Bibi-Ka-Maqbara: A Taj Mahal Lookalike!!

I am sure most of us have seen or been to the Taj Mahal at least once, but have you seen a replica of the Taj Mahal and that too in India?


Well, I hadn’t till I visited the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara at Aurangabad. This monument was built between 1651-1661 A.D. by Prince Azam Shah, son of Emperor Aurangzeb as a loving tribute to his mother, Rabia-ul Durrani.


Situated in the heart of the city of Aurangabad, this beautiful mausoleum that architecturally resembles the Taj Mahal of Agra is known as the ‘Taj of Deccan’ or ‘Dakkhani Taj’.


I have been to the Taj Mahal about 4 times and can say that I know more or less each corner of it. So when I landed at Bibi Ka Maqbara, I was stunned to see views that I had previously seen only at Agra.


But, I have to say that, though this monument resembles the Taj Mahal, it is not being maintained like the Taj Mahal. And that to me is a shame as it is still a architectural beauty and a pride of our country.

 
The Mughal garden, living water management system, pavements which are ornamented with little kiosks, finely worked brass doors, stucco floral motifs on the shell lime plaster, rank Bibi-Ka-Maqbara among the best of the ‘Beautiful Mughal buildings of Deccan’.


Hence, I sincerely hope that the government of India and the Archaeological Society of India take good care of this beautiful monument and ensure that it survives the centuries of the future.