Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Monuments > Nila Gumbad
Nila Gumbad
Nila Gumbad or the Blue Dome lies on the south eastern side of Humayun’s Tomb.

Share this Article:

Nila GumbadFifty yards outside the eastern wall of the enclosure of Humayun`s mausoleum, on the south-eastern side is an impressive tomb of plastered stone covered with a blue dome commonly called the Nila Gumbad (Blue Dome). Unfortunately this monument is virtually inaccessible, as it has been encroached upon by families who live within its precincts. Sayyid Ahmad Khan, in Asarus-Sanadid believed that it contained the remains of Fahim Khan, a faithful attendant of Abdur Rahim Khan who died in 1626 during the reign of Emperor Jahangir.

The building probably existed even before Tomb of Humayun. Based on the fact that the outer face of the enclosure-wall of Humayun`s Tomb, immediately opposite the Nila Gumbad, contains recessed arches which contrast with the plain construction of the wall everywhere else on this side; it also contains a doorway leading to the Nila Gumbad, it has been conjectured that the dome existed even before the mausoleum or was simultaneously designed with the enclosure-wall. It cannot therefore have been erected to enshrine the remains of a nobleman in Jahangir`s court.

The building is mainly built of local grey quartzite and is plastered both internally and externally. The dome is covered with dark blue tiles, and there are blue and yellow tiles round the drum. The tomb, octagonal on plan, stands on a platform 33.2 metres square and 1.5 metres high. The dome is raised on a high circular drum, and is crowned externally by an inverted lotus with a red sandstone finial. Inside it is carried on squinches with plastered interface and has a circular central panel profusely decorated with painted and incised plaster in Persian style. There is no monument over the grave. Externally the sides of the octagon contain four-centred recessed arches, of which those in the cardinal sides are pierced by square-headed doorways surmounted by four-centred and pierced tympana. The parapet is simple and without the usual pinnacles at the corners.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Monuments


Monuments of Chhattisgarh
Monuments of Chhattisgarh have a significant role to play in the state`s tourism. The land has a rich cultural and political history that is reminiscent in the historical forts, palaces and temples of Chhattisgarh and are great tourist attractions.
Monuments of West Bengal
Monuments of West Bengal, mainly from the British era, are considered as priceless heritage of the state and attracts many tourists to the state.
Balapur Fort
Balapur Fort is an important heritage site in the Akola district of Maharashtra. It was immensely significant on military and defence grounds during the rule of Mughals.
Asigarh Fort
Asigarh Fort, Haryana was established by Prithvi Chauhan in the 12th century and was demolished following the Sepoy Mutiny, 1857. Its walls boast of Hindu architecture and a tunnel is believed to have been erected during the rule of Firoz Shah Tughlag for connecting Hansi and Hisar.
Jogimara Caves
Jogimara caves are situated at Amarnath near the region of Narmada in sarguja, Chattisgarh.