Sunday 15 December 2013

Aurangzeb’s Taj Mahal


Aurangabad, the city founded by Malik Ambar, is known for the famous rock frescoes of Ajanta and Ellora. It also has a different monument to its credit, a structure equal in appearance to the Taj Mahal at Agra and built with the purpose to rival it.




Following in the footsteps of his father the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb build this mausoleum for his first wife Rabia-ud-Daurani. Built sometime in 1660, it turned out to be a poor reproduction.  Though not too keen on architecture and fine arts, the Bibi Ka Maqbara turned out be Aurangzebs largest and most famous creation.



Built in Marble which came from the Jaipur mines, it was built by Ata-ullah who was the son of Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, the principal designer of the Taj Mahal. Though it may not have the splendour of a gold filigree or pecious stones embedded in it,  a small excursion to this place enroute to Ajanta or Ellora can bring back memories of Taj for a visitor






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