Bibi ka Maqbara: Taj of Deccan

Have ever wondered to find a striking resemblance to the world-famous Taj Mahal in Maharashtra? Well, this masterpiece does exist which can be unknown to many. Also, known as Bibi ka Maqbara, this is a beautiful mausoleum built by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Rabia-ul-Daurani alias Dilras Banu Begum, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb between 1651 and 1661 AD that stands in the tourism capital of Maharashtra i.e. Aurangabad.

Credits: Gargee Shirodkar

This mausoleum is built at the centre of a high platform, with four minarets at its corner creating an almost similar architectural work like Taj.

Talking about the major differences between two monuments, the onion dome of Maqbara is comparatively smaller than Taj. Additionally, unlike Taj which has been constructed completely in marble, this humble structure is a result of materials like limestone and stucco plaster, due to which they look little dusky comparatively. However, each of the two monuments has its own grace and charm.

Before coming across the sight of Mini Taj, you pass through a magnificent gate whose inner premises has been restored through chemical processes, thanks to the efforts of Archaeological Survey of India!

Credits: Gargee Shirodkar

Taj of Deccan is surrounded by cypress trees, lushy bushes and a garden that adds to beauty of the monument that provides as a witness of Mughal rule in Deccan. The typical Mughal Char-Baghpattern adorns the mausoleum thereby increasing its beauty and splendour through its symmetry and excellent garden layout.

Credits: Gargee Shirodkar

An imposing Islamic architecture and the peculiar Jari work (net work) found at one of the sides of mausoleum adorned with intricate designs and carved motifs.

Credits: Gargee Shirodkar

The mortal remain of Rabia-ul-Daurani is placed below the ground level surrounded by an octagonal marble screen with exquisite designs.

Credits: Lovell D'souza

A mosque is found to the west of the main structure, which was a later addition caused as a result of penance, by Nizam Sikander Jahan. It is said that 1803 AD, Nizam was so captivated by the Maqbara, he planned to shift it to his capital, Hyderabad when the area of Marathwada region were annexed to his kingdom. He even ordered the dismantling of the structure, slab by slab. But, somehow, he had a premonition of some disaster which might befall him were he to harm the existing structure.

Credits: Gargee Shirodkar

Azam Shah intended to build a monument that would rival the Taj Mahal. Unfortunately, he lacked the treasury his grandfather Shah Jahan had access to, as well as the skilled labour the treasury bought, resulting in a structure that lacked originality of Taj. This “Poor man’s Taj” may not be known as a renowned wonder, but it does not fail to impress and is soothing to the eyes due to its charismatic architectural wonder.

Though separated by time, magnitude and distance, both the monuments being related to each other in some way showcase love as well as loss, immortalizing two gracious ladies in the chapters of history.