Bibi ka Maqbara: A Royal Tomb in Aurangabad
Love is an emotion that can give birth to a thousand other emotions. In its positive form, love can encourage people to such an extent that they sometimes tread on an unknown, almost deserted path and reach to their destination by crossing all hurdles that they might come across. On the other hand, some people want to immortalize their love and in this pursuit, they create something that becomes an icon and an example used by people to describe the heights and depths of one’s love. Bibi ka Maqbara is just the same; an expression of love by a son to his mother that has earned praises by all the people who have seen it from a close distance, apart from the experts who rate the historical structures according to their strength and aesthetic appeal.
Location
Bibi ka Maqbara is located in the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra.
History
The historical tomb was built by Azam Shah during the seventeenth century. Azam Shah was born from the first wife of Aurangzeb, Rabia Durrani, to whom this monument is dedicated. It is believed that the tomb was built during the mid-seventeenth century at a cost of approximately seven lacs. The design of this monument was created by an architect named Ata-ullah, as read on an inscription in the tomb complex. The construction material was procured from Jaipur and was brought to the town in carts.
Many experts have compared this tomb to the famous Taj Mahal though it is arguably smaller in proportions and also far much simpler than the Taj. Another theory states that Aurangzeb must have granted much less amount to his son as compared to the amount that went into the construction of Taj.
Structure
The mausoleum stands between a boundary that measures 458 metres by 275 metres. Four pillars are constructed to each corner of the tomb. Recesses placed at equal distance from each other are separated by pilasters. Each recess is adorned with minarets. Bastions have been constructed upon the boundary walls. A mosque was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad, which resulted in leaving the tomb accessible from three sides only.
The main entry point to the tomb is located towards its south. The gate is designed with foliages. This gate leads to a pathway where fountains were constructed in a row, providing a pleasant view and climate to the visitors.
Walking further, the marble that fills the gap between the pedestal and the base can be seen. A basaltic trap occupies the space to the dome, which is also built of marble. The trap is decorated with stucco and has been finished using a fine polish. The remains of Azam Shah Mother, Rabia Durrani have been placed under the ground where one can reach through the steps.
Eat, Drink, Collect
Aurangabad is famous not just for the historical monuments, but also for the various cuisines it offers to the visitors. Within the city and on the highways, you will find a number of restaurants, dhabas, bars and hotels that serve a variety of cuisines.
Visitors should take time and purchase Himroo and Mishroo shawls, bedcovers, Paithani sarees, khaadi clothes, pottery and organic food material from the town.
Best Time to Visit
The tomb remains open from 08:00 a.m. till sunset. Indian residents and tourists arriving form BIMSTEC and SAARC countries are required to pay Rs 25/- per person for admission. Visitors from other countries have to pay Rs 250/- per person towards admission.
Tourists should avoid visiting the tomb and the city of Aurangabad during summer season, as the temperature soars up to 45 degrees, thus making it inconvenient to walk around the town and explore various outdoor sites.
How to Reach
There is a domestic airport is Aurangabad which connects the city to Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Udaipur through commercial airlines. The city can be accessed from major cities and other towns through the rail route. The Aurangabad station falls in the Manmad route, which is a major junction of the region and provides direct connectivity with several important cities.
Aurangabad is also accessible through road transport and is connected with Pune, Mumbai, Shirdi, Nasik, Daulatabad, Nagpur and many other towns of Maharashtra and neighboring states as well. Once you reach the city, you can hire a metered auto rickshaw, a private air-conditioned cab, or the inter-city buses run by Aurangabad Municipal Transport or the state run buses.
Location
Bibi ka Maqbara is located in the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra.
History
The historical tomb was built by Azam Shah during the seventeenth century. Azam Shah was born from the first wife of Aurangzeb, Rabia Durrani, to whom this monument is dedicated. It is believed that the tomb was built during the mid-seventeenth century at a cost of approximately seven lacs. The design of this monument was created by an architect named Ata-ullah, as read on an inscription in the tomb complex. The construction material was procured from Jaipur and was brought to the town in carts.
Many experts have compared this tomb to the famous Taj Mahal though it is arguably smaller in proportions and also far much simpler than the Taj. Another theory states that Aurangzeb must have granted much less amount to his son as compared to the amount that went into the construction of Taj.
Structure
The mausoleum stands between a boundary that measures 458 metres by 275 metres. Four pillars are constructed to each corner of the tomb. Recesses placed at equal distance from each other are separated by pilasters. Each recess is adorned with minarets. Bastions have been constructed upon the boundary walls. A mosque was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad, which resulted in leaving the tomb accessible from three sides only.
The main entry point to the tomb is located towards its south. The gate is designed with foliages. This gate leads to a pathway where fountains were constructed in a row, providing a pleasant view and climate to the visitors.
Walking further, the marble that fills the gap between the pedestal and the base can be seen. A basaltic trap occupies the space to the dome, which is also built of marble. The trap is decorated with stucco and has been finished using a fine polish. The remains of Azam Shah Mother, Rabia Durrani have been placed under the ground where one can reach through the steps.
Eat, Drink, Collect
Aurangabad is famous not just for the historical monuments, but also for the various cuisines it offers to the visitors. Within the city and on the highways, you will find a number of restaurants, dhabas, bars and hotels that serve a variety of cuisines.
Visitors should take time and purchase Himroo and Mishroo shawls, bedcovers, Paithani sarees, khaadi clothes, pottery and organic food material from the town.
Best Time to Visit
The tomb remains open from 08:00 a.m. till sunset. Indian residents and tourists arriving form BIMSTEC and SAARC countries are required to pay Rs 25/- per person for admission. Visitors from other countries have to pay Rs 250/- per person towards admission.
Tourists should avoid visiting the tomb and the city of Aurangabad during summer season, as the temperature soars up to 45 degrees, thus making it inconvenient to walk around the town and explore various outdoor sites.
How to Reach
There is a domestic airport is Aurangabad which connects the city to Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Udaipur through commercial airlines. The city can be accessed from major cities and other towns through the rail route. The Aurangabad station falls in the Manmad route, which is a major junction of the region and provides direct connectivity with several important cities.
Aurangabad is also accessible through road transport and is connected with Pune, Mumbai, Shirdi, Nasik, Daulatabad, Nagpur and many other towns of Maharashtra and neighboring states as well. Once you reach the city, you can hire a metered auto rickshaw, a private air-conditioned cab, or the inter-city buses run by Aurangabad Municipal Transport or the state run buses.
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