Bibi Ka Maqbara

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Bibi Ka Maqbara: A simple guide

Overview
Bibi Ka Maqbara is a white marble tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra, India. Built between 1668 and 1669, it was commissioned by Aurangzeb’s son Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum. People often call it the Taj of the Deccan because it resembles the Taj Mahal, though it has its own beauty and charm. The monument is cared for by the Archaeological Survey of India.

History
Dilras Banu Begum was a Safavid princess who married Azam Shah, Aurangzeb’s son. She was his chief wife and beloved consort. After giving birth to their son and later dying from illness, Azam Shah was deeply grieving. In 1660, Aurangzeb had this mausoleum built in her memory. The tomb later underwent repairs by Azam Shah on Aurangzeb’s orders. Aurangzeb is buried nearby, at Khuldabad.

Construction
The mausoleum was likely built in 1668–1669. The project cost around Rs. 6,68,203-7. The main entrance door carries an inscription naming the designer, Ata-ullah Rashidi, and the engineer Hanspat Rai. Marble for the building was brought from mines near Jaipur, and travelers at the time noted large amounts of marble being used. Although it was meant to rival the Taj Mahal, budget limits affected the final proportions, giving Bibi Ka Maqbara its own distinctive character.

Architecture and features
- Layout: The tomb sits in a large, rectangular enclosure surrounded by high walls in a charbagh (four-quartered) garden.
- Platform and minarets: The monument stands on a raised square platform with four minarets at the corners.
- Exterior and interior: The outer walls are marble up to the dado, with a basalt core above it and a marble dome on top, decorated with stucco and fine flower motifs. The tomb itself lies beneath the ground level, accessible through a screened octagonal opening.
- Entrance and water: A main gate on the south leads to a pathway with fountains and a small tank.
- Mosque and additions: A mosque sits to the west of the main structure, added later. The enclosure wall is ornate, with pilasters, arches, and small minarets.
- Design details: The tomb features intricate jali (perforated marble screens) and latticework, with a graceful blend of marble and dark stone.

Today
Bibi Ka Maqbara is the principal monument of Chhatrapatisambhajinagar and a major landmark in the region. It’s a notable example of Mughal architecture and is an important heritage site maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The monument continues to attract visitors who come to admire its beauty and its grand, garden-centered design.