Location : Aurangabad,
Maharashtra
Known as : Poor Man's Taj
Best time to Visit : Throughout the year
About Bibi Ka Maqbara
Also known as the poor man's Taj, Bibi Ka Maqbara is a beautiful Mughal
monument situated just 5 km from Auragabad in the state of Maharashtra. The
monument is a cheap imitation of the great Taj Mahal and is the mausoleum
for Aurangzeb's first wife Rabia-ud-Durrani. The structure was built in 1679
by Aurangzeb's son Azam Shah in the memory of his mother (Bibi). An
archaeological museum located just behind the mausoleum houses a rare
collection of artifacts and articles of personal use from the times of the
Mughal era.
Construction of Bibi Ka Maqbara
Bibi Ka Maqbara is a beautiful monument built of sandstone and plastered
walls. The use of sandstone and plaster in the construction was made mainly
to cut down the costs unlike its north Indian rival Taj Mahal which is built
entirely of white marble. Designed by Ustad Attah Ullah of Persia, the
structure was made on the lines of the Taj Mahal, however it fails to rise
up to expectation and the intricate carvings and other beautiful art work as
seen on the Taj is somewhat missing on the Bibi Ka Maqbara. However, leaving
all comparisons aside, the Bibi Ka Maqbara is one of the finest of Mughal
constructions which was built during the end of Mughal rule in India.
Architecture of Bibi Ka Maqbara
The grand monument stands right in the middle of a lush garden which is
over 450 mts long and 270 mts wide, adorned with a number of beautiful
ponds, fountains and other water bodies decorated with colorful stone
motifs. The entire complex is enclosed within giant walls and huge
pavillions on its sides. Entry to the area is through an imposing gateway in
the south wall wherein are inscribed the names of people involved in the
construction including Atam Aula, the architect.
At the centre lies the tomb raised on a platform in a way such that it
affords a beautiful view of the garden and waterbodies. The mausoleum
containing the grave can be accessed through a series of steps. Entire
structure is adorned with beautiful stone work while the grave is enclosed
within a series of exquisitely carved marble screens such that it can even
rival those of the magnificent Taj Mahal.
The upper floor is an architectural marvel adorned with stone screens that
carry intricate engravings. The octagonal gallery is made completely of
white marble and delicate stucco. On the lines of the Taj Mahal, there are
four towering minarets on each of the corners, however, no use of semi
precious stones is seen. Among other structures of tourist interest are a
small tomb situated towards the west of the tomb and the Sunehri Mahal,
which is one of the finest Mughal architectural creations.
Stay At
Aurangabad, situated in the west Indian state of Maharashtra is home to
some fine monuments as also the gateway to the world famous caves of Ajanta
& Ellora. The place houses some fine hotels and resorts which provide
its guests with excellent accommodation facilities. Some of the better
staying options at Aurangabad are The Ambassador Ajanta (5 star, located at
Jalna Road), Quality Inn The Meadows (3 star, located near village Mitmita),
Hotel President Park (Govt. approved, located on airport road) and
Aurangabad Gymkhana Club (2 star, located on airport road)
Getting There
By Air : Indian Airlines operates daily flights to
Aurangabad from Mumbai and Delhi. Jet Airways also has a daily connection
between Aurangabad and Mumbai.
By Rail : Aurangabad has a railway station located at a
short distance from the city centre. The city is connected through regular
trains to other major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune,
Amritsar, Jhansi, Agra, Hyderabad etc.
By Road : A network of well built highways connect
Aurangabad with other cities across Maharashtra. State transport buses ply
regularly between Aurangabad and Mumbai.
