Hidden Secrets of Bibi ka Maqbara- Prince Aurangzeb’s Political Strategy
Prince Aurangzeb’s Political Strategy
Prince
Aurangzeb, the able politician, was very astute and though the total money was
spent by Dilras Bano Begum, he took full interest in the construction and
beautification of the Bibi-ka-Maqbara as much as he could. Thereby he acquired
great political credit by undertaking the construction of the huge mausoleum to
portray his power, dignity and create fear in the minds of the Deccan kings and
the common public.
Reflection of the Personality of Prince Aurangzeb:
The
red stones used in the palatial mansions of Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri bear the
stamp of Akbar’s taste.[1]
Shah Jahan, the great builder used mostly white marble in the building of mansions
and also in the construction of the Taj at Agra. The plush ornamentation in
every corner of the building and its enormous size and shape gives a clear picture
of the rich and luxurious life and the tastefulness of Shah Jahan.
The
Bibi-ka-Maqbara furnishes us with some further intricacies about the
personality of Prince Aurangzeb. Merely being the Subedar of the Deccan he had
limited resources[2]
to undertake the construction of the extensive Aurangabad Town itself and
accordingly Dilras Banu Begum who was a princess of the Safavid Dynasty of Iran
provided the resources to build her own Maqbara. Prince Aurangzeb used white
marble only at the top and the bottom of the Maqbara and the rest of the
Maqbara building was completed in white lime. White marble was not used
elsewhere in the town except the Maqbara. Though the construction looks simple
in comparison with the construction of the Taj done by Shah Jahan but it
reflects the personality traits of Prince Aurangzeb.
All
the constructions done by Mughal Kings reflect their personal views, tastes and
inclinations and their individuality mainly inspired the patterns.[3] Strange
enough, Prince Aurangzeb who is considered by many historians as one who was
devoid of human feelings,[4]
helps construct a monument for his beloved wife and that too in her lifetime.
This definitely shows his affection and love for his wife[5]
and that his love was not less than Shah Jahan’s love for Mumtaz Mahal.
Dr Shaikh Ramzan
M.A., M.Ed., PhD (History) Researcher
[1] Ibid., p. 155
[2] J. Sarkar, “History of Aurangzeb”,
Vol. I & II, (New Delhi, orient Longman Ltd., 1973), p. 99
[3] Nath, op. cit., p. 154
[4] S.M. Pagadi, Mughal Newsletters
(Bombay Maharashtra Rajya Sahitya and Sanskriti Mandal, 1978), p. 13
[5] J. Sarkar, “Anecdotes of
Aurangzeb”, (Calcutta, M. C. Sarkar & Sons, 1925), p. 42
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