Context:
The Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum is set to open for visitors. Nestled between Sunder Nursery and Humayun’s Tomb in Nizamuddin, Delhi, this museum promises to offer visitors a unique insight into the life and times of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun. This initiative is expected to enhance the cultural and historical tourism experience in the region, providing a deeper understanding of Mughal history and architecture.
Relevance:
GS I: History
Key Highlights of Humayun’s Tomb Site Museum
Design and Facilities:
- Architectural Design: The museum is inspired by the traditional baoli (stepwell) architecture, blending seamlessly with the historic ambiance of the site.
- Amenities: It includes a 100-seat auditorium, temporary galleries, cafés, meeting rooms, and a library, offering diverse spaces for learning and engagement.
Artefacts and Exhibits:
- Notable Artefacts:
- Pear-Shaped Water Vessel: Belonging to Jauhar Aftabchi, a biographer of Humayun.
- Helmet: Used by Humayun as a cooking vessel during his travels to Persia.
- Coins and Historical Items:
- Mughal Coins: Includes coins from the reigns of 18 Mughal-era kings.
- Throne of Bahadur Shah Zafar: The last Mughal emperor’s throne is featured.
- Akbar Era Coins: Coins with inscriptions of ‘Allah’ on one side and ‘Ram’ on the other.
- Jahangir Era Coins: Noted for their expense and rarity.
- Bahadur Shah Zafar Coins: Rare coins minted by the last Mughal emperor.
Focus and Themes:
- Emperor Humayun: The museum highlights the architecture of Humayun’s Mausoleum and aspects of the emperor’s personality, including his travels, administration, interest in reading, astrology, the arts, and architectural patronage.
- Cultural Figures:
- Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya
- Poet Amir Khusrau Dehalvi
- Rahim: Commander-in-chief of Akbar’s army and poet.
- Dara Shukoh: Known for translating the Upanishads into Persian.
Management and Conservation:
- Managed by ASI: The museum is overseen by the Archaeological Survey of India.
- Conservation Effort: It is part of a larger conservation initiative covering the 300-acre Humayun’s Tomb-Sunder Nursery-Nizamuddin Basti area, ensuring the preservation and promotion of the historical and cultural significance of the region.
