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Bibi ka maqbara
Aurangabad Caves Rd, Vidyut Colony, Begumpura, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra 431001, India
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The Bibi Ka Maqbara is a tomb located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. It was commissioned in 1660 by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's son prince Azam Shah in the memory of his loving mother Dilras Banu Begum. It bears a striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum of Aurangzeb's mother, Mumtaz Mahal.
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attractions: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University's History Museum, restaurants: Shri Sai Snacks & Caterers, Hotel Jiwhala, Hotel Om Sai, Shriram Bhojanalaya, Monu's RESTAURANT, Chaitanya Bhojnalay, Charminar Hotel, Burger Beacon, Super jalebi, S A NAN ROTI CENTER
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Sanjiban SinghamahapatraSanjiban Singhamahapatra
Built in 1668 the Tomb of Rabia Durani or Bibi Ka Maqbara was erected by Azam Shah, the son of Aurangzeb to commemorate his mother Dilras Begum who was titled Rabia Durani post her death. Being the spitting image of the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum is also called the Taj of the Deccan or the Dakkhani Taj. The north of the country is dotted with the specimens of the Mughal architectural magnificence, Bibi Ka Maqbara stands as a lone soul in the southern part. It was Aurangzeb’s long-standing governorship of Aurangabad that the shrine came to exist in the city and is today one of the most famous historical monuments in Maharashtra.
Bibi Ka Maqbara History
The story of Dilras Banu is nothing short of a fairytale. Born in the Safavid royal family of Iran, princess Dilras was the daughter of Shahnawaz Khan who was the then viceroy of the state of Gujarat. She married Aurangzeb in 1637 thus becoming his first consort and wife. Together they had five children and after delivering her fifth child, Dilras died. Both Aurangzeb and his eldest son, Azam Shah couldn’t bear the loss of the most important woman in their lives. It is said that the father-son duo were grief stricken for months and it took great efforts for them to come out of the state of shock. It was then in 1668 that Azam Shah ordered for a mausoleum to be built for his beloved mother on the lines of Taj Mahal, which was the resting place of Banu’s mother-in-law and Aurangzeb’s mother, Mumtaz Mahal. Both the women died because of complications developed through childbirth.
Bibi Ka Maqbara Construction
The tomb was to be more splendid than the Taj itself but due to strict adherence to the tight budget allocated for the construction, the mausoleum could only result in an arduous emulation. The Mughal architects led great importance on having a stream passing by the structures they erected with a garden based on a Charbagh pattern. Bibi Ka Maqbara is no different. There was a time when River Kham could be seen flowing behind the tomb. The Maqbara also has a Charbagh-styled garden and it sits pretty right in the centre with structures in the four directions. To the north is a 12-door Baradari, south is where the main entrance is, to the west is a mosque and facing the east is Aina khana or the mirror chamber.
The white dome of the Maqbara has panels adorned with intricate designs of flowers. The maqbara is graced by four minarets on corners with stairs leading to the tomb on three sides. The pathways are decorated with trees on both the sides. There is a water pool along with octagonal-shaped cisterns and the centre of the pathway consists of 61 fountains and 488 ft long and 96 feet broad reservoirs.
Bibi Ka Maqbara Facts
Rabia-ud-Durani, the title conferred to Dilras Banu Begum was attributed to an Iranian noble lady, Rabia Basra known for her benevolence. The marble for the construction of the mausoleum was sourced from the marble mines in Jaipur. Its cost of construction is estimated to be around Rs 6-7 lakh.It is believed that the marbles for the construction of the structure were carried in ox-pulled carts.
Bibi Ka Maqbara Timings
Bibi Ka Maqbara timings are 8 am to 8 pm.
Bibi Ka Maqbara Address
You can visit Bibi Ka Maqbara at Begumpura, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431004. It is located approximately 3 km from the city centre.
Bibi Ka Maqbara Opening Days
Bibi Ka Maqbara is open on all days of the week between 8 in the morning till 8 in the evening which are the visiting hours for the tomb.
Rahul SinghRahul Singh
Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Taj of the Deccan”, is one of the most iconic monuments in Aurangabad and a must-visit for history lovers and travelers exploring Maharashtra. Built in the late 17th century by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum, this mausoleum reflects Mughal architecture and bears resemblance to the Taj Mahal, though on a smaller and more modest scale.
The structure is set amidst a large charbagh (Persian-style garden) with long water channels, fountains, and pathways lined with trees. The serene layout and symmetrical design make it a very photogenic place, especially during the early mornings or late evenings when the sunlight creates a beautiful glow on the dome and minarets. The central tomb rests on a high platform surrounded by four tall minarets, and though the upper portion uses plaster to resemble marble, the craftsmanship is elegant and detailed. Visitors can also view the actual grave chamber through an octagonal opening, which adds to the authenticity of the experience.
Compared to the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, Bibi Ka Maqbara feels simpler, but that simplicity is what makes it special. It has a quiet charm, fewer crowds, and a more peaceful environment where one can sit, walk around, and admire the Mughal style without the overwhelming rush of larger monuments. There is also a small archaeological museum located behind the mausoleum that showcases artifacts and provides context about Aurangabad’s rich cultural past.
