Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara is a 17th century Mughal mausoleum in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, built as a funerary monument and local landmark. It is commonly described as an echo of the Taj Mahal because of its central domed tomb and symmetrical plan.

The complex’s highlights include the white-domed funerary building with four corner minarets, a surrounding formal garden, and flanking structures including a mosque and monumental gateway. The tomb sits centrally on a raised platform and is visible from the garden paths that divide the site into quadrants.

Construction was commissioned in the late 17th century by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum, and reflects Mughal funerary architecture of that period. The site has undergone repairs and conservation works under Indian heritage authorities to address weathering and past structural damage.

The monument stands within the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, close to the city’s historic core and transport links. Aurangabad is the nearest major urban centre and serves as the usual base for visiting the site.

• Taj comparison: Often compared to the Taj Mahal because of its white marble dome and symmetrical layout, it is much smaller in scale.
• Best light: Best light for photography is early morning or late afternoon when the white stone shows richer tones against the sky.

What to See #

• Main mausoleum: Central mausoleum set on a raised plinth with a large central dome and four minarets at the corners, surrounded by a formal garden laid out in quadrants.
• Charbagh garden: Rectangular charbagh garden divided by walkways and water channels, forming the funerary landscape around the tomb.
• Mosque and gateway: A mosque and a grand stone gateway that form part of the funerary complex and face the mausoleum.