Bibi Ka Maqbara
Shah
Jahan built the Taj Mahal, in Agra, in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz. His
son Aurangzeb, who overthrew him, built the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara as a mausoleum to
his wife Rabia-ud-Durrani.
This is the monument for which Aurangabad is best known, probably because it
was obviously intended to rival the Taj Mahal, which it imitates. The comparison
with the Agra monument has unfortunately somewhat denigrated the Aurangabad
tomb which in itself displays a worthwhile architectural design, with much distinguished
surface ornamentation in the late Mughal style.
The mausoleum dates from 1678 and it was erected by Prince Azam Shah, one of
Aurangzeb's sons, in memory of Begum Rabia Durani, his mother. It stands in
the middle of a spacious and formally planned garden, some 457 by 274 metres,
with axial ponds, fountains, and water channels, many defined by stone screens
and lined with broad pathways. The garden is enclosed by high crenellated walls
with bastions set at intervals, and open pavilions on three sides.
In the middle of the south wall is an imposing gateway with brass-inlaid doors;
these are inscribed with the name of the architect, Atam Aula. The central focus
of this vast enclosure is the tomb itself. This is raised on a high terrace
to look out over the garden plots and waterways. Access to the octagonal chamber
containing the unadorned grave at the lower level is from a flight of steps
that descends from the terrace. The grave is enclosed by an octagon of perforated
marble screens. The chamber above is a high square structure presenting identical
fagades on four sides. Each is dominated by a lofty portal with a pointed arch,
flanked by smaller arched niches of similar design. A great dome, with a pronounced
bulbous profile and a brass pot finial, crowns the whole composition while four
lesser domes mark the corners.
Doorways lead to an inner octagonal gallery, defined by stone screens, that
overlooks the grave from an upper level, an architectural innovation unicfue,
to this monument. Corner squinches carry the lofty dome that roofs the chamber.
White marble is used throughout, interspersed with delicately moulded stucco.
There is, however, no use of semiprecious stones. Exactly like the Taj Mahal,
the mausoleum is framed by four lofty minarets that stand freely at the corners
of the terrace, their part-octagonal bases continuing down to ground level.
They have diminutive square pavilions in red sandstone at their summits. To
the west of the tomb is a small mosque with finely worked cusped arches and
corner minarets. Small recesses, rosettes, and arabesques embellish the faqade.
Mention may also be made here of the Sunheri Mahal, situated to the north of
Bibi ka Maqbara, which is a notable building in the late Mughal style. It is
of interest for the patches of old painting and goldwork that adorn the walls.
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