Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad: Everything You Need to Know

About Tomb of Rabia Durani (Bibi ka Maqbara) Aurangabad

Bibi Ka Maqbara, often referred to as the “Tomb of the Lady,” stands as a poignant symbol of remembrance, closely resembling its inspiration, the Taj Mahal. Though it draws heavy influence from the Taj, this mausoleum proudly represents the love of a son for his mother. Designed by Ataullah, the son of Ahmad Lahauri—who also designed the Taj Mahal—its design bears striking similarities to the famous monument, but it has its own distinct charm.

The two mausoleums share a deep connection, not just through their architectural style, but in their representation of love, memory, and loss. While the Taj Mahal was built in honour of Emperor Shah Jahan’s mother, Bibi Ka Maqbara was created to honour Aurangzeb’s wife. Together, these tombs stand as lasting tributes to the women they commemorate, reflecting the legacy of the last powerful Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb.

In 1668, The Tomb of Rabia Durani, also known as Bibi Ka Maqbara, was built by Azam Shah, the son of Emperor Aurangzeb, to honour his mother, Dilras Begum, who was posthumously named Rabia Durani. Often called the Taj of the Deccan or Dakkhani Taj, it closely resembles the Taj Mahal, showcasing Mughal architectural brilliance in southern India. While northern India boasts many Mughal masterpieces, Bibi Ka Maqbara stands as the region’s only prominent example of this grandeur. Constructed during Aurangzeb’s reign over Aurangabad, it has become one of Maharashtra’s most significant historical monuments, symbolizing both the Mughal legacy and the emperor’s enduring influence.

Features of the Bibi Ka Maqbara

The Allure of Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara, also known as the “Taj of the Deccan,” is a captivating Mughal monument located in Aurangabad. While sharing some architectural elements with the Taj Mahal, it boasts its own unique charm.

An Enchanting Garden Setting

The mausoleum stands proudly amidst a sprawling Charbagh garden, a classic Mughal design featuring a four-quartered layout with water channels. The enclosure surrounding the garden measures a vast 458 meters by 275 meters. Pathways lined with cypress trees, mango groves, vibrant rose bushes, and colourful flowers create a serene ambience.

Mughal Architectural Grandeur

The mausoleum itself rests on a raised square platform, echoing a common feature in Mughal architecture. Four graceful minarets, each with 72 feet of height, flank the corners of the platform. Stairs on three sides provide access to the main structure.

A Blend of Materials and Beauty

The central part of the mausoleum and its majestic dome is made from white marble, while the remainder of the structure is built using lime and plaster. This unique combination creates a distinct visual appeal, different from the Taj Mahal’s uniform marble facade. The intricate carvings and beautiful latticework on the walls further enhance the monument’s elegance.

A Jewel of the Deccan

Bibi Ka Maqbara offers breathtaking city views, adding to its magnificence. As the sole Mughal-built monument in the Deccan region, it holds historical and architectural significance. Its captivating beauty, captivating garden setting, and unique architectural features make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the wonders of Mughal art and history.

Bibi Ka Maqbara History Context and Creation

The Bibi Ka Maqbara Aurangabad, a splendid monument, was built between 1651 and 1661 AD.

1. The Reign of Emperor Aurangabad Taj Mahal

It cost about Rs. 6.6 lakhs and Aurangzeb gave Rs. 7 lakhs for it. Ataullah designed it, and Hanspat Rai was the engineer. Marble from Jaipur mines was used. Around 300 carts, each pulled by twelve oxen carried marble to Aurangabad for construction. They aimed for a design like the Taj Mahal but faced budget and architectural challenges.

2. Commemorating Dilras Banu Begum

Dilras Banu Begum, Aurangzeb’s first and favourite wife, was the daughter of Mirza Badi-uz-Zaman Safavi. She married him in 1637. “Tomb of the Lady,” also called bibi Ka maqbara built by Prince Azam Shah, Aurangzeb’s son, in memory of Dilras Banu Begum. She died in 1657 due to complications after childbirth.

Aurangzeb’s pain was immense, and Azam Shah had a breakdown. Aurangzeb commissioned the Bibi Ka Maqbara three years later, similar to the Taj, as her resting place. Aurangzeb, who rarely built grand structures, made an exception for his wife’s mausoleum.

Architectural Brilliance

The Aurangabad Taj Mahal is a beautiful tomb for Rabia-ul-Daurani, also known as Dilras Banu Begum. She was the wife of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb (1658-1707 A.D.).

