility seeks to inform, educate, and engage the growing number of visitors by offering a more immersive experience in Mughal history, architecture, and the cultural heritage of the Nizamuddin area.
Completed in 1572, Humayun’s Tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s widow, Empress Bega Begum, and designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas. The tomb’s construction marked a turning point in Mughal architecture, introducing Persian influences into Indian designs, which later inspired more famous edifices such as the Taj Mahal. Humayun’s Tomb is surrounded by a sprawling Charbagh (four-part) garden, reflecting paradise as envisioned in Islamic culture, with fountains, pathways, and water channels that enhance the site’s serenity.
Despite its global recognition, for a long time, only a fraction of visitors were fully aware of the deeper historical, cultural, and architectural significance of the site. The introduction of the Interpretation Centre aims to bridge this knowledge gap by offering both Indian and international visitors, including the nearly 300,000 school children who visit annually, a comprehensive understanding of the monument’s legacy.
Opened in response to the increasing number of visitors, the Humayun’s Tomb Site Interpretation Centre is designed as a contemporary structure that pays homage to Mughal architectural aesthetics. Its primary objective is to educate visitors on the seven centuries of architectural and cultural heritage within the Nizamuddin area, a precinct that includes the tomb, Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti, and the lush Sundar Nursery.
One of the Centre’s main goals is to convey the rich pluralistic cultural traditions that have shaped Hindustani culture. Through exhibits, workshops, and interactive displays, the Centre will engage visitors of all ages, making the history of the region accessible and relevant to the modern audience.
The Humayun’s Tomb Site Interpretation Centre is designed not only to inform but to actively engage its visitors. The Centre offers a variety of itineraries ranging from short two-hour visits to more extended experiences lasting up to two days. These itineraries cater to a wide array of interests, whether a visitor is keen on exploring Mughal architecture, delving into the history of Delhi, or enjoying the natural beauty of the Sundar Nursery’s biodiversity zone.
By documenting and displaying the area’s disappearing craft and performance traditions, the Centre plays a crucial role in preserving and reintroducing these cultural elements to the public. Whether visitors are exploring traditional Mughal craftsmanship, learning about the Nizamuddin area’s historical evolution, or engaging with the vibrant cultural practices that still survive in the locality, the Centre serves as a dynamic and evolving platform for education.
Although rooted in the past, the Interpretation Centre is firmly focused on the future. The facility is equipped with modern amenities that enhance the overall visitor experience while safeguarding the delicate balance between innovation and preservation. The use of contemporary design elements within the Centre pays tribute to Mughal architecture while ensuring that the building complements, rather than competes with, the grandeur of Humayun’s Tomb.
Ground-penetrating radar surveys were conducted to ensure that no historical remains would be affected by the Centre’s construction. This careful planning reflects the commitment of the project’s multidisciplinary team, comprising architects, engineers, historians, horticulturists, and conservation specialists, to maintaining the integrity of the site while enhancing the visitor experience.
The Centre’s exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, from the Mughal empire’s contributions to architecture and culture to the life and legacy of historical figures like Amir Khusrau, Rahim, and Jahanara Begum, whose resting places are located within the Nizamuddin area. These exhibitions not only offer rich insights but also inspire further exploration and research into the Mughal period and its enduring impact on Indian society.
The Interpretation Centre also serves as an educational resource for schools, scholars, and researchers. By compiling a wealth of historical data, conducting conservation studies, and hosting seminars, the Centre will ensure that Humayun’s Tomb remains a living monument, continuously contributing to the understanding of Mughal history and culture.
The construction of the Centre is part of a larger initiative to promote sustainable heritage conservation. The project aligns with the overarching goals of the Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative, which seeks to rejuvenate the entire Nizamuddin area by integrating the preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The Interpretation Centre contributes to this effort by offering a space for the ongoing documentation and exhibition of traditional Mughal building techniques and craft traditions, which are employed in the conservation work throughout the Nizamuddin precinct.
The Centre also underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in heritage conservation. Funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and supported by institutions like the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the project is a model for how collaboration can breathe new life into historical sites, ensuring their relevance for future generations.