Bibi Ka Maqbara
On the 8th of May 1637, a princess named Dilras Banu Begum married Prince Muhi-ud-din in Agra. She was the daughter of Mirza Badi-uz-Zaman Safavi, who held the title Shahnawaz Khan and served as viceroy of Gujarat. This union produced five children including Zeb-un-Nissa, Zinat-un-Nissa, Zubdat-un-Nissa, Muhammad Azam Shah, and Sultan Muhammad Akbar. The prince later became known as Aurangzeb upon his accession to the throne. Dilras remained his first wife and chief consort throughout their marriage. Her life ended on the 8th of October 1657 after giving birth to her fifth child, Muhammad Akbar. Complications from the delivery likely caused puerperal fever which killed her just one month after the birth. Aurangzeb experienced extreme pain following her death while their eldest son Azam Shah suffered a nervous breakdown from grief. Princess Zeb-un-Nissa took charge of her newborn brother while Aurangzeb indulged his motherless son until he became his best-loved child.
Construction of the mausoleum began between 1668 and 1669 C.E. according to historical records. An inscription found on the main entrance door identifies Ata-ullah as the architect and Hanspat Rai as the engineer responsible for the project. Ata-ullah was the son of Ustad Ahmad Lahauri who served as principal designer of the Taj Mahal. Ghulam Mustafa's Tarikh Namah documents that construction cost Rs. 668,203-7 rupees. Aurangzeb allocated only Rs. 700,000 for the entire building process. Around three hundred carts laden with marble traveled from mines near Jaipur during the journey from Surat to Golconda. Each cart required at least twelve oxen to pull it through the landscape. The decline in architectural proportions resulted from severe budgetary constraints imposed by Aurangzeb himself. Despite these limitations, the structure achieved its own significant beauty separate from its intended rival status.
Aurangzeb restricted funding to approximately seven lakh rupees while actual costs reached six lakh sixty-eight thousand two hundred three annas. This financial pressure forced builders to use basaltic trap instead of pure marble for most of the exterior walls. Marble covered the structure only up to the dado level before switching to the darker stone material. The dome itself returned to using marble for its upper sections above the basaltic base. Fine plaster covered the basaltic trap and received a polished finish alongside stucco decorations. These material choices created a distinct visual character different from the all-marble Taj Mahal. The compromise between available funds and imperial ambition shaped every layer of construction. Travelers like Tavernier witnessed hundreds of marble-laden carts moving across the region during this period. The resulting monument stands as evidence of how economic reality reshaped Mughal architectural ideals.
The Bibi Ka Maqbara bears such striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal that it earned the nickname Taj of the Deccan. Critics often call it the Dakkhani Taj due to these similarities in design philosophy. Aurangzeb commissioned this mausoleum at Aurangabad to serve as Dilras' final resting place in 1660. Her posthumous title became Rabia-ud-Daurani meaning Rabia of the Age within the Islamic tradition. The original Taj Mahal belonged to Mumtaz Mahal who died in childbirth just like Dilras Banu Begum. This parallel fate created natural comparisons between the two monuments despite their geographical separation. The second largest structure built by Aurangzeb ranks behind only the Badshahi Mosque in scale. Historical context suggests the comparison sometimes obscures the unique charm of the Deccan monument. Its hexagonal form with angles ornamented by minarets differs from the square base of Agra's masterpiece. These distinctions emerge when examining the specific construction techniques used on each platform.
A charbagh formal garden surrounds the central enclosure measuring approximately 458 meters north-south and 275 meters east-west. Baradaris or pillared pavilions occupy the center of the north, east, and western parts of the boundary wall. High crenellated walls feature pointed arched recesses and bastions placed at regular intervals throughout the perimeter. Pilasters divide these recesses while small minarets crown them above ground level. Four minarets stand at the corners of a high square platform supporting the main dome structure. A flight of steps leads up to this platform from three sides for visitor access. A mosque located west of the main structure represents a later addition made by the Nizam of Hyderabad. This addition resulted in closure of the original west entrance to the complex. Entry occurs through a southern gate featuring foliage designs carved into brass plates covering wooden surfaces. A small tank sits just inside the entrance before a low-profile screen wall guides visitors forward. The screened pathway contains a series of fountains positioned along its center line.
The Archaeological Survey of India currently maintains the Bibi Ka Maqbara as an active heritage site. Government records confirm its status as the principal monument of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's historic city. Aurangzeb himself is buried several kilometers away from her mausoleum in Khuldabad. Historical repairs occurred under Azam Shah following Aurangzeb's orders during subsequent years. The mortal remains of Rabia Daurani rest below ground level surrounded by octagonal jali pierced marble screens. These screens feature exquisite designs allowing visibility through descending flights of steps. An octagonal opening pierces the roof of the chamber corresponding to ground level with a barricaded marble screen above it. Visitors can view the tomb from ground level through this specific architectural opening. Tourism potential studies highlight the site's significance for modern cultural preservation efforts. Official documentation from the Indian government continues to support ongoing maintenance programs at the location.
Common questions
Who was buried in the Bibi Ka Maqbara?
Dilras Banu Begum, also known by her posthumous title Rabia-ud-Daurani, is interred within the Bibi Ka Maqbara. Her mortal remains rest below ground level surrounded by octagonal jali pierced marble screens.
When did construction of the Bibi Ka Maqbara begin and end?
Construction of the Bibi Ka Maqbara began between 1668 and 1669 C.E. according to historical records. The project continued under Aurangzeb until completion despite severe budgetary constraints.
How much money was spent on building the Bibi Ka Maqbara?
Ghulam Mustafa's Tarikh Namah documents that construction cost Rs. 668,203-7 rupees. Aurangzeb allocated only Rs. 700,000 for the entire building process which forced builders to use basaltic trap instead of pure marble for most exterior walls.
Where is the Bibi Ka Maqbara located today?
The Archaeological Survey of India currently maintains the Bibi Ka Maqbara as an active heritage site in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. It serves as the principal monument of this historic city.
Why does the Bibi Ka Maqbara look different from the Taj Mahal?
Aurangzeb restricted funding to approximately seven lakh rupees while actual costs reached six lakh sixty-eight thousand two hundred three annas. This financial pressure forced builders to use basaltic trap instead of pure marble for most of the exterior walls and resulted in a hexagonal form with angles ornamented by minarets.