Hidden Secrets of Bibi ka Maqbara- Architects and Engineers

 Hidden Secrets of Bibi ka Maqbara- Architects and Engineers

The project of the mausoleum of Rabiya Daurani was completed under the services of eminent engineers, architects, and supervisors. Aaqa Beg son of AbdulMehdiheld a rank of 200 Zhat[1]and was the superintendent of the mausoleum in the year 1658 AD. The whole construction of the mausoleum was carried out under his supervision. His brother Muhib Ali was the “Darogah” in charge of the hospital (Dar-ush-Shifa) at Aurangabad.[2] Aaqa Beg was given an increment of 50 Zhat and rupees thirty monthly cash salary in addition to the existing salary of rupees two hundred.[3] Aaqa Beg was appointed at Maqbara by Bakshi-ul-Mulki Muhammad Sadiq in the year 1658 AD. Aaqa Beg appointed a team of guards or attendants at Maqbara on a monthly salary ranging from Rs.20/- to Rs.40/-.

Aaqa Beg was the general administrative officer as well as the supervisor of the engineering team and also the treasurer of the valuables kept at the Maqbara. Under his seal, Shaikh Ibrahim was appointed and seven other Sawers (cavalry) were stationed at the tomb of Dilras Bano Begum in 1658 AD[4] to guard the Maqbara. The expert supervision of Aaqa Beg was sought to prepare the ornamental door of the main gate[5] of the mausoleum. Aaqa Beg was working as the superintendent of the Mausoleum and was promoted to a higher rank on 14^th January 1658 AD.[6] Under his able supervision, the construction of the mausoleum was completed in 1660 AD.[7] In the year 1661 AD Aaqa Beg was replaced by Muluk Chand. The salaries of the mason of the Maqbara, Fatehullah, were paid under the seal of Muluk Chand.[8]

Ataullah was a master mason architect and also an expert in metal ornamentation work when he was appointed. The specimen of his workmanship is displayed on the main gate of the Maqbara were the most intricate work in geometrical designs and patterns is carved on brass.[9] He was associated with Hanspatrai, the engineer, in the construction of the above-mentioned gate.[10] The mausoleum work was completed under Hanspatrai's able guidance.[11]

Mir Qasim the Amin and Khwaja Sarai was also posted at the Mausoleum.[12] The revenue of Begampura was also utilised for the payment of salaries of the officers and the workers.[13] Aaqa Beg, Mir Qasim and Ataullah the master-mason were paid their salaries from the income of the Begampura Market which belonged to Dilras Bano Begum.[14]

Dr Shaikh Ramzan

M.A., M.Ed., PhD (History) Researcher

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[1] Naseeruddin Khan, “Selected documents of Shah Jahan’s Reign”, (Hyderabad Deccan, Daftar-i-Diwani, 1950), p. 213

[2] Ibid., p. 212

[3] Ibid., p. 213

[4] Ibid., p. 215

[5] Inscription on the Main gate (Brass) P. 43

[6] Selected documents of Shah Jahan's Reign, op. cit.,

[7] Inscription at the main gate, op. cit.,

[8] Selected documents of Aurangzeb's Reign, op. cit., p. 21

[9] Inscription at the main gate, P. 42, 43

[10] Ibid.

[11] Ibid.

[12] Selected documents of Aurangzeb's Reign, op. cit., p. 242

[13] Ibid., p. 237

[14] Ibid.