Humayun World Heritage Site Museum
The Humayun World Heritage Site Museum, a new addition to Delhi’s cultural landscape, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun. As an avid astronomy and astrology enthusiast, Humayun’s fascination with the stars influenced many aspects of his life, including his daily attire, which is depicted in a series of sculptures by Scottish artist Jill Watson. These sculptures, along with three Humayuni astrolabes featuring silver dots marking the positions of 1020 stars, are among the highlights of the museum. Ratish Nanda, the conservation architect and CEO of Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), shares that these instruments were crafted by the finest astrolabe makers, who were invited by Humayun himself and began identifying as Humayunis.
A New Cultural Landmark in Delhi
Scheduled to open on July 29, the museum is part of the extensive Humayun’s Tomb-Sunder Nursery-Nizamuddin Basti conservation and development project. Spanning 300 acres, this area is a beloved landmark in Delhi, known for its over 60 monuments and the picturesque Sunder Nursery Park. The museum complex, an ASI facility, is built according to UNESCO guidelines for World Heritage Sites and features a library, cafeteria, and other visitor facilities.
Exploring the Museum’s Rich Collection
The main museum, an underground facility connecting the Humayun’s Tomb complex with Sunder Nursery, spans five galleries. These galleries house over 500 artefacts sourced from the National Museum in Delhi, ASI, and AKTC’s collections, as well as commissioned pieces. Notably, every object and artefact is being displayed for the first time. Visitors can explore virtual galleries, models, murals, and a wealth of artefacts that tell the story of Humayun’s life and travels.
Highlights of the Humayun Museum
Among the treasures on display are water carriers and rose water sprinklers symbolizing the story of Humayun’s water carrier, Jauhar Aftabchi, who later wrote the emperor’s biography. Manuscripts and books, including a 14th-century tale of Laila Majnun, reflect Humayun’s love for literature and his habit of traveling with a camel-back library. Digital films trace his extensive travels, while other artefacts like miniature paintings, ornate turbans, and a dagger belonging to Iranian Shah Tahmasp enrich the narrative.
The Mughal Legacy in Nizamuddin
The museum also honors Mughal rulers who built and shaped Nizamuddin, considered the first Mughal City. Eight emperors are buried in Nizamuddin, and several, including Akbar, built monuments and frequently visited the area. A family tree display of the Mughal dynasty is created using coinage, including highly-prized Jahangiri coins and a rare silver coin commissioned by Akbar.
Unique Artefacts and Installations
Unexpected treasures at the museum include terracotta sculptures reminiscent of Harappan artefacts, 17th-century Shah Jahani Tiles, and life-size models of architectural elements of the mausoleum. The highlight is an 18ft finial originally atop Humayun’s tomb, restored after its collapse in 2014.
Icons of a Sacred Landscape Gallery
The ‘Icons of a Sacred Landscape’ gallery features historical figures such as the 14th-century Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, poets Amir Khusrau Dehalvi and Rahim, and the Mughal prince Dara Shukoh. Massive installations and artworks span the gallery, including a 12-ft model of Nizamuddin Dargah’s canopy, paintings, calligraphy, and folios from the Jeypore Portfolio of Architectural Details. As visitors exit this gallery, Khusrau’s words, ‘If there’s a paradise on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here,’ resonate, originally in homage to the Nizamuddin area, its light still shining on Delhi.
Plan Your Visit
Humayun World Heritage Site Museum, Nizamuddin, New Delhi 11001, will open to the public in August. Don’t miss the chance to explore this new cultural treasure in the heart of Delhi.