1. Design and Layout

This Bibi ka Maqbara was built by Prince Shah to remember his mother between 1651 and 1661 A.D. On the main door, it says Ata-ullah, an architect, and Hanspat Rai, an engineer, built it. It looks like the famous Taj Mahal in Agra and is called the “Taj of Deccan”.

The tomb sits in a big space, about 458 meters north-south and 275 meters east-west. Pillared pavilions called Baradaris are at the north, east, and west. The tomb has a Char-Bagh design, like the Mughals loved, with a symmetrical garden. The walls have cool designs with little minarets.

2. Elements of the Mausoleum

The tomb stands on a tall square base with minarets at each corner. Steps go up from three sides. A mosque was added later in the west. The tomb is covered with marble up to a point. Above that, it’s made of a dark stone. The dome on top has pretty designs like flowers.

Inside, Rabia-ul-Daurani rests below the ground. Marble screens with nice patterns surround her. You can go down to see it. There’s a hole in the roof to see inside, too.

The small mosque is west of the tomb. It has arches and corner minarets. The tomb is round, about 170 feet wide. Marble minarets stand on each side. They have three floors and stairs to reach the top. The dome has designs of flowers.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Dilras (also called Rabia) and Aurangzeb had two boys and three girls. After a month of having her fifth child, Dilras passed away. The baby, Akbar, was cared for by his big sister. The queen’s death was hard for the family, especially the king. So, he built something to remember her – Bibi ka Maqbara, a symbol of love.

Her son, Azam Shah, fixed it and made it beautiful later. Maqbaras are graves from the Mughal times. They remember the dead and sometimes religious people. Royals also had them.

Restoration and Preservation Efforts for Bibi ka Maqbara

As the COVID-19 cases rose, Bibi Ka Maqbara, a historical Mughal monument in Aurangabad, closed its doors. During this time, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) began repairing and conserving the site. ASI officials shared that they focused on the paintings and marble sections of the monument.

Setting up scaffolding around the main dome took nearly 25 days. Misra pointed out that using wooden and steel scaffolding around the 44-meter-wide main dome and its 3-meter-tall metallic pinnacle was particularly challenging.

The ASI team planned to conserve the paintings using earth colours from Rajasthan. These colours were used in historic palaces and were essential for restoration. Challenges like colour reintegration and climate effects also had to be addressed.

Misra and his team remained committed to their task despite the setbacks and challenges. They expected to unveil the renewed Aurangabad Taj Mahal, with most interior marble conserved.

Difference between Bibi ka Maqbara vs. Taj Mahal

Feature	Bibi Ka Maqbara	Taj Mahal
Location	Aurangabad, Maharashtra	Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Built By	Azam Shah (Aurangzeb’s son)	Shah Jahan
Purpose	Tomb for Aurangzeb’s wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani	Tomb for Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal
Nickname	Mini Taj Mahal	N/A
Construction Cost	7 lakh rupees	Estimated 32 million rupees
Materials Used	Marble and plaster	White marble with precious stones
Durability	Less durable	Highly durable
Size	Smaller	Larger
Design	Similar to the Taj Mahal with a dome and char bagh garden	Octagonal structure, dome, char bagh garden
Symbolism	Political move by Aurangzeb	Symbol of love
Structural Shape	Square with octagonal elements	Octagonal
Historical Significance	Reflects Aurangzeb’s ambitions as an emperor	Symbolizes eternal love

Inspirations and Imprints on Bibi ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara, a symbol of remembrance, resembles the Taj Mahal. It’s a tribute to a mother’s love, standing proudly with its uniqueness. Also known as the Tomb of the Lady, Ataullah, son of Taj Mahal’s architect Ahmad Lahauri, designed it, heavily influenced by the prime wonder.

The pattern and design closely mimic the Taj Mahal, as Attaullah learned from his father’s work. Skilled in metalwork and languages like Sanskrit and Persian, he translated math books. Likely aided by Aurangzeb and his wife, they picked the site, vital for its beauty and aesthetics. Rai’s name’s on the metal door, showing his role.

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The Concept of the Second Taj Mahal

The tomb aimed to be grander than the Taj, yet budget constraints led to a challenging replica. Mughal architects valued rivers through their structures and Charbagh gardens. Bibi Ka Maqbara is no different.

