What is Poor Man’s Taj Mahal?
The Poor Man’s Taj Mahal, also known as Bibi ka Maqbara, is a Mughal-style mausoleum located in Aurangabad, India. It was commissioned by the famously thrifty Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for his wife Rabia Durrani. The structure is often compared to the Taj Mahal, the iconic mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Bibi ka Maqbara is a stunning structure that stands amid landscaped gardens with fountains and broad pathways. The mausoleum is constructed of white marble and features a large dome, four minarets, and an impressive façade with intricate carvings. The mausoleum also features an ornate interior, with a central chamber that houses the cenotaph of Rabia Durrani.
The Poor Man’s Taj Mahal was built in the mid-17th century, but its construction was much less expensive than that of the Taj Mahal. This is due to the fact that Aurangzeb was known for his thriftiness and was not willing to spend the same amount of money as his father, Shah Jahan, had done for the Taj Mahal. Despite its smaller size and simpler design, Bibi ka Maqbara still stands as a testament to the Mughal architectural style and is a popular tourist attraction in Aurangabad.
The Poor Man’s Taj Mahal is a beautiful structure that is worth visiting if you are in the area. It is a reminder of the Mughal architectural style and a testament to the thriftiness of Aurangzeb. While it may not be as grand as the Taj Mahal, it is still an impressive structure that is worth seeing.