Bibi Ka Maqbara – Deccan’s own Taj Mahal

Historical places are nice to visit as one can get know more about a country’s past. Bibi Ka Maqbara, Deccan’s own Taj Mahal, is one of the historic monuments in Maharashtra that is unique in its own way. It is located in Aurangabad city and was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. One of the striking features of Bibi Ka Maqbara is its resemblance with the Taj Mahal in Agra in terms of design. Like Taj Mahal, it was also created in the memory of a Mughal emperor’s wife. It is often called the Dakkhani Taj or the Taj of the Deccan.

Prince Azam Shah, son of Aurangzeb, created this memorial in the memory of his mother Dilras Banu Begum. It was completed in a time span of 10 years (1651-1661 AD). Azam Shah wanted to create a tomb as grand as the Taj Mahal which was made by his grandfather Shah Jahan. But, Mughal architecture was in its decline during that period and the budget for the construction was limited by Aurangzeb. The resulting monument thus looks more like a poor or cheap replica of the grand beauty Taj Mahal. Bibi Ka Maqbara is some times called the poor man’s Taj Mahal.

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Bibi Ka Maqbara is one of the prime monuments in Aurangabad. It follows the charbagh (literally meaning four gardens) layout which was a common element in Mughal architecture. The marbles used in the construction of this monument were brought from the mines near Jaipur city, Rajasthan. Similar designs from Taj Mahal can be seen all around this monument. Despite many similarities, the Bibi Ka Maqbara is still a tourist place to look out for. Also, while visiting Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad city, one can also visit the nearby heritage sites like Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves.