Bibi-ka-Maqbara of Aurangabad, MH - An architectural grandeur of Mogul dynasty

Bibi ka Maqbara Aurangabad-dreamstime.com

Aurangzeb's wife, Dilras Banu Begum
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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 Aurangabad-MH,uasatish.com

Bibi ka Maqbara Aurangabad-Jali window in marble.
Image, Itsmyworld  en.wikipedia.org

Aurangabad city, MH location mapmapsofindia.com

Bibi ka Maqbara-The tomb in the 1880s Aurangabad,
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Bibi ka Maqbara Aurangabad, MH .flickr.com


Bibi ka Maqbara marble dome, Aurangabad, Tomb from inside upload.
wikimedia.org   image. Dinesh Valke 
                                                                 

Bibi ka Maqbara marble dome with patterns, Aurangabad
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interior of dome.Bibi k Maqbara marble dome,Alamy.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
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Bibi ka Maqbara Aurangabad. stock.adobe.com

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. 

Illuminate Bibi Ka-Maqbara, Aurangabad medium.com

 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..