Discover India’s First Sunken Museum at Humayun’s Tomb

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India is set to unveil its first sunken museum at the Humayun’s Tomb complex in Delhi. This innovative museum, set to open on July 29, 2024, will welcome visitors starting July 30. The launch is a significant event, aligning with the 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session, which will be attended by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prince Rahim Aga Khan. This blog explores the significance of Humayun’s Tomb, the inspiration behind the museum’s design, its exhibits, and the technological integration that enhances the visitor experience.

Significance of Humayun’s Tomb

• Historical and Architectural Significance
  • The monument of Humayun’s Tomb is a perfect example of the Mughal architecture and is enlisted also in UNESCO World Heritage. It was built early in the 16th century and is now an important cultural site in Delhi.
  • It was constructed in 1569-70 by Empress Bega Begum, the widow of Humayun, and is generalized as the first garden tomb constructed in the country.
  • It has a Persian flavour to its design and it sets the trend for other buildings that the Mughals would go on to build such as the most recognizable structures of India, the Taj Mahal.
• Architectural Features
  • The complex of Humayun’s Tomb is the most architectural unique as it has central dome also arrangements of four identical with each other.
  • There is a four-part charbagh around the tomb and the charbagh layout shows Persian influence with its layout including pathways and water channels.
  • The complex that belongs to the Islamic period contains more than 100 graves; it is built of red sandstone most parts of which are decorated with geometric ornamentation and Kufic inscriptions.
  • This entire structure tries to depict the artistic and architectural splendor that was seen in the Mughal dynasty.
• Restoration Efforts
  • Thus, in the twentieth century, the tomb has gone through a serious restoration with the help of Aga Khan Trust. These efforts were in an attempt to try and maintain the historical and architectural face of the monument.
  • There was work specifically done in erasing the effects of the storm, as well as the detailed ornaments.
  • Today, as the world gazes at Humayun’s Tomb it still remains a part of world heritage but it is also a proud reminder of India’s civilization and marvelous architectural prowess.

Inspiration Behind the Museum Design

• Abstracting from Traditional Indian ‘Baolis’
  • Several important and traditional building forms have been incorporated to the design of the sunken museum which is located in the Humayun’s Tomb complex; one of them is the baolis which depicted stepwells or water tanks in India.
  • Baolis are the old architectural constructions which were employed for the water storage and which are recognized for its fascination and artistic creative designs. Integrating these historical aspects to the organisation of a museum and applying modern methods of exhibitions design, the museum offers the visitor an interesting experience.
• Blending History with Modernity
  • The exterior appearance of the museum is exceptional and combined with the interior features, the museum’s design helps visitors relate with past architectural structures.
  • In that regard, the technical control is used as accessories to technological devices in order to correlate traditional and present values.
  • The sunken manner of constructing guarantees that the museum will not be alienated from the environment of the Humayun’s Tomb thus achieving unity of the new with the old.

Exhibits and Artifacts

Historical Artifacts
The museum comprises of the typical feature that comprises of different models that are associated with history of Indian civilization. Some of the chief attractions include ‘farmans’ – decrees or edicts; an astrolabe, a celestial sphere; and a military helmet of 16-17 cent. These objects and items provide the modern world some view of the history and the sciences of the Mughal Empire.

Restoration Highlights
The final of Humayun’s Tomb is exhibited in the Museo; a part of the monument was reconstructed from a storm hit in 2014. This exhibit does not only contribute in promoting and explaining restoration jobs, but also in enlightening people about the gravity of the necessity to retain the monuments for the benefit of following generations.

Strategic Placement
The position of the museum at the entrance of the World Heritage complex creates relationship between different cultural centers within the area. This place benefits the visitors because the lessons of the history and culture of the Humayun’s Tomb complex are given there.

Technological Integration

Enhancing Visitor Experience
Technology is explored and in a manner which ensures themes of the museum are well projected to the visitors. Among the technological affordances is the integration of 3-D videos especially those that portray historical events. These videos also make the point of teaching the visitor about the historical background of some of the items displayed in the museums.

Detailed Scale Models
The museum also has exact to scale models of the Nizamuddin Dargah complex which was constructed in the 14th century. These models are aimed at showing the developmental succession of the site’s architecture and helping understand its historical aspect. Explaining how it evolved over the years, the museum assists the visitors to understand its historical significance to the Indian culture to the extent that it houses the Nizamuddin Dargah complex.

About Humayun’s Tomb

Historical Significance and Design
Humayun’s Tomb was ordered in 1569-70 by Empress Bega Begum, who was Humayan’s second wife and the progeny of Safdar Jang, a prominent nobleman. This tomb has persian influenced architecture and overall it is an architectural model for the future “Taj Mahal”. It has more that 100 tombs and a charbagh garden which was laid out in a geometrical shape with pathways and water streams in between.

Architectural Features
The tomb complex was made of red sandstone and has carved designs of geometric shapes and inscriptions. Mughal architections stuck to the principles of central plan and the characteristic central dome and the so called royal style are true for many of the period’s monuments. The layout of charbagh garden beautifies the looks of the complex and represents the Persian paradise garden in an efficient way.

Restoration and Preservation
In the twentieth century especially in the 1990s some restoration works were conducted on the tomb with the assistance of the Aga Khan Trust. Such steps were taken with the purpose to protect the history and architectural design of the identified monument and to be able to admire its beauty and value by the future generations. The works carried out involved repairing the area affected by the storm and painting several decorative patterns that symbolized culture in India for the necessity and protection and guidance of culture in the middle of the global villages.

Conclusion

• The newly inaugurated sunken museum situated at the Humayun’s Tomb complex in India is a much-needed addition to nation’s strive towards the protection of culture and history.
• The mix of the historic design of the building with the means of the twenty first century makes the museum entertaining and informative at the same time.
• The displays and artefacts act as information resource on India’s historical and cultural accomplishments and the architecture creates the linkage between past and future.
• Thus, as soon its doors are open to the public, the museum will have endless stream of foreigners and nationals visiting the facility in Delhi.
• For instance, the grand opening is planned for July 29, 2024 which coincides with the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which adds it international importance.
• Whether one is a history buff, an architecture lovers or just an Indian history curious traveler this sunken museum in the complex of Humayun’s Tomb is a experience not to be missed.

FAQS

Q1: When will India’s first sunken museum open to the public?
Ans: The Sunken Museum will have its grand opening on July 29, 2024, and will be open to visitors starting July 30, 2024.

Q2: Where is the sunken museum located?
Ans: The sunken museum is located at the Humayun’s Tomb complex in Delhi, India.

Q3: What inspired the design of the sunken museum?
Ans: The design of the Sunken Museum is inspired by traditional Indian ‘baolis’ (stepwells or water tanks), blending historical elements with contemporary exhibition techniques.

Q4: What kind of exhibits can visitors expect at the museum?
Ans: Visitors can expect to see a range of historical artifacts, including rare items such as ‘farmans’ (decrees), an astrolabe, a celestial sphere, and a warrior’s helmet from the 16th or 17th century.