Bibi ka Maqbara Aurangabad is a beautiful mausoleum built for Dilras Begum, the first and beloved wife of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Bibi ka Maqbara is also known as the Tomb of the Lady. This is one of the largest structures to have been built during Aurangzeb's reign. Bibi ka Maqbara is the only Mughal architecture in the southern part of India. It is an architectural wonder boasts of intricate designs, carved motifs, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Dilras Begum was born in the Safavid family of Iran. Princess Dilras was the daughter of Shah Nawaz Khan who was the Viceroy of the State of Gujarat. She married Prince Aurangzeb in 1637 as his first consort and wife. She was also his most beloved wife. They had five children and Dilras died after delivering the fifth child due to complications during childbirth. Her death devastated Aurangzeb and their eldest son Azam Shah. They couldn't bear the loss and they were grief-stricken for months. Aurangzeb wanted to construct a mausoleum for his wife. Azam Shah wanted the structure to be similar to the Taj Mahal, the resting place of Aurangzeb's mother, Mumtaz Mahal. Bibi ka Maqbara was built between 1651 and 1661. After her death, the Dilras Begum was titled Rabia Durrani which means a generous lady known for her pious and kind-hearted nature.
Bibi ka Maqbara, popularly known as Aurangabad Taj Mahal and it was supposed to be more splendid in appearance than the Taj Mahal. But due to the restrictions on the funds allocated for the construction, it became difficult to imitate the Taj Mahal. Emperor Aurangzeb did not have much interest in architecture and did not want to spend money lavishly on another monument like the Taj Mahal. It is popularly known as the Mini Taj Mahal of Aurangabad. Bibi ka Maqbara sits in the center of a beautiful Char Bagh style garden. To the north is a twelve door Baradari, the south has the main entrance, to the west is a mosque built by the Nizam of Hyderabad and Aina Khana or the Mirror Chamber is in the east. There was a time when River Kham could be seen flowing behind the tomb. The Maqbara is built on a high square platform with four minarets at its corners, exactly like the Taj Mahal. It can be approached by a flight of steps from three sides. The pathway leading to the mausoleum from the main entrance is decorated with trees on both sides and a large number of fountains in the center of the pathway. The marble used for building this mausoleum was sourced from Jaipur.
Except for the central part of the main mausoleum, the rest of the structure is made of red stone, lime and stucco plaster. Fine plaster was used with marble in certain parts of the structure and then polished to give a marble-like finish. Stucco painting and stucco plaster were used instead of mosaic, marble screens, and Pietro Dura. The ceiling of the main entrance is decorated with amazing geometric designs. Glazed tiling, an ancient technique, used in Egypt is also found here inside the water tanks, cisterns, and reservoirs.
Contact us to help you plan a trip to this beautiful mausoleum, the Taj of the Deccan.
Bibi ka Maqbara AurangabadTimings: 8:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M (opens for all days)
Bibi ka Maqbara AurangabadEntry Fees: INR 15 for Indian nationals and INR 200 for foreign nationals
