The Unknown Glory of Dakkhani Taj in Bibi Ka Maqbara

People tour for many reasons. They’ll choose a specific travel destination for leisure, business, or to visit relatives and friends. Considering that, a tourism hub is ideal if you’re passionate about historical monuments that are a significant attraction in many countries. If you are a history buff who loves ancient architectural marvels, there’s plenty for you to see around the world.

Considering its deep-rooted history, culture, and rituals, India will come to mind. Of course, you’ll want to learn much about the famed Dakkhani Taj, and there is a lot to know to make your trip memorable.

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Where Is Bibi Ka Maqbara? A Visit to Aurangabad

Aurangabad is a celebrated city in India that covers the vast lands of Maharashtra and the terrain of the Deccan Traps. As a top pick among many tourism hubs in the country, the city is home to other popular sites like Ellora and Ajanta caves. Besides these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bibi ka Maqbara has transformed the tourism fortunes of the city thanks to its likeness to the Taj Mahal.

Being a historical city, the Indian rock-cut architecture of Aurangabad has attracted hundreds of tourists over the years. Thanks to the Mughal architecture, the mausoleum of Dilras Banu Begum, Emperor Aurangzeb’s wife, was built. The royal mosque and ruins of the ancient palace built by the emperor remain in the city.

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The Rich History of Bibi Ka Maqbara – Be in the Know

Your visit to Aurangabad will unquestionably take you to the celebrated Bibi ka Maqbara, or Tomb of the Lady. It is a spectacular mausoleum with an unbelievably striking semblance of the famous Taj Mahal. Also known as the queen’s memorial, Taj of Deccan, or Dakkhani Taj, the tomb was erected in memory of Emperor Aurangzeb’s wife, Dilras Banu Begum.

It was commissioned in 1660 after Dilras died after giving birth to their fifth child. The likeness of the Dakkhani Taj to the Taj Mahal is basically because the latter is the resting place of Aurangzeb’s mother. Bibi ka Maqbara was built by Prince Azam Shah, and the mausoleum was the best way to honor the memory of their beloved mother and wife to the emperor.

Attaullah Rashidi and Hanspat Rai designed and erected Dilras’ tomb. The architect and engineer are credited with the unique design of the mausoleum. They embraced the historical Mughal architecture of Aurangabad city for their creations.

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Architecture and Key Features of Dakkhani Taj

Bibi ka Maqbara, built by the emperor’s son, is a flawless architectural masterpiece and one of Aurangabad’s key tourist attractions. The mausoleum lies in an approximately 15000 sq ft area in a Persian and Indo-Persian (Charbagh) quadrilateral garden. A vast enclosure surrounds the tomb, and exclusive elements define the walls.

Some of the distinctive features that make the mausoleum compartment walls eye-catching include:

• Pillared pavilions
• Bastions
• Curved recesses with pilasters
• Minarets

Upon arriving at the monument, you’ll see a pathway with several awe-striking fountains on either side, leading to the main structure from the primary entrance. The structure’s body has stucco and remarkable plaster décor that illustrates its uniqueness. The architects used marble and basaltic traps to bring out the distinctive taste of Mughal architecture.

Below the ground level, you’ll find a crypt that signifies the burial place of Dilras Banu Begum. An octagonal, pierced marble screen with beautiful designs surrounds the crypt. Hence, the mausoleum is easy to view from ground level via the octagonal opening.

You’ll also find a mosque on the west side of the main structure. Even with budget restraints, Azam Shah was able to commission and build a spectacular mausoleum for their beloved mother. With these distinctive features, Bibi ka Maqbara still has the charm to attract tourists from all walks of life.

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Getting to Bibi Ka Maqbara Hassle-Free

The Dakkhani Taj attracts passionate sightseers from around the world throughout the year. Plan your trip to enhance your travel experience and know when to visit this historic site. The Aurangabad region experiences winter weather that many tourists find enjoyable.

There are diverse means of transportation to embrace and reach Dakkhani Taj. The mausoleum is 5 kilometers from Aurangabad and well-connected with other surrounding cities. Here are ways to reach your destination:

• By Road: You’ll find the Aurangabad bus terminal on Jalagaon Road. From there, catch a bus to your destination.
• Local Transport: Book a private cab or local bus and make your way to the mausoleum. You’ll also get to see other tourist attraction sites you wouldn’t get to see and plan future visits.
• By Train: The Aurangabad railway station is well-connected to all prominent locations in the city. From there, you can reach your desired destination stress-free by hiring a taxi after disembarking from the train.
• By Air: Chikkalthana airport is 10 km from Aurangabad and accommodates flights from other parts of India. After taking your flight to the historic city, book one of the airport taxis and head to Bibi Ka Maqbara.

Notably, the mausoleum opens from 8 AM to 8 PM daily. The tickets will vary depending on whether you are a local visitor or a foreigner.

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Things to Do and See in and Around Dakkhani Taj

There is no dull day touring the famous Bibi ka Maqbara. Below are the key attractions.

Dakkhani Taj Magnificent Interior

The architecture behind the Dakkhani Taj is unparalleled, and the structure will grab your attention right away. It features distinctive decorative aspects that date many centuries ago and only a few architects can create. From the main entrance to the interiors, every element is attention-grabbing.

You’ll fall in love with stucco painting, stucco plaster with relief décor, glazed tiles, and latticework. Inside the hall, the roof features stunning portraits of geometric decorations entwined with complex threads into a unique design. The latticework creates a sight to behold with the addition of floral, elaborate leaf, and geometric etched designs.

The Nearby Museum

It’s the best place to visit and gather robust information about Aurangabad, its hidden treasures, and its deep-rooted history. It offers everything every tourist would want to see and learn about the mausoleum. It also houses several exhibition galleries with historical information documentation on display.

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Grishneshwar Temple

Make your trip to the Tomb of the Lady in Aurangabad a blessed and cheerful one by seeking spirituality at the Grishneshwar Temple. It’s an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site near the mausoleum. The walls of this temple feature engravings of several Hindu gods and goddesses. It provides a divine atmosphere for those seeking spiritual guidance and peace.

Stroll in the Lush Gardens

The Mughal architecture embraces the addition of gardens in its Charbagh designs. No wonder the mausoleum has a Charbagh-based garden. Visitors can stroll and take pictures while lounging about these lush gardens. The scenic of the 61 fountains in the water reservoir presents a picture-perfect spot for taking photos.

Giant Entrance Gate

A giant gate marks the entrance of the Bibi ka Maqbara and will leave you gazing at its unique design. It’s covered with brass plates and lush wood, adding beauty to its exterior.

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Glimpse the Famous Crypt

The crypt of Dilras Banu Begum’s resting place is at the lower chamber and the primary attraction. The architecture around the tomb is impressive and will amuse you. This is the best place to dedicate your time and find out why Emperor Aurangzeb dedicated this bemusing monument to his wife and named it the Taj of Deccan. While at the mausoleum, make the necessary consultation before taking pictures or take the flights to the lower level where the crypt is kept.

Takeaway

The Dakkhani Taj is a fascinating tourist attraction site that has impacted many people’s perceptions about sightseeing. It has an interesting and profound history that explores the ancient emperor regime of India. What fascinates many locals and foreign tourists is how the monument resembles the Taj Mahal. There are many reasons for visiting the Biki ka Maqbara, and you’ll appreciate its undeniable charm upon arriving at the monument.

Keep in mind that the joy of a trip comes from exploring as many new things as possible. Let the rush of discovery push you to explore other attraction sites in Aurangabad. Find similar places that offer the Taj of Deccan’s allure and learn more about the city and its history.