Bibi-ka-Maqbara
About Bibi-ka-Maqbara
Far From City: 4 kms from city center
Cost:
About Bibi-ka-Maqbara
Weather:
Time Required:1-2 hours
Open Time:8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Cost:Indians: INR 10, Foreigners : INR 250
History of Bibi ka Maqbara
Dilras Banu Begum was a princess belonging to the Persian Safavid Dynasty and was married to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb on 8 May 1637. She went on to become Aurangzeb's chief consort and most beloved wife as well. She and Aurangzeb had five children - Zeb-un-Nissa, Zinat-un-Nissa, Zubdat-un-Nissa, Muhammad Azam Shah and Sultan Muhammad Akbar. After the birth of their fifth child, Dilras Banu Begum contracted a fever which proved to be fatal and she died on 8 October 1657.
Aurangzeb was deeply afflicted due to his beloved wife's death and their eldest son Azam Shah suffered greatly as well, so much so that he had a nervous breakdown. In 1660, three years after the death of Dilras Banu Begum, Aurangzeb commissioned the construction of her final resting place. Bibi ka Maqbara is said to be built in between 1651 and 1661. According to the records, the cost of construction of the mausoleum was about seven lakh rupees. The monument was designed and erected by Ata-Ullah, the architect and Hanspat Rai as the engineer. The marbles used in the construction were brought from the mines in Jaipur. Here, Dilras was buried under the posthumous title of 'Rabia-ud-Daurani'.
Features of Bibi ka Maqbara
Bibi ka Maqbara is an exquisite example of Mughal architecture style, and pertaining to the same has been laid down in the form of a Charbagh Garden. The main cenotaph is situated centrally in the complex and pillared canopies are situated in the north, east and western part of the premise wall. The mausoleum is built atop a high square platform and has four spires on each of its corners. A mosque is also situated towards the western end of Bibi ka Maqbara.
As you enter the mausoleum through the main entrance gate on its south, you will encounter an embellished brass plate which is ornamented with designs of foliage. A screened pathway adorning a series of fountains comes in next, which leads the way to Dilras Banu Begum's final resting place.
The cenotaph is encased with marble up to the dado level, above which a basaltic trap has been constructed up to the base of the dome. The basaltic trap is further covered with plaster covers which are embellished with intricate stucco decorations. The remains of Rabia Daurani are placed underground and are surrounded by marble honeycomb 'jaalis' which are beautifully decorated. The roof is octagonal in shape and corresponds to the ground level of the mausoleum. This makes the tomb viewable from the ground level through this octagonal opening. The mausoleum is crowned by a dome has intricate screen work and is further decorated with flower designs.
Best time to visit Bibi-ka-Maqbara
October - March are the best months to visit Bibi ka Maqbara.
How to Reach Bibi-ka-Maqbara
Bibi ka Maqbara is situated around 5 km from the heart of Aurangabad city. You can opt for a public transport like an autorickshaw or bus or hire a taxi to reach the Maqbara. It is advisable to fix the tariff priorly in case you are travelling by autorickshaw.
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