Bibi ka Maqbara

Bibi ka Maqbara is a monument located in Aurangabad city of Maharashtra India.  Bibi ka Maqbara was build by Aurangzeb in 1660 in the memory of his first wife Dilras banu. Bibi ka maqbara means Tomb of the lady in English. Bibi ka Maqbara is similar to taj mahal, people calls it as The taj of the Deccan. Bibi ka Maqbara was the largest structure developed by Aurangzeb. Atah-ullah was the architect and Hanspat Rai was the engineer in the construction of Bibi ka maqbara, on the main entrance door we can find the description which states this. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri was the principal designer of taj mahal, Ata-ullah was his son.

History of Bibi ka Maqbara

Dilras Banu was the daughter of shahnawaz khan. Dilras Banu then married with Aurangzeb on 8 may 1637. Dilras Banu begam was the first wife of Aurangzeb and his favorite one. Dilras Banu begam have given birth to five childrens. Muhammad akbar was the fifth child of Dilras Benu. After giving birth to her fifth child Dilras Banu begam got sick due to complications caused at the time of delivery, Dilras Benu begam died one month letter. After the deth of Dilras Banu begam Aurangzeb got very nervous. The fifth child was motherless hence it was favorite child of Aurangzeb.

In 1660 Aurangzeb commissioned a monument in the memory of Dilras Benu begam, called Bibi ka Maqbara. After that the maintenance work of Bibi ka Maqbara was carried out by Azam shah the son of Aurangzeb.

Construction

Bibi ka Maqbara is believed to be build in 1668 to 1669. Cost of construction was about 6.6 lack rupees, Aurangzeb have given 7 lack rupees for construction. Marbles for construction was brought from mines close to  jaipur.

Initially the aim of construction was to make Bibi ka Maqbara as better as Taj mahal. But letter due to lesser budget Bibi ka Maqbara was not able to beat Taj Mahal. Entry to Bibi ka Maqbara is from the main entrance gate at south, in inside walls of this door we can find mix art of hindu and Muslim culture. When we go inside we can see the art of mughal culture, in Mughal art there is huge importance of water and gardens, that we can find in Bibi ka Maqbara.

The Bibi ka Maqbara is connected by road made up of red stones. At the center of the road we can find several fountains. At the sides of the road we can see a wall of about 6 feet high, this wall is not there in Taj mahal. Between center aligned road and walls there are Cypress trees. Design of Bibi ka Maqbara is similar to Taj Mahal i.e. 4 pillers outside and Tomb at the center. At the Center of the Maqbara there is Memorial of Dilras Benu begam, for whom this entire monument is made.

How to reach Bibi ka Maqbara

Bibi ka Maqbara is only 5 km away from Aurangabad city. Aurangabad city is well connected to other cities with road, rail and air transport. You can use local autos and taxis for traveling purpose. Bibi ka Maqbara remains open for all days of the week from 8 am to 8 pm. For indian tourist entry fee is 15 rupees per person, and for foreign tourist entry fee is 200 rupees per person. You can refer to map below.

Nearby places to visit

1) Ajanta caves and ellora caves

2) Daulatabad Fort

3) Jayakwadi dam