Bibi-Ka-Maqbara

Bibi-Ka-Maqbara is a beautiful of Mughal monument situated just five kilometer from Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra. The monument is a cheap simulation of the great Taj Mahal. So it is also known as poor man’s Taj Mahal. It is the mausoleum for Aurangzeb’s son Azam Shah in the memory of his mother (bibi) built the structure in 1679. An archaeological museum located just behind the mausoleum houses a rare collection of artifacts and articles of personal use from the times of the Mughal period. On the lines of the Taj Mahal, there are four towering minarets on each of the corner. However, no use of semi precious stones is seen. Among other structures of tourist interest are a small tomb situated towards the west of the tomb and the Sunehri Mahal, which is one of the finest Mughal architectural creations.

The impressive monument stands right in the middle of a lush garden. It covers the area about 450 meters long and 270 meters wide. It decorated with a number of beautiful ponds, fountains and other water bodies. It also decorated with colorful stone motifs. The whole complex is enclosed within massive wall and huge pavilions on its sides. Visitors can enter in the area through an imposing gateway in the south wall wherein are inscribed the names of people involved in the construction including Attah Ullah(the architect).

At the centre lies the tomb raised on a platform in a way such that it affords a beautiful view of the garden and water bodies. The mausoleum containing the grave can be accessed through a series of steps. Entire structure is adorned with beautiful stonework while the grave is enclosed within a series of gracefully carved marble screens such that it can even rival those of the magnificent Taj Mahal. The upper floor is an architectural marvel decorated with stone screens that carry intricate engravings. The octagonal gallery is made completely with white marble and delicate stucco.

Structure & Design
The Bibi-Ka-Maqbara mausoleum was made for the wife of Aurangzeb (Shah Jahan’s son). Like other Mughal Tombs, Rabia-ud-Durrani’s tomb has a charbagh setting with ponds fountain, and channels. Crenellated walls with pavilion on three sides enclose the garden. Garden and tomb, both are compared to the Taj Mahal. The tomb is a beautiful monument built of sandstone and plaster in the construction was made mainly to cut down the costs unlike its north Indian rival Taj Mahal, which built entirely of white marble.
It was designed by Ustad Attah Ullah of Persia. The structure was made on the line of the Taj Mahal. However, it fails to rise up to expectation and the intricate carvings and other beautiful art work as seen on the Taj is somewhat missing on the Bibi-ka –Maqbara. However, leaving all comparisons aside, the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara is one of the finest of Mughal construction that was built during the end of Mughal rule in India.
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Bibi-Ka-Maqbara Photo

Bibi-Ka-Maqbara picture

Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, Aurangabad

Visitors Bibi-Ka-Maqbara