Bibi ka Maqbara - Architecture

Bibi ka Maqbara was built on the basis of Mughal architecture. Aurangzeb constructed the monument in the memory of his wife Dilras Banu Begum. The mausoleum was built in the centre of the garden.

Garden

As per the Mughal architecture, the garden in which the monument exists is divided into four parts and is called Charbagh. The garden increases the beauty of the monument due to its symmetry and layout. In order to provide water, many water channels were built in the garden. There is a fountain which is connected to the central water channel on the southern part of the garden.

Enclosure Walls

The monument was built at the centre of an enclosed wall whose dimension is 458m x 275m. The wall has pillared pavilions also known as baradaris located in the east, north, and west portion of the wall. The wall has arched recesses which are divided by pilasters or supporting columns.

The recesses have small minarets. Besides the recesses, there are bastions and the recesses and the bastions are built at regular intervals. The wall is built on a square platform and there are four minarets, one each at the corner of the platform.

Entrance Gate

The entrance gate is at the southern part of the mausoleum whose exterior is covered by wood. Brass plates are inlaid on the wood having many designs. There was also an entrance at the west but due to the construction of the mosque, the gate was closed. The mosque was built by Nizam of Hyderabad.

Mausoleum

The mausoleum was built with marble till the lower part of the wall called dado level. After this level, basalt was used in the construction till it reached the dome. The dome was built with marble. The basalt area is plastered to give a polished finish and decorated with stucco.

The Grave of Dilras Banu Begum

The grave of Dilras Banu Begum can be found in a chamber below the ground level and people can go there through a staircase. The grave is surrounded with jalis made up of marble and are octagonal in shape. The roof of the chamber has octagonal opening from where the grave can be viewed.