Introduction / Context:
Humayun's Tomb in Delhi is an important monument in Mughal and Indo Islamic architecture. It is significant not only as the burial place of the Mughal emperor Humayun but also as a forerunner to later grand monuments such as the Taj Mahal. Exam questions often ask about the architects of famous buildings, and linking each monument to the correct architect helps strengthen art and culture preparation.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The monument under discussion is Humayun's Tomb in Delhi.
- Several architects associated with different monuments or periods are listed.
- We assume standard history textbook information on Mughal buildings.
Concept / Approach:Humayun's Tomb was commissioned by his widow, Empress Haji Begum, and designed by a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyath. The design introduced a grand garden tomb style with Charbagh layout that influenced later constructions. Ustad Ahmad Lahori is associated with the Taj Mahal, while George Wittet designed colonial structures such as the Gateway of India. Yaqut of Dabul worked in a different historical context, so only Mirak Mirza Ghiyath matches Humayun's Tomb.
Step-by-Step Solution:Step 1: Recall the historical fact that Humayun's Tomb was planned and built under the patronage of Haji Begum.Step 2: Remember that a Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, was invited to design this early Mughal garden tomb.Step 3: Associate Ustad Ahmad Lahori with the Taj Mahal and not with Humayun's Tomb.Step 4: Recognise that George Wittet belongs to the British colonial period, much later than the Mughal era.Step 5: Select Mirak Mirza Ghiyath as the correct architect for Humayun's Tomb.
Verification / Alternative check:Standard NCERT and other history references clearly mention Mirak Mirza Ghiyath as the architect of Humayun's Tomb. They also highlight that this tomb is an early example of a large scale garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent, blending Persian and Indian elements. Cross checking with information about the Taj Mahal confirms that Ustad Ahmad Lahori is associated with that later monument, not with Humayun's Tomb.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:Ustad Ahmad Lahori, associated with the Taj Mahal: He is linked with the Taj Mahal in Agra during the time of Shah Jahan, not with Humayun's Tomb in Delhi.
George Wittet, known for Gateway of India: He was a British architect responsible for colonial buildings like the Gateway of India in Mumbai, which belongs to a completely different era.
Yaqut of Dabul, architect from the Bahmani period: His work is associated with the Deccan region and earlier Sultanate architecture, not with the Mughal garden tomb of Humayun.
Shah Jahan as the primary designer himself: Shah Jahan was a Mughal emperor known for patronising architecture, but he was not the architect of Humayun's Tomb, which predates his reign.
Common Pitfalls:Students sometimes mix up architects when revising many monuments together. The key strategy is to remember one or two strong associations: Mirak Mirza Ghiyath with Humayun's Tomb and Ustad Ahmad Lahori with the Taj Mahal. Creating simple mental flashcards linking each monument and architect helps avoid confusion in the exam hall.
Final Answer:The architect of Humayun's Tomb in Delhi was
Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, the Persian architect of Humayun's Tomb.
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