![]() |
Bibi ka Maqbara Aurangabad-dreamstime.com |
![]() |
Aurangzeb's wife, Dilras Banu Begum .tutorialspoint.com |
Mogul ruler Aurangzeb,had spent much of his reign in war expeditions to expand the land. Never had he shown interest in building and palaces with embellishments. Ran out of money at the fag end Aurangzeb commissioned a small, but elegant, Pearl Mosque at Delhi. The other structure he commissioned in the later part of his life was Bibi-ka-Maqbara in memory of his first beloved wife near Aurangabad.
![]() |
Bibi ka Maqbara marble dome, Aurangabad, Tomb from inside upload. wikimedia.org image. Dinesh Valke |
![]() |
Bibi ka Maqbara marble dome with patterns, Aurangabad en.wikipedia.com. |
Above images: The tomb of Dilras Banu Begum, Aurangabad, MH. Characteristic of four minars, chhatries and huge marble dome, the interior of the latter is richly ornate on the ceiling with intricate carvings on the walls.The symmetrically spaced 72 ft tall minar (towers) at each corner 72 has a spiral stairway to reach the top..................
![]() |
Bibi k Maqbara. Aurangabad, cusped arches (ASI image) /upload.wikimedia.org |
Above images: Interior of Bibi-ka-Maqbara, Aurangabad: Halls with cusped arches made of marcle.........
Bibi ka Maqbara in Aurangabad of Maharashtra state stands as a simple, but elegant model of Mughal architecture, evoking memories of the grandeur of its imperial era. This mausoleum, often referred to as the “poor man’s Taj,” or double of the Taj, Aurangzeb commissioned in 1660, but completed between 1668 and 1669 C.E. It is near Kham river by his son Azam Shah in memory of his mother Dilras Banu Begum ( wife of Aurangzeb). posthumously she was known as Rabia-ud-Daurani. Aurangzeb died in the 1660s without completing the Mausoleum and his son Azam Shah finished it later with minimum funds.No doubt, the Mausoleum showcases elegance and majesty of the Taj without any pretensions but with mellowed pomp and pride of Mogul dynasty. hence it is also known by the name of ''Dakkhani Taj''.
impresses visitors with its delicate symmetry and understated elegance. The structure is carefully set within an expansive enclosure, which is organized with a symmetrical precision that mirrors the iconic Mughal Char-Bagh garden layout.
Its walls are adorned with pointed recesses and bastioned projections - features reminiscent of fortifications that add a touch of regality to the design. A series of Baradaris, or pillared pavilions, grace the north, east, and west sides of the enclosure, lending an air of balanced sophistication to the overall composition. The intricate details of the arches, the fine carvings on the marble surfaces, and the elegant domes all contribute to a visual harmony that draws art enthusiasts and history lovers alike. An inscription on the main entrance door of the mausoleum, it is said, the structure was designed and built by Ata-ullah, an architect and Hanspat Rai, an engineer respectively. Ata-ullah was the son of Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, the principal designer of the Taj Mahal, Agra.
The mausoleum exudes a calm and reflective ambiance, inviting visitors to appreciate its architectural refinement and historical significance. Its design reflects both the martial spirit and the aesthetic sensibilities of the era, making it a fascinating study of contrasts. People are attracted to Bibi ka Maqbara not only for its architectural beauty but also for the timeless story it represents, serving as a serene memorial that encapsulates love, loss, and the enduring legacy of Mughal craftsmanship. Travelers from near and far are irresistibly drawn by its perfectly balanced proportions, subtle detailing, and serene atmosphere.
In December, 2022, ASI took efforts to carry out major restoration work and introduced illumination at night to attract the travellers so that they could enjoy itds dazzling look at night..