Tomb of Bahu Begum — Attraction in Uttar Pradesh

Behu begam makabara। बहू बेगम का मकबरा है एक स्मारक है जो नवाब शुजा-उद-दौला की रानी उम्मतुज्जुहरा उर्फ बहू बेगम के लिए बनाया गया । यह फैजाबाद की सबसे ऊंची इमारतों में से एक है और गैर-मुगल मुस्लिम वास्तुकला का एक उल्लेखनीय उदाहरण है। दुख की बात है कि यह स्मारक उपेक्षा का शिकार है और ढह रहा है Bahu Begum ka Maqbara, the Tomb of the Queen Bride Begum Unmatuzzohra Bano alias Bahu Begum, is a memorial built for the queen of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula. It is one of the tallest buildings in Faizabad of the Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh and is a notable example of non-Mughal Muslim architecture. Sadly, this monument is a victim of neglect and is depleting.

History

The Mausoleum of Bahu Begum, built by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula in memory of his loving wife, is famous for the creative architectural brilliance with which it was designed and constructed.[3] Shuja-ud-Daula's wife was well known as Bahu Begum, who married the Nawab in 1743 and continued to reside in Faizabad, her residence being the Moti-Mahal. Close by at Jawaharbagh lies her Maqbara, where she was buried after her death in 1816. It is considered to be one of the finest buildings of its kind in Avadh, which was built at the cost of three lakh rupees by her chief advisor Darab Ali Khan. A fine view of the city is obtainable from the top of the Begum's tomb. Bahu Begum was a woman of great distinction and rank, bearing dignity. Most of the Muslim buildings of Faizabad are attributed to her. From the date of Bahu Begum's death in 1815 till the annexation of Avadh, the city of Faizabad gradually fell into decay. The glory of Faizabad was eclipsed with the shifting of capital from Faizabad to Lucknow by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula.[4]

"Bahu Begum" (H.H. Nawab 'Umat uz-Zohra Begum Sahiba) was the widow of the third Nawab of Avadh or Oudh, Shuja-ud-Daula (H.H. Shuja ud-Daula, Nawab Mirza Jalal ud-din Haidar Khan Bahadur, Nawab Wazir of Oudh, r. 1754-75). Her maqbara, "the finest building of the kind in Oudh" (Carnegy, Woodburn & Noble 1870: 26) was not completed before 1858. This date is important since Umrao Jan expressively mentions that her father worked there as "jamadar". In "A Historical Sketch of Tahsil Fyzabad, Zillah Fyzabad, including Parganas Haveli Oudh and Pachhimrath, with the old Capitals Ajudhia and Fyzabad, Pargana Mangalsi and Pargana Amsin" (Lucknow 1870), the account on this monument is as follows: "The Bahu Begam's Mausoleum. It was arranged by treaty between the British Government, the Bahu Begam, and the Nawáb of Oudh, that 3 lacs of sicca Rs. of her riches, were to be set apart for the erection by her confidential servant Daráb Alí Khán, of her tomb, and that the revenue of the villages to the aggregate amount of sicca Rs. 10,000 per annum, were to be assigned for its support. The Begam died on the 27th of January 1816. Daráb Alí laid the foundations and built the plinth, when he also died, on the 10th of August 1818. Panáh Alí, vakíl, and Mirzá Haider, the son of an adopted daughter, then carried on the work through a series of years when, with the completion of the brick work, the grant of 3 lacs came to an end, and the beautiful edifice remained unfinished till after the mutiny of 1857."...

The magnificent Tomb of the Ummat uz Zohra, popularly known as Bahu Begum who was the wife of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah is located in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh.

The construction was commenced by Darab Ali Khan who was her personal assistant, in 1815 AD who died in 1818 AD on 10th August as he could finish the foundation work before his death. Bahu Begum died on 27th January 1816 AD.

Then construction was started again by her advocate Panah Ali and by  Mirza Haider son of adopted daughter. This finest building faces many hurdles like lack of funds and it was completed after mutiny in 1858 AD. The tomb is standing in the centre of the walled complex. It can be accessed through an elevated and well designed decorated grandeur  gateway, though outer complex is further enclosed by arched cells all along the walls and can be accessed through a triple gateway. The square structure of the tomb is built over a series of chambers. A passage is provisioned in the tomb complex to access the grave which is at the centre. The main hall contains Shah-n-Sheen with ritual objects and the cenotaph. Central hall where religious gatherings are held. The central hall has verandah and the corners are adorned by four-storeyed minarets toped with fluted domes. The fluted central dome of the tomb is decorated by inverted lotus along with petal designs on the bottom of the neck and finial at the top. The walls and ceilings of tomb are adorned with beautiful stucco designs painted in bright colours.

This is considered one of the finest edifice built in Nawabi style architecture situated in Awadh and it's a...

The Tomb of Bahu Begum, or Bahu Begum ka Maqbara is a stunning testament to Awadhi architecture and a poignant symbol of love. Built in 1816 by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula for his wife, Begum Unmatuzzohra Bano, this 42-meter-tall mausoleum, often called the "Taj Mahal of the East," captivates with its white marble facade and intricate interiors. The three-domed structure, adorned with floral motifs and elegant frescoes, exudes timeless grandeur, especially under moonlight when the marble gleams ethereally. Located 8 km from Ayodhya Junction, the tomb offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Faizabad from its upper platform, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and photographers. The well-maintained gardens, overseen by the Archaeological Survey of India, add to its serene ambiance. However, neglect in parts of the complex, as noted by some visitors, reflects a lack of consistent upkeep, which slightly mars its splendor. The tomb’s historical significance, tied to Bahu Begum’s dignity and influence, and its architectural brilliance make it a hidden gem. Despite its beauty, it remains underappreciated, with fewer crowds allowing for a tranquil visit. For the best experience, visit during early morning or late afternoon and consider a local guide to uncover its rich history. Comfortable shoes and a camera are essentials to fully enjoy this...