Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad Information with Location, Timing

Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad is a magnificent mausoleum that exhibits exceptional architectural beauty. Constructed by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb as a memorial to his first wife Rabia-Ul-Daurani aka Dilras Banu Begum, this 17^th-century structure bears an unmistakable likeness to the Taj Mahal, which is the final resting place of his mother. Standing against the scenic backdrop of the Sihaychal Ranges, this epitome of love draped in white offers a spellbinding sight and serves as one of the most prominent landmarks in the city. If you are chalking out your Aurangabad itinerary, make sure to include Bibi Ka Maqbara in your list of must-visit attractions.

What’s so unique about this marble structure? And why was it modeled on the Taj? Here’s everything you need to know about Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad, including its history, architecture, timings, entry fee, lesser-known facts, and much more. 

Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad Information

Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad: History

It was in 1637 that Aurangzeb married Dilras Banu Begum, who was a Persian princess belonging to the Safavid Dynasty. She was not only the first wife of the emperor but also his chief consort and favorite partner. During the twenty years of their conjugal life, the couple had five children. After the birth of Muhammad Akbar, their fifth child, she suffered from postpartum infections and fever that finally snuffed out her life a month later, on 8^th October 1657.

Deeply saddened by her demise, Aurangzeb commissioned a classic Mughal tomb in 1660 to serve as her final resting place. The edifice was constructed in 1668-1669.  It was named Bibi Ka Maqbara where Dilras Banu Begum was laid to rest under the posthumous title of Rabia-ud-Daurani, meaning Rabia of the Age.     

Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad: Architecture

The impeccably designed Bibi Ka Maqbara covers an area of 15000 square feet and stands amidst a quadrilateral Char Bagh garden, surrounded by a huge enclosure. Pillared pavilions, bastions, and arched recesses with pilasters topped with small minarets are some of the features that define the enclosure walls. A pathway with several fountains on either side leads up to the main structure from the entrance.

A fine example of the Mughal architecture, Bibi Ka Maqbara is located on a raised square platform that is 19 feet high. Four minarets, each with a height of 72 feet and featuring 144 stairs that lead to the top, stand at the four corners of the platform. There is also a mosque to the west of the structure. The portion up to the dado level and the dome are constructed in marble while the rest of the tomb features basaltic trap construction.

Fine plaster and stucco decorations adorn the body of the mausoleum. The crypt containing the mortal remains of Dilras Banu Begum is located below the ground level. An exquisitely designed octagonal marble screen surrounds the crypt that can be approached through a flight of stairs.  

Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad: Today

There is no doubt that Bibi Ka Maqbara is one of the finest structures and a top tourist attraction in Aurangabad. It is often referred to as Dakkhani Taj or the Taj of Deccan as it was modeled on the iconic Taj Mahal. Today, the gardens and fountains may not be in their best condition, but that doesn’t diminish the beauty and appeal of the mausoleum.

Things to See in the Bibi Ka Maqbara Complex, Aurangabad

Bibi Ka Maqbara has several attractions within it that display the architectural grandeur of the Mughal period. These include:

• Char Bagh Gardens: These are four gardens designed in the typical Char Bagh style, complete with pathways and 61 fountains.
• Structures in the Gardens: Each of the four gardens has a structure/building built within it. The east garden has the Aina Khana or Jamait Khana while the west garden has a mosque. The north garden is adorned with a Baradari and the south garden houses the main entrance to the mausoleum.
• Main Mausoleum: This is the main building of the Maqbara where you can find the queen’s tomb.
• Water Channels: While these water channels were constructed to nurture the gardens, they also enhance the beauty of the edifice.
• Ornamental Elements: Decorative elements that are characteristic of the Mughal architectural style enhance the beauty of the monument. These include stucco painting, marble screens with intricate lattice works, mosaic works, relief ornamentation, glazed tiling, and calligraphy, among others.

Lesser-Known Facts about Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad

• Bibi Ka Maqbara is among the largest monuments built by Aurangzeb who was not fond of the idea of constructing monuments. As a result, there are only a few structures to his credit including this mausoleum.
• It is believed that Aurangzeb wanted this mausoleum to be as grand as his mother’s tomb, the Taj Mahal. But due to monetary constraints, he was forced to reduce its architectural splendor and proportions.
• The mosque on the west of the mausoleum was not a part of the original structure. It was later added by the Nizam of Hyderabad.
• The marble used in the construction of Bibi Ka Maqbara was sourced from the mines located near Jaipur.
• Historians have long been divided on who built Bibi Ka Maqbara – Aurangzeb or his son Mohammed Azam Shah. The consensus now is that the tomb was indeed built by Azam Shah was only a child at the time of its construction but he later undertook a massive renovation of the tomb.
• Attaullah Rashidi, one of the architects of the mausoleum, was the son of Ustad Ahmed Lahori who built the Taj Mahal.

Attractions near Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad

• Jama Masjid (2 km)
• Panchakki (2 km)
• Soneri Mahal (2 km)
• Dargah Baba Shah Musafir (2 km)
• Aurangabad Jain Temple (2.5 km)
• Gul Mandi (2.5 km)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum (2.7 km)
• Aurangabad Caves (3 km)
• Himayat Bagh (3 km)
• Siddharth Garden and Zoo (4 km)
• Salim Ali Lake (4 km)

Bibi Ka Maqbara is not just a tomb, but a timeless structure that testifies to Aurangzeb’s love for his wife. Take out some time during your Aurangabad tour to visit this monument that provides glimpses into the personal life of the Mughal ruler who ruled over the subcontinent for 49 years! 

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