In 2024, the world-famous Humayun`s Tomb complex in Delhi gained a new centre of attraction — the first underground museum in India, located right at the entrance to the mausoleum. This ultramodern museum, whose construction took nearly ten years, offers visitors the opportunity to see a historical exhibition while descending six metres underground.
The architectural concept of the museum is inspired by the ancient Delhi baolis — stepwells. This solution was not chosen by chance: the underground location allows preserving the visual integrity of the historical ensemble and not disrupting the harmony of the surrounding landscape.
The museum itself, covering an area of 100,000 square feet, was designed and built by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It also serves as an underground passage connecting the Humayun`s Tomb complex with the adjacent Sunder Nursery park.
Five Galleries of the Humayun`s Tomb Museum
The museum`s exhibition is divided into five galleries, featuring more than 500 unique artefacts, many of which are on display for the first time.
Main Gallery: "Where the Emperor Rests"
The main gallery of the museum is dedicated to the personality of Emperor Humayun and the architecture of his tomb. Here you can learn surprising details about his life: Humayun was not only a warrior but also a passionate devotee of astrology and poetry. It is said that he wore clothes of specific colours depending on the day of the week, consulting the planets.
The gallery features ancient astrolabes and celestial spheres, as well as the original finial of the mausoleum, standing 18 feet tall, which was knocked off the dome during a severe storm in 2014 and carefully restored by traditional coppersmiths. Its placement at the centre of the gallery has become one of the museum`s most impressive exhibits.
Gallery of "Icons of the Sacred Landscape"
This gallery tells the story of four key figures associated with the history of the Nizamuddin area:
• Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya — a 14th-century Sufi saint, whose tomb is located nearby.
• Amir Khusrau Dehlavi — his disciple, a poet and the creator of the musical genre of qawwali.
• Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan — a commander under Akbar, better known as a poet. He translated the "Ramayana" into Persian.
• Dara Shukoh — the heir of Shah Jahan, who translated the "Upanishads" into Persian.
Their stories and the artefacts associated with them highlight the unique atmosphere of cultural synthesis and religious tolerance that prevailed in this area of Delhi for centuries.
Immersive Hall
Before entering the main gallery, visitors are greeted by a panoramic screen displaying virtual tours of the complex`s monuments and animated presentations on the evolution of Humayun`s Tomb. Three-dimensional videos and detailed wooden models allow visitors to see how the tomb was built and how the Nizamuddin area developed over seven centuries.
Collections of the Humayun`s Tomb Museum
In the museum`s display cases, visitors can see Mughal miniatures, manuscripts, coins, textiles, ceramics, architectural elements, and stone inscriptions dating back to the 14th century.
Among the unique exhibits of the Humayun`s Tomb Museum
• Coins of all Mughal emperors, including the rarest silver rupee of Akbar with the inscription "Ram" on one side and "Allahu Akbar" on the other.
• The marble throne of the last emperor of the Mughal dynasty — Bahadur Shah Zafar.
• Farmans (decrees) of the emperors, including the decree of Shah Tahmasp regarding the reception of Humayun during his exile in Persia.
• A warrior`s helmet from the 16th–17th centuries, which recalls Humayun`s most severe trials — once the emperor had to roast meat in such a helmet to survive during a campaign.
• Textiles and carpets reflecting the art of the Mughal era.
Practical Information for Travellers
• Location. The museum is located at the entrance to the Humayun`s Tomb complex, next to the ticket office, and connects the complex with Sunder Nursery park.
• Opening hours. Daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Closed on Mondays and national holidays.
• Entry fee. Entry to the museum is included in the combined ticket to the Humayun`s Tomb complex. The ticket costs 50 rupees for citizens of India and SAARC countries, 25 rupees for children (5–12 years), and 300 rupees for foreign tourists.
The Humayun`s Tomb Museum is not just an exhibition space, but a modern cultural centre that organically complements the historical complex. By spending an hour exploring the exhibition, you will gain historical context that will make the visit to the tomb itself and the gardens more meaningful and profound.
