Who Built Humayun's Tomb? Haji Begum
Haji Begum (Bega Begum), the widow of Emperor Humayun, commissioned the construction of his tomb in Delhi. It was the first grand garden-tomb in India and the architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII: Themes in Indian History - Part II
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2008
Evidence Source
Link ↗Who constructed a mausoleum for her emperor husband?
[48th-52nd BPSC (Pre) 2008]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
While the Taj Mahal is the most famous memorial built for a spouse, it was preceded by Humayun’s Tomb, a project led by his widow. This set the standard for the grand Mughal garden-tomb style.
Authentic Source Evidence
Haji Begum (also known as Bega Begum), the senior widow of Humayun, commissioned his mausoleum in Delhi around 1565–1572. It was designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and was the first major garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"Who was the architect of Humayun's Tomb?"
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"Humayun's Tomb proves that Mughal women were significant patrons of architecture, often leading the state's most high-profile cultural projects."
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