Bibi Ka Maqbara

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Bibi Ka Maqbara is a beautiful Mughal monument situated just 5 km from Auragabad in the state of Maharashtra. The monument is a cheap imitation of the great Taj Mahal and is the mausoleum for Aurangzeb's first wife Rabia-ud-Durrani. The structure was built in 1679 by Aurangzeb's son Azam Shah in the memory of his mother (Bibi). An archaeological museum located just behind the mausoleum houses a rare collection of artifacts and articles of personal use from the times of the Mughal era.

Despite the layout and surrounding of the tomb is very much similar to Taj Mahal, somehow the architecture fails to produce the magic of the Taj. Hence, it is considered to be a poor imitation of the Taj Mahal. The chief architect of the monument is a Persian called Ustad - Ata - Ullah. The inscription on the walls of the tomb reveals that it cost precisely Rs. 665,283 and 7 Annas to build this monument.

Bibi Ka Maqbara has four towering minarets like Taj Mahal. An octagonal lattice-screen of white marble surrounds the raised plinth supporting Rabia Daurani's grave inside the tomb. The tips of its pillars are made of red stone. The monument becomes so beauty when its reflection falls on the water as soon as the sun's first rays fall on it. MTDC organizes a fair every October as the Bibi Ka Maqbara festival. Aurangabad is well connected through air, train and road. Accommodation facilities are available at various hotels at Aurangabad.

The reason for this is that, despite the fact that it could not be an adequate competitor for the Taj, it is still a magnificent monument. Bibi Ka Maqbara has been set amidst picturesque surroundings, with the mountain ranges providing the perfect backdrop. In the center of the north, east and western part of the enclosure wall of Bibi ka Makbara, one can find pillared pavilions. Its gardens follow the typical Mughal Char-Bagh pattern in their layout, adding to the splendor of the mausoleum.

The mausoleum is built on a high square platform with four minarets at its corners, which is approached by a flight of steps from the three sides. A mosque is found to the west of the main structure, which was a later addition caused, by Nizam of Hyderabad resulting closure of the entrance. The mausoleum is encased with marble up to the dado level. Above the dado level, it is constructed of basaltic trap up to the base of dome; the latter is again built of marble. A fine plaster covers the basaltic trap and given a fine polished finish and adorned with fine stucco decorations. The mortal remain of Rabia-ul-Daurani is placed below the ground level surrounded by an octagonal marble screen with exquisite designs, which can be approached by a descending flight of steps. The roof of this chamber that corresponds to the ground level of the mausoleum is pierced by an octagonal opening and given a low barricaded marble screen. Thus the tomb can also be viewed from the ground level also through this octagonal opening. The mausoleum is crowned by a dome pierced with trellis works and accompanying panels decorated with flower designs.

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The Bibi-Ka-Maqbara is a beautiful mausoleum of Rabia-ul-Daurani alias Dilras Banu Begum, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb (1658-1707 A.D.). This mausoleum is believed to be constructed by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother between 1651 and 1661 A.D. An inscription found on the main entrance door mentions that this mausoleum was designed and erected by Ata-ullah, an architect and Hanspat Rai, an engineer respectively. The marble for this mausoleum was brought from mines near Jaipur.

According to Tavernier, around three hundred carts laden with marbles, drawn by at least 12 oxen were seen by him during his journey from Surat to Golconda. The mausoleum draws its inspiration from the world famous Taj Mahal of Agra (constructed between 1631 and 1648 A.D.) and hence it is rightly known as the "Taj of Deccan". The mausoleum was intended to rival the Taj Mahal, but, the decline in architecture and proportions of the structure had resulted in a poor copy of the latter. Even this decline cannot stop one appreciating the setting of the tomb complex in a garden setting with the mountain ranges behind providing as a backdrop. A huge ‘U’ shaped gap in between the hills behind provides the perfect harmony in which the mausoleum is blended.

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Aurangabad Caves:
Aurangabad Caves are artificial caves, dug out of the rather soft rock during the 6th and 7th century. This caves are found on two separate locations, called Western Group Caves (caves 1-5) and Eastern Group Caves (caves 6-10), about 1km from each other. In all, there are nine caves which are mainly 'Viharas'. The most interesting among these are Caves 3 and 7.Bani

Begam Bagh:
Aurangabad, you can find the tomb of Bani Begam - companion to one of Aurganzeb's sons. It lies amidst extensive landscaped gardens, scatter with fluted pillars, elegant domes and artistic fountains - showcasing the impressive architecture of the times.

Suneri Mahal :
Situated to the north of Bibi ka Maqbara (currently in the university compound), which is a notable building in the late Mughal style. It is of interest for the patches of old painting and gold work that decorate the walls. Every year ‘Ajanta-Ellora-Aurangabad Festival’ celebrated in the Suneri Mahal.

Ghrishneshwar Temple:
Aurangabad City and half kilometer from Ellora Caves, lies this 18th century temple with its beautiful architecture and carving, one of the five 'Jyotirlingas' in Maharashtra were Shiva is worshipped.

Khuldabad:
Aurangabad city lies Khuldabad, sorrounded by beautiful natural and eye catching mountains, literally 'heavenly abode'. It is the holy shrine of Muslims. The final resting place of last great Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb, He built the crenellated wall around the town, once an important center for the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and few great Sufis.

Pitalkhora Caves:
In the Satmala range 78 kilometers from Aurangabad, there are 13 cave sanctuaries - Chaityas B.C. to the 5th century A.D. The relief work at Pitalkhora is richer and more complex, the carving more accurate than that of earlier times.

Darwazas:
Most of the monuments in Aurangabad are of the Mughals and Maratha period. There are to 52 Darwazas, out of which very few are presently are in good condition. There are four main Darwazas leading into the city, which along with nine secondary darwazas formed part of the defense systems of the city. Few of the gates are Delhi Gate, Paithan Gate, Roshan Gate, Bhadkal Gate, Rangeen Darwaza, Kaala Darwaza, Kat Kat Gate, Buland Darwaza, Barapulla Gate etc.

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