Everyone knows the Taj Mahal, but in Aurangabad further south, you can find the “poor man’s Taj” – a sad, little monument mimicking its big brother up in Agra.
The Bibi Ka Maqbara was built in the 17th century by the son of the Emperor Aurangzeb in honor of his mother. The Taj, of course, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife. Blah blah blah – greatest love story, etc etc.
Anyways, the Poor Man’s Taj was built to rival the Taj Mahal, but Aurangzeb wouldn’t allow his son to spend oodles and oodles of rupees on it. Hence it’s generally dilapidated look due to a poorer quality of stone and less opulent detailing. Although, it’s still a rather impressive building and if you don’t compare it to the world’s most beautiful building, then it’s probably not so bad.
Just a bit smaller than the Taj Mahal (that’s an exaggeration)
Main entrance certainly looks majestic! Just ignore the construction work.
The tomb inside
The details aren’t nearly as elaborate as the Taj Mahal, but they’re still pretty.
In the end, it’s still a big building created out of love. And it doesn’t look bad at sunset, either.
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I think the poor man did a pretty good job, it’s still stunning architecture!!! Too bad there’s scaffolding, without it, it would look even more beautiful!!!
Yeah, scaffolding always detracts from tourist sites, but I’m thankful that they’re doing something to restore it!
Still looks like a great place to check out! Thanks for the idea~
Yeah, it was pretty nice, but probably not worth going too far out of your way to se.
I think it’s really pretty too!
I think the only difference is that there is no water in the pool.
(just kidding)
Hahaha, yeah. There are plenty of differences. It’s too bad they don’t have a nice pool or else it would definitely give off a nicer impression.
Still really pretty if you ask me!
Thank you for giving us the history behind the building – it definitely gives it it’s own flair.
Here is Similar Story
Taj Mahal of India – “the epitome of love”, “a monument of immeasurable beauty”. The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. The very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance leaves one mesmerized.
The story behind this ‘poor Taj Mahal’ is still great despite the difference between the real thing.
First time here!
Thanks for your comment Ed!
Oh, what a sad story… in a way it makes this monument more endearing than the Taj.
Did you end up making it to the Taj Mahal? How would you compare the Taj to this? Do you think your impression of Bibi would change if you saw Taj first, then this?
Definitely think my impression would be different if I’d been to the Taj Mahal first, so I’m glad got to see this one first!