The most impressive monument in Aurangabad, Bibi Ka Maqbara, is located five kilometres away from the city’s highways. It is incredibly beautiful and has a striking similarity to Agra’s famous Taj Mahal. Primarily, it is a mausoleum designating Aurangzeb’s wife Rabia-Durrani’s burial place.
Prince Azam Shah, Aurangzeb’s son, finished building the Bibi Ka Maqbara after his father had begun. Ata-ullah, an architect, and Hanspat Rai, an engineer, conceived and built Bibi Ka Maqbara, one of the most exquisitely balanced and appealing Mughal mausoleums, fusing Persian and Mughal architectural features. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, the primary architect of the Taj Mahal, was the father of Ata-ullah.
Similar to the Taj Mahal, Bibi Ka Maqbara is set inside a well-kept landscape including wide paths, axial ponds, fountains, and water systems. High crenellated walls with fortifications positioned at regular intervals and open pavilions on three sides further enclose the area.
The mausoleum is constructed in the Charbagh style and is accessible by a number of steps on an elevated platform. Its unique interiors are much more exceptional. One must descend the flight of stairs to enter the main octagonal room that holds the plain grave. The marble screens that encircle the burial are pierced. The room above is a tall, square building with four sides that have the same exterior.
The tomb has exquisite carvings on every corner, including the doors and cusps. While it has similarities with the Taj Mahal in terms of white marble and stucco, Shah Jahan’s design is not distinguished by pietra dura craftsmanship. At the end of the spacious platform, however, are four overly enormous minarets.
The Deccan hills provide a picturesque backdrop, and exploring the surrounding gardens is a treat. A little mosque with intricately carved corner minarets and cusped arches is located west of the tomb. The Sunheri Mahal is located to the north and is distinguished by its intricate goldwork.
History
Reportedly erected at an estimated expense of about Rs. 6,68,203, Bibi ka Maqbara stands as one of the most magnificent specimens of Mughal building design. Azam Shah, the son of Aurangzeb, erected the tomb in honour of his mother, Rabia. Together with other buildings from the Mughal era, this one was also created and planned with great elegance by the architects Ata-ullah and Hanspat Rai.
A marble mine near Jaipur provided the marble needed to build the monument, according to a claim by French gem dealer and traveller Tavernier. He saw hundreds of carts pulled by at least twelve oxen, loaded with marble, on his way from Surat to Golconda.
Things to do around:
Visitors should go to Panchakki, which is only a few kilometres away from the Maqbara. Bhadkal Gate, Dr. Babasaheb Marathwada University, Mehmood Darwaza (Gate), P.E.S. College of Engineering, Kham Nadi (Kham River), and other locations are also worthwhile visits.
Ways to reach
Travellers may go to Bibi Ka Maqbara from any location in Aurangabad by private cab or municipal bus. An enjoyable and reasonably priced alternative mode of transportation is the autorickshaw.
Entry costs
For Indians, Rs. 10 per person
For foreigners, Rs. 250 per person
Best Time To Visit
Although Bibi Ka Maqbara is open all year round, winter is a pleasant season to visit because of the pleasant and moderate weather.
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