The monument is well maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The gardens are clean, and pathways are in good condition, making it accessible for families, students, and even senior citizens. Local guides are available at the entrance if you wish to know more about the history and architectural details.
Timings & Entry: The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though many visitors suggest arriving before 6:30 PM as closing may happen earlier. The entry fee is very affordable at ₹25 for Indian citizens, while foreign tourists pay ₹300. Children up to 15 years can usually enter free.
Location & Accessibility: Bibi Ka Maqbara is situated in Begumpura, about 5 km from Aurangabad railway station and roughly 11 km from the airport. It is easily accessible by auto, cab, or local bus. There is parking available near the entrance.
Best Time to Visit: October to March is the ideal season, as the weather is pleasant for walking around the gardens. Summers can get hot, so mornings and evenings are preferable during that time. For photography, sunset hours provide the best lighting, with the monument glowing against the sky.
Nearby Attractions: If you are in Aurangabad, you can combine this visit with the Aurangabad Caves, Panchakki, Ellora Caves, and even Ajanta if you have more time. This makes for a fulfilling heritage circuit in the region.
Overall, Bibi Ka Maqbara is a wonderful blend of history, architecture, and tranquility. While it may not match the Taj Mahal’s scale, it has its own unique identity and is worth visiting for its peaceful atmosphere, historical significance, and scenic beauty. Highly recommended for anyone traveling to Aurangabad.
Nikhil Naik (Nikss)Nikhil Naik (Nikss)
Key Facts about Bibi Ka Maqbara:
Commissioned By: It was commissioned in the late 17th century by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his first wife and chief consort, Dilras Banu Begum. The construction was overseen by their son, Prince Azam Shah.
Architect: The principal architect was an Ustad-Ata-Ullah, the son of Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who was the main architect of the world-famous Taj Mahal. This connection is a significant reason for the architectural similarities between the two monuments.
Historical Significance: Bibi Ka Maqbara is one of the largest structures built by Aurangzeb, whose reign was more noted for its military campaigns and austerity rather than grand architectural projects. It is a testament to the love of a son for his mother and a husband for his wife.
Architecture and Design:
The mausoleum's design is heavily inspired by the Taj Mahal in Agra, though it is smaller in scale and built with more modest materials.
Layout: The tomb is set in a classic Mughal charbagh (a garden divided into four parts) with axial pathways, fountains, and water channels.
Structure: The main mausoleum is built on a raised square platform with four minarets at its corners, mirroring the layout of the Taj Mahal. The main dome is flanked by four smaller domes.
Materials: While the Taj Mahal is constructed almost entirely of pristine white marble, Bibi Ka Maqbara is built with a combination of marble and limestone. The main dome is made of marble, but other parts of the structure use plaster and stucco work to imitate the look of marble. The lower part of the mausoleum's walls is also made of marble.
Decorative Elements: The tomb features intricate designs with stucco decorations, fine plasterwork, and latticework. The octagonal tomb chamber contains the unadorned grave of Dilras Banu Begum, which is visible from a gallery on the ground floor.
Visiting Bibi Ka Maqbara:
Location: It is situated in the city of Aurangabad, making it easily accessible for tourists.
Timings: The monument is typically open to visitors from sunrise to sunset.
Entry Fee: There is a nominal entry fee for Indian citizens, with a higher fee for foreign nationals.
In essence, while it may not possess the same grandeur and opulence as its famous counterpart in Agra, Bibi Ka Maqbara holds its own unique charm and historical importance. It is a poignant symbol of love and a significant architectural achievement of the later Mughal period.
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Reviews of Bibi ka maqbara
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5.0
1yBuilt in 1668 the Tomb of Rabia Durani or Bibi Ka Maqbara was erected by Azam Shah, the son of Aurangzeb to commemorate his mother Dilras Begum who was titled Rabia Durani post her death. Being the spitting image of the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum is also called the Taj of the Deccan or the Dakkhani Taj. The north of the country is dotted with the specimens of the Mughal architectural magnificence, Bibi Ka Maqbara stands as a lone soul in the southern part. It was Aurangzeb’s long-standing...
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4.0
13wBibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Taj of the Deccan”, is one of the most iconic monuments in Aurangabad and a must-visit for history lovers and travelers exploring Maharashtra. Built in the late 17th century by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum, this mausoleum reflects Mughal architecture and bears resemblance to the Taj Mahal, though on a smaller and more modest scale. The structure is set amidst a large charbagh (Persian-style garden) with long water channels,...
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4.0
21w"The Taj of the Deccan"
Location: Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra Built by: Prince Azam Shah in 1668 In memory of: Dilras Banu Begum (Aurangzeb’s wife)
Overall Rating: 4/5
What Makes It Special:
Architectural Grandeur: Bibi Ka Maqbara closely resembles the Taj Mahal and is often referred to as its "twin" or "poor man's Taj." While not as intricate or vast as the Taj Mahal, it still impresses with its symmetry, Mughal domes, and delicate carvings.
Historical Significance: •...
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