How Will Delhi’s New Sunken Museum at Humayun’s Tomb Impact India’s Cultural Tourism?

Published on July 29, 2024

The first sunken museum in India, located at the Humayun Tomb complex in Delhi, is set to be inaugurated on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. This event will coincide with the ongoing 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The museum, a first-of-its-kind in the country, will open to visitors on July 30, as confirmed by a senior official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Details of the Museum and Inauguration

Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is scheduled to inaugurate the new museum, with Prince Rahim Aga Khan in attendance. The layout of the museum is inspired by medieval ‘baolis’ or traditional water tanks. It aims to showcase the legacy of Mughal emperor Humayun, including lesser-known aspects of his life, and the heritage of the Nizamuddin area over the past seven centuries. The museum’s centerpiece is the finial of Humayun’s Tomb, which was knocked off in a storm in 2014. Other artefacts on display include ‘farmans’, an astrolabe, a celestial sphere from the 1840s, and a warrior’s helmet from the 16th or 17th century.

Construction and Design

Work on constructing the sunken museum began in April 2015 at the iconic 16th-century tomb. Initially, the project was planned to be inaugurated in 2017. The museum’s design features ramps and giant sheesham doorways leading to a subterranean world that brings the story of Humayun to life through paintings, scrolls, and artefacts. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, the museum also recreates the timeline of the construction of the 14th-century Nizamuddin Dargah complex through 3-D videos and detailed wooden scale models.

Impact on the Travel Industry

The inauguration of the sunken museum at Humayun’s Tomb is expected to have a significant impact on the travel industry. By adding a new and unique attraction, it is likely to draw more visitors to Delhi, enhancing the city’s appeal as a cultural and historical destination. This new addition underscores the importance of integrating modern technology with historical storytelling to attract a global audience.

Bullet Points on Travel Industry Impact:

• Increased Tourism: The unique design and technological integration are expected to boost visitor numbers.
• Cultural Enrichment: Enhances Delhi’s reputation as a hub for cultural and historical tourism.

Global Benefits and Impacts

The sunken museum offers several global benefits for travelers and the wider travel industry:

• Educational Value: Provides in-depth knowledge about Mughal history and architecture, appealing to history enthusiasts worldwide.
• Enhanced Visitor Experience: The use of advanced technology and interactive exhibits ensures a memorable visit, promoting repeat tourism.

Highlights of the Museum

The museum, located at the entrance of the world heritage complex, serves as a bridge between the Nizamuddin, Sunder Nursery, and the 16th-century tomb sites. The first principal gallery, ‘Where the Emperor Rests,’ highlights the architectural splendor of Humayun’s mausoleum and depicts the emperor’s personality through various exhibits. These exhibits tell stories of his travels, marriage, kingdom administration, interest in reading, astrology, arts, and patronage of architecture and gardens. Architectural models, design plans, rare paintings, replicas of chhatris and dome artwork, along with digital walls playing videos on the creation of the mausoleum, are among the attractions.

The inauguration of the sunken museum at Humayun’s Tomb marks a significant development in promoting cultural tourism in Delhi. This museum, built by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture on behalf of the ASI, as part of an urban renewal initiative, is expected to draw visitors from around the world. By combining historical artifacts with modern technology, the museum provides an enriching experience that enhances Delhi’s status as a key destination for cultural and historical tourism.