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| Bibi ka Maqbara marble dome, Aurangabad, upload.wikimedia.org |
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| Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad trawell.in |
Standing as a poignant tribute to maternal love and a late flourish of Mughal funerary architecture, Bibi Ka Maqbara is the most iconic landmark of Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar). Commissioned between 1651 and 1661 AD by Prince Azam Shah, the son of Emperor Aurangzeb, the mausoleum was built in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum (posthumously known as Rabia-ul-Daurani). While often eclipsed by the sheer scale of the Taj Mahal, this monument offers a unique insight into the transition of Mughal aesthetics during the late 17th century.
Historical Context and Vision
An inscription on the main entrance identifies the primary creators: the architect Ata-ullah (son of Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, the designer of the Taj Mahal) and the engineer Hanspat Rai. Prince Azam Shah intended to rival the splendor of his grandfather Shah Jahan’s creation in Agra. Marble was specially sourced from mines near Jaipur to ensure a regal finish. However, due to the more austere architectural tastes of Emperor Aurangzeb and the shrinking imperial treasury, the monument became a "Mini Taj"—a scaled-down, more modest version of its predecessor.
Architectural Features and Layout
Bibi Ka Maqbara is a classic example of the Charbagh (four-fold garden) layout. The mausoleum sits at the center of a vast enclosure measuring 458 m x 275 m, surrounded by high crenelated walls and bastions. A narrow walkway, lined with fountains and lush cypress-flanked gardens, leads from the grand entrance to the main structure.
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| Bibi-ka-Maqbara, en.wikipedia.org |
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| Bibi-ka-Maqbara, .Aurangabad, India.wkipedia.org |
Above image: The stunning architecture that bears very close similarity with the Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan at Agra, but for its size. It is more or less a replica of The Taj. Making comparison between these two historical monuments is not good and it is akin to asking a strange question like, ''Which eye is more useful, right or left?............
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| Interior, Bibi Ka Maqbara sid-thewanderer.com |
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| Bibi ka Maqbara, look alike of Taj stockpicturesforeveryone.com |
The mausoleum itself stands on a high square plinth with four towering minarets at its corners. The four minarets at its corners, can be approached by a flight of steps from the three sides The building exhibits a mix of materials: it is encased in marble up to the dado level, while the main body is constructed of basaltic trap covered with fine polished plaster and intricate stucco decorations. The central dome, however, is built entirely of marble. A mosque is found to the west of the main structure, a later addition by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The marble for this mausoleum was brought from mines near Jaipur.
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| interior of dome.Bibi k Maqbara marble dome, Alamy.com |
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| Bibi ka Maqbara commons.wikimedia.org |
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| Jali in marble,Bibi ka Maqbara Aurangabad,tripladvisor.com |
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| Latticed marble window. Bibi ka Maqbara hoparoundindia.com |
Above image: Marble screens around the tomb of Dilras Banu Begum, stucco decorations, fountains , the honey-comb windows, the beautiful central dome over the tomb and the pillared pavilion are worthy of mention. This structure is a fitting tributes to the great, talented artisans and skilled workers of yore.
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| Bibi ka-Maqbara, Tomb of Dilras Banu Begum flickr.com |
Conservation and Present Status
Bibi Ka Maqbara, a marble and limestone tomb in Aurangabad was the first monument in Maharashtra where ASI Took special pollution impact assessment in 2023 to find out he impact of climate change,air-pollution and acid rain.It was found out the gradual yellowing of the marble walls of Bibi ka Maqbara was due to suspended particulate matter (SPM) and other pollutants as in the case of Taj Mahal of Agra near Delhi
Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the monument has seen significant conservation efforts in recent years. These include:
Scientific Cleaning: Periodic chemical treatments of the marble and lime plaster to remove yellowing caused by environmental pollutants.
Structural Repairs: Mending the intricate stucco work and trellis (jali) panels that have suffered from weathering.
Landscaping: The restoration of the water fountain system and the maintenance of the Charbagh gardens to preserve the original Mughal ambiance.
The site remains a vibrant cultural hub, hosting the Bibi Ka Maqbara festival every October. With its onsite museum housing Mughal-era artifacts, the Maqbara continues to be a vital link to India’s imperial past, proving that even a "poor imitation" possesses a profound, haunting beauty of its own.
Tit-Bit:
Bibi Ka Maqbara Festival
The Bibi Ka Maqbara Festival is a vibrant cultural event organized annually in October by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) at the historic mausoleum in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar).Cultural Performances include classical music, dance, and folk art representing the rich heritage of Maharashtra. Exhibitions: Local artisans often display traditional crafts and handlooms. Atmosphere: The monument is beautifully illuminated, providing a stunning backdrop for the festivities.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibi_Ka_Maqbara
"World Heritage Sites - Bibi-Ka-Maqbara". Retrieved 28 January 2013.
K. N. Jayaraman (Author: navrangindia.blogspot.com)
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