The museum has been constructed at the entrance zone of the Humayun's Tomb complex in Delhi.
India's first sunken museum at the Humayun Tomb complex in Delhi is all set to be inaugurated on Monday (July 29). The inauguration will coincide with the ongoing 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Delhi. Check the details below:
1. Open for public from July 30
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It will open for visitors from Tuesday, July 30, a senior official of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said.
2. Who built it?
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The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) has built the museum on behalf of the ASI as part of the urban renewal initiative.
3. Inspired by traditional water tanks
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The museum's layout is inspired by the medieval 'baolis', or traditional water tanks. It showcases the legacy of Mughal emperor Humayun, including lesser-known facets of his life, and the heritage of the Nizamuddin area over the last seven centuries.
4. Work began in 2015
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The construction of the country's first sunken museum began in April 2015. The project was earlier planned to be inaugurated in 2017.
5. What's inside the museum?
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Architectural models of the tomb, an architectural design plan showing the layout of the first floor of the tomb, rare paintings, meticulously made replicas of chhatris and dome artwork, along with digital walls playing videos on the creation of the magnificent mausoleum are a treat to the eyes.
6. First principal gallery of the museum
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The first principal gallery of the museum, 'Where the Emperor Rests', highlights the architectural splendour of Humayun's mausoleum, and the personality of the emperor is depicted through exhibits telling stories of his travels, marriage, administration of his kingdom, his deep interest in reading, astrology and the arts, and his patronage of architecture and gardens.
7. Who built the Humayun's Tomb?
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The tomb of Humayun was built by his widow, Biga Begum (Hajji Begum), in 1569-70, 14 years after his death, according to a portal of the ministry of culture.
