Biwi ka Maqbara, Aurangabad


Biwi ka Maqbara, also known as Taj of the Deccan, is a tomb located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. It was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his wife Dilras Banu Begum, who died during childbirth in 1657. The construction of the tomb began in 1658 and was completed in 1661.

The Biwi ka Maqbara is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India. It was designed by Ata-ullah, an architect from Shiraz, Iran, who had worked on the construction of the famous Taj Mahal in Agra. The tomb is built on a raised platform and is surrounded by a beautiful garden with fountains and water channels.

The tomb itself is made of marble and is a square structure with a large dome on top. The dome is surrounded by four smaller domes and is supported by four minarets at the corners. The entrance to the tomb is through a grand gate that is also made of marble. The gate is decorated with intricate carvings and calligraphy.

Inside the tomb, there is a cenotaph of Dilras Banu Begum. A cenotaph is a tomb or a monument that is dedicated to someone who is not buried there. The actual grave of Dilras Banu Begum is located below the cenotaph, in a crypt that is inaccessible to the public.

The interior of the tomb is decorated with beautiful floral designs and calligraphy. The walls are adorned with intricate patterns of flowers, vines, and leaves. The ceiling is also decorated with paintings and carvings of flowers and stars.

The garden surrounding the tomb is a typical Mughal garden, with fountains, water channels, and a reflecting pool. The garden is divided into four parts, with pathways leading to the tomb from each direction. The pathways are lined with trees and shrubs, creating a serene and peaceful environment.

Over the years, the Biwi ka Maqbara has undergone several renovations and restorations. The most recent restoration was carried out in 2017 by the Archaeological Survey of India. The restoration work included cleaning the marble surfaces, repairing the garden, and restoring the water channels and fountains.

Today, the Biwi ka Maqbara is a popular tourist attraction and is visited by thousands of people every year. It is considered to be one of the most important historical monuments in India and a symbol of love and devotion. The beauty of the Biwi ka Maqbara continues to inspire and captivate visitors from all over the world.

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