Bibi ka maqbara (imitation of taj mahal)
Bibi Ka Maqbara is situated about 5 kms from the Aurangabad city, the burial place
of Aurangzeb wife, Rabia-Durrani. Aurangzeb’s son built this monument in 1679
AD in
memory
of his mother Rabia-Durrani. It is an imitation of the Taj Mahal (among 7 new wonders
of world) at Agra, it is also called as "poor man's Taj Mahal" owing to
it being a poor replica of the Taj. Behind the tomb is located a small archeological
museum.
The comparison with the Agra monument has unfortunately somewhat degraded the Aurangabad
tomb which in itself displays a worthwhile architectural design, with much distinguished
surface ornamentation in the late Mughal style.
The tomb dates from 1678 and it was erected by Prince Azam Shah, one of Aurangzeb's
sons, in memory of Begum Rabia Durani, his mother. It stands in the middle of a
spacious and formally planned garden, some 457 by 274 meters, with axial ponds,
fountains, and water channels, many defined by stone screens and lined with broad
pathways. The garden is enclosed by high crenellated walls with fortress set at
intervals, and open pavilions on three sides.
In the middle of the south wall is an imposing gateway with brass-inlaid doors;
these are
inscribed with the name of the architect, Atam Aula. The central focus of this vast
enclosure is the tomb itself. This is raised on a high terrace to look out over
the garden plots and waterways. Access to the octagonal chamber containing the unadorned
grave at the lower level is from a flight of steps that descends from the terrace.
The grave is enclosed by an octagon of perforated marble screens. The chamber above
is a high square structure presenting identical fagades on four sides. Each is dominated
by a lofty portal with a pointed arch, flanked by smaller arched niches of similar
design. A great dome, with a pronounced bulbous profile and a brass pot finial,
crowns the whole composition while four lesser domes mark the corners.
Doorways lead to an inner octagonal gallery, defined by stone screens, that overlooks
the grave from an upper level, an architectural innovation unicfue, to this monument.
Corner squinches carry the lofty dome that roofs the chamber. White marble is used
throughout, interspersed with delicately moulded stucco. There is, however, no use
of semiprecious stones. Exactly like the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum is framed by four
lofty minarets that stand freely at the corners of the terrace, their part-octagonal
bases continuing down to ground level.
They have diminutive square pavilions in red sandstone at their summits. To the
west of the tomb is a small mosque with finely worked cusped arches and corner minarets.
Small recesses, rosettes, and arabesques embellish the faqade. Mention may also
be made here of the Sunheri Mahal, situated to the north of Bibi ka Maqbara, which
is a notable building in the late Mughal style. It is of interest for the patches
of old painting and goldwork that adorn the walls.