Of the numerous places that we visited while in Aurangabad, Bibi ka Maqbara was last in our list (as S is not fond of visiting tombs). I solely wanted to visit the place because if its' name as 'Mini Tajmahal'. As I have not visited Taj Mahal, I did not compare this structure with the masterpiece so I must say it is a lovely stand- alone monument.
View of the garden and fountains from the raised platform...
Popularly known as Taj of the Deccan, the construction of the tomb was commissioned by Aurangzeb for his beloved wife Dilarus Banu Begum. He wanted to replicate the Taj Mahal of Agra built by his father Shah Jahan but being stingy, he agreed to sanction only Rs.7 lakh that makes it to be a poor copy of the Taj. Though commissioned by Aurangzeb, it was his son- Azam Shah who completed the mausoleum in 1668.
We had reached the Bibi ka Maqbara premises (located in Begumpura) early in the morning to avoid the crowd (also we were heading back to Hyderabad in the afternoon). The entrance reminded me of tomb structure- Chaukhandi that I had seen in Bidar. Soon after the entrance, there is a very intricately decorated ceiling and leaf motifs on brass door. The Mughal styled gardens and fountains welcomed us as we approached the main tomb complex which is built on a square platform with four minarets in each corner.
Motifs on the entrance door and decorated ceiling at the entrance...
Jaali work
The grave is placed below the ground with octagonal jali work surrounding it. Intricate lattice and stucco work can be seen around the main mausoleum. We could not spend much time as we were short of time so only took a few photographs before leaving.
Stucco work...
Arches...mosque next to the tomb
View of the garden and fountains from the raised platform...
Popularly known as Taj of the Deccan, the construction of the tomb was commissioned by Aurangzeb for his beloved wife Dilarus Banu Begum. He wanted to replicate the Taj Mahal of Agra built by his father Shah Jahan but being stingy, he agreed to sanction only Rs.7 lakh that makes it to be a poor copy of the Taj. Though commissioned by Aurangzeb, it was his son- Azam Shah who completed the mausoleum in 1668.
We had reached the Bibi ka Maqbara premises (located in Begumpura) early in the morning to avoid the crowd (also we were heading back to Hyderabad in the afternoon). The entrance reminded me of tomb structure- Chaukhandi that I had seen in Bidar. Soon after the entrance, there is a very intricately decorated ceiling and leaf motifs on brass door. The Mughal styled gardens and fountains welcomed us as we approached the main tomb complex which is built on a square platform with four minarets in each corner.
Motifs on the entrance door and decorated ceiling at the entrance...
The grave is placed below the ground with octagonal jali work surrounding it. Intricate lattice and stucco work can be seen around the main mausoleum. We could not spend much time as we were short of time so only took a few photographs before leaving.
Stucco work...
Arches...mosque next to the tomb
