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Bibi Ka Maqbara: The 'Taj of the Deccan'

A poignant Mughal monument in Aurangabad, Bibi Ka Maqbara echoes the Taj Mahal's beauty, honoring a queen's memory in the heart of the Deccan.

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Bibi Ka Maqbara, located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, is a 17th-century mausoleum commissioned by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum. Often called the 'Taj of the Deccan' due to its resemblance to the Taj Mahal, it offers a glimpse into Mughal architecture in southern India.

A brief summary to BIBI KA MAQBARA

  • Monday 8 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-8 pm
  • Friday 8 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the marble glowing in the soft light.
  • Purchase tickets online to save time and potentially get a discount.
  • Photography is allowed, but there may be a separate fee for digital cameras.
  • Be aware that food and drinks are not allowed inside the premises.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Aurangabad Railway Station or the Central Bus Stand, take a local bus or auto-rickshaw towards Bibi Ka Maqbara. Buses are a budget-friendly option, while auto-rickshaws offer more direct service. The journey from the bus stand is approximately 3.4 km. Expect to pay around ₹10-₹20 for a bus ride or ₹80-₹120 for an auto-rickshaw.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Aurangabad. Use a mobile app or hail a taxi from the railway station, bus stand, or city center. A taxi ride to Bibi Ka Maqbara from these locations will typically cost between ₹150 and ₹250, depending on the distance and traffic.

  • Walking

    If you are near the city center (approximately 3 km away), consider walking to Bibi Ka Maqbara. This allows you to experience the local surroundings. From the Central Bus Stand, walk along the main road towards Begumpura. Follow the signs for Bibi Ka Maqbara. Be mindful of traffic and weather conditions. There are no specific costs associated with walking.

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Discover more about BIBI KA MAQBARA

Bibi Ka Maqbara, meaning 'Tomb of the Lady,' is Aurangabad's principal monument and a testament to Mughal architecture in the Deccan region. Commissioned in 1660 by Prince Azam Shah, son of Emperor Aurangzeb, it serves as the final resting place for his mother, Dilras Banu Begum, who was also known as Rabia-ul-Daurani. Inspired by the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum stands as a symbol of love and remembrance, though on a somewhat smaller scale. The design was conceived by Ata-ullah, son of Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, the chief architect of the Taj Mahal. Constructed between 1668 and 1669, the structure's cost was around Rs. 668,203. The marble used was sourced from mines near Jaipur. The mausoleum is set within a Char Bagh garden, a classic Mughal design with a symmetrical layout divided into four quarters by walkways and water channels. The main structure is built on a raised square platform with minarets at each corner. The main entrance features foliage designs on brass plates. The crypt containing Dilras Banu Begum's remains is located below ground level. The dome is crafted from marble, while the rest of the tomb features basaltic trap construction adorned with plaster and stucco decorations. A mosque, a later addition by the Nizam of Hyderabad, is situated to the west of the main structure. While the gardens and fountains may not always be in pristine condition, the mausoleum retains its beauty and appeal. Bibi Ka Maqbara offers a unique perspective on Mughal architectural ambition and stands as a poignant reminder of love and loss.

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