Taj of the Deccan

Bibi-ka-Maqbara
The beautiful mausoleum of Aurangezeb’s wife is believed to have been constructed by prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother Rabia-ul Durrani alias Dilras Banu Begum between circa 1651-1661 A.D. An inscription in the premises mentions that this mausoleum was designed and erected by Ata-Ulla, an architect and Hanspat Rai, an engineer. As the mausoleum resembles the Taj Mahal of Agra (1631-1653), it is known as the ‘Taj of Deccan’. The grave is simple, devoid of ornamentation, surrounded with marble screens of exquisite designs, finely worked brass doors and stucco floral motifs rank this maqbara among the best of beautiful Mughal buildings of the Deccan.


Aurangabad is a place of my study as it proudly houses some of the most beautiful fabrics in Maharashtra, the Paithani sari and the Himroo- a brocaded fabric. As this post speaks about the Bibi-ka-Maqbara, I would prefer to write about the textiles of Aurangabad and its intricacies in some other post.
“Observing the beautiful designs worked on the doors and walls of the mausoleum, I was wondering whether these designs could have influenced Himroo weaving in any ways as many pattern designs of many Indian traditional textiles are influenced by the architecture of the surrounding region.”

Brass door with elaborately worked on Irises

One of the favourite Mughal motif: the Lily

Besides the Taj

A lot is said and read about the Taj, therefore this post is about few things besides the Taj.

Besides the Taj Mahal in Agra and beyond the river Yamuna, there is a small structure of Mughal Architecture which loses the significance of its existence by being sited besides the spectacular Taj Mahal. Everyone going to the Taj is mesmerized by experiencing its grandeur and beauty. Certainly it’s a superb example of artistry and craftsmanship with a great deal of personal life connections of India’s glorious history. Look what is happening… I started by writing that I will not mention anything about the Taj, just a mere hint and its magnificence takes over everything.

The Taj Mahal seen from the Agra Fort

As a part of a study tour, I visited Agra and thus the Taj. When we were in the Taj place, many of friends were very restless to paint their canvases with lots of white and I guess most of them missed the splendid experience. But yes, I do not deny that artists have their own share of experiences with their colours, brushes and canvas. I was rather lost in the art aroma it is known for. However, I did not miss to make a Taj Mahal on paper, but made it from the Agra fort.

As I was being drenched by the beauty of the Taj, I was also fascinated by this structure which reflects its red sandstone in the river Yamuna just besides the Taj. Very secluded and very calm an experience, compliments to that of the Taj.

Batik Art: Besides the Taj

I do not know the reason of its existence there, but I do believe that it must have had a great deal of significance in the past. In the landscape of the taj, this small structure is seen to its left. I unknowingly painted this and realized it much later!

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The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

Besides the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower in Mumbai, there is a place, an office, a design studio where sincere Aarti works, and opposite to her office there is Bademiya!! Bademiya Seekh Kababs! A very famous street side food stall opens at 7pm and is on till 2am. Whenever Aarti works over late evenings and nights, she grabs one of the seekh kababs to keep up her energy; however it is a vegetarian kabab! Bademiya has a variety of veg kababs, unlike the Khan Chacha (from the Khan Market in Delhi) who serves just one variety of veg kabab, and nonetheless it’s the paneer tikka roll. As one of my (non-veg loving) friend comments that the vegetarians have over exaggerated (exagger-eated) the panner! But Bademiya is not this types; panner is a choice amongst many more. And also to be mentioned is his separate veg-cooking counter. It’s amazing.

The take-away menu. Pardon the Colaba spelling here.

preparation in progress...

Also, never go at 7pm, as he is busy in preparations and will not entertain you much. More late you go, more early you will get your kabab! The next I visit Bademiya, I will upload some more yummy pictures!