Walk through paradise with historian Rana Safvi—from the Charbagh gardens of Humayun’s Tomb to the depths of its Sunken Museum.
Uncover how memory, power, and faith shaped this timeless space, above and below the earth.
From Persia to Delhi: The Charbagh Journey
Walk Led By: Rana Safvi
Location: Humayun's Tomb
Date: Saturday, 12th July 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Meeting Time: 6:45 PM
Meeting Point: Humayun’s Tomb Ticket Counter
Nearest Metro: JLN Stadium / Nizamuddin (Pink Line)
Please note: Monument entry tickets are not included in the experience cost. These must be purchased on the spot. Please carry valid government ID proof for ticket issuance.
About the Walk
Step into a garden of paradise — mapped in stone, water, and celestial symmetry. Join acclaimed historian and author Rana Safvi for an immersive walk through the Humayun’s Tomb complex, exploring the origins and evolution of the iconic Charbagh design that travelled from Persia to India.
More than an architectural motif, the Charbagh represents a powerful expression of faith, memory, and empire. From the steppes of Central Asia and Safavid Persia to the heart of Hindustan, this four-part garden came to define the soul of Mughal landscape aesthetics.
In this walk, we examine how Persian ideals were reimagined in the Indian context and how Humayun’s Tomb—India’s first grand garden tomb—laid the blueprint for later masterpieces like the Taj Mahal.
This isn’t just about domes and fountains—it’s about the meanings behind them, the cosmology that shaped them, and the political aspirations they embodied.
About Qissa Go:
Rana Safvi is a historian and author deeply committed to India's rich cultural heritage and diverse civilizational legacy. Her work spans a variety of media including writings, podcasts, videos, and translations. With a remarkable portfolio, she has authored ten books that delve into topics ranging from culture and history to the monuments of India. Notable titles among her works include "Tales from the Quran and Hadith," "The Delhi Trilogy: Where Stones Speak," "The Forgotten Cities of Delhi," "Shahjahanabad: The Living City of Old Delhi," "A Saint, A Folk Tale and Other Stories," and "In Search of The Divine: Living Histories of Sufism in India."
Pre-Walk Knowledge Nuggets
The Persian Ideal of Paradise: Charbagh (four-part garden) draws from Quranic descriptions of paradise with four rivers of milk, honey, wine, and water.
Geometry as Devotion: Symmetry, scale, and alignment in Islamic gardens were expressions of divine harmony and order.\
Water as a Spiritual Element: Water channels in Mughal gardens represented life, purification, and the continuous flow of time.
The Timurid and Safavid Influence: Humayun’s exile in Persia exposed him to Timurid tomb architecture and Safavid landscaping aesthetics, both visible in his tomb's design.
From Model to Masterpiece: Humayun’s Tomb was the first to introduce the Charbagh garden on such a scale in India, setting the stage for the Taj Mahal and beyond.
Suggested Reading
The New Cambridge History of India: Architecture of Mughal India by Catherine Asher
Shahjahanabad: The Living City of Old Delhi by Rana Safvi
The Gardens of the Mughals by Sylvia Crowe
Recommendations for Participants
Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
Carry water to stay hydrated.
Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and orientation.
Bring a notebook or sketchpad if you'd like to capture insights and impressions.
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