The Maqbara has a Charbagh-style garden at its centre, surrounded by structures: a 12-door Baradari to the north, the main entrance to the south, a mosque to the west, and Aina Khana (mirror chamber) to the east. The white dome features flowery patterns. The walls hold arched recesses and bastions. A small mosque stands west, added later by the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Why Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara?

Bibi Ka Maqbara is a must-visit for anyone interested in Mughal history. It represents an essential piece of the 17th-century Mughal capital, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the era. By visiting, you not only witness architectural brilliance but also gain an understanding of Aurangzeb’s ambitions. However, the monument also symbolizes the decline of the empire. Under Aurangzeb’s rule, the Mughal Empire reached its territorial peak, but cultural prosperity and grand architectural projects slowed down, marking the end of the golden era. The Maqbara reflects this transition, serving as a reminder of both the empire’s zenith and its eventual decline.

In addition to its historical significance, Bibi Ka Maqbara offers a unique emotional appeal. Though it may not evoke the same awe as the Taj Mahal, the monument exudes charm and nostalgia, making it a serene and introspective experience. A visit also helps support the conservation efforts of this important site. Protecting Bibi Ka Maqbara is crucial in preserving India’s history, particularly as some of it faces attempts at erasure. With fewer tourists compared to the Taj Mahal, Bibi Ka Maqbara provides a peaceful experience, and your visit can directly contribute to its restoration. We also offer tours that cover the region’s Mughal capitals, including Aurangabad, to help you explore this fascinating history.

Timings for Visitors

Details	Information
Location	Begumpura, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431004
Distance from City Centre	Approximately 3 km
Visiting Hours	8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Daily)
Ideal Visiting Season	October to March (Pleasant weather for sightseeing)
Entry Fee
– Indian Nationals	₹25
– Foreign Nationals	₹300 (approx.)
Distance from Mumbai	333 km (about 7 hours by road via NH160 Nagpur-Aurangabad highway)
Travel by Air	1 hour 10 minutes flight from Mumbai to Aurangabad

How to Reach Bibi Ka Maqbara

Easily accessible from Mumbai, Aurangabad, a popular tourist destination in Maharashtra, draws visitors year-round due to its diverse range of monuments. It is roughly 333 kilometres from Mumbai and can be reached by car via the NH160 Nagpur-Aurangabad highway in about 7 hours. From Mumbai to Aurangabad, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MRCTC) operates a Parivaran bus every day. An average flight from Mumbai to Aurangabad will take about one hour and ten minutes if you choose to travel that distance by air. At the moment, the route is used by Jet Airways and Air India.

Mode of Transportation	Details
Nearest Airport	Aurangabad Airport (Chikkalthana, 11 km away)
Airlines Serving the Airport	Flights available from Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi
Nearest Metro Station	Metro station under construction in Aurangabad
Nearest Railway Station	Aurangabad Railway Station (6 km away)
Fastest Train from Mumbai	Aurangabad Jan Shatabdi Express
Nearest Bus Stand	Central Bus Stand (3.4 km away)

Explore Beyond Bibi Ka Maqbara:

• Aurangabad Caves: Delve into history just 2 kilometres away at these rock-cut Buddhist caves dating back to the 2nd century. Marvel at intricate sculptures and ancient architecture.
• Panchakki (Water Mill): Find serenity 3 kilometres away at Panchakki, a historical water mill with a beautiful garden and reservoir. Witness its unique engineering marvel used for grinding grains.
• Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: Embark on a spiritual journey 29 kilometres away to this revered temple. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, it holds immense religious significance.
• Daulatabad Fort: Immerse yourself in history 15 kilometres away at this majestic hilltop fortress. Capture breathtaking panoramic views and explore its rich past.
• Ellora Caves (30 kilometres): Witness a UNESCO World Heritage wonder. Explore the Ellora Caves, renowned for their rock-cut temples and sculptures representing Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.

These captivating destinations offer a diverse cultural and historical experience, perfectly complementing your visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara.

Conclusion

The Bibi Ka Maqbara holds beauty in every corner. From outside to inside, it’s adorned with decorative touches like stucco painting, plaster with raised designs, colourful tiles, and latticework. The ceiling boasts intricate geometric paintings and woven threads as you step in. Lattice work, showing floral or geometric patterns, greets you on screens inside.

Aurangzeb, who didn’t fancy building much, created this grand monument. Though he wished it as splendid as the Taj Mahal, he had to cut back due to money troubles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs ): Bibi Ka Maqbara