Replicas Of The Taj Mahal In India You've Never Heard Of

Built in the 17th century at the order of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, and the most treasured and romantic monument in India. But did you know this iconic ivory-white mausoleum has replicas in India itself? Here are some amazing mini-Tajs that you should check out.

1. Bibi Ka Maqbara (Tomb of the Lady)

The Bibi Ka Maqbara (built 1651-61) in Aurangabad looks strikingly similar to the original Taj in Agra, so it is often called the Taj of the Deccan. It is one of the famous monuments in Aurangabad said to have been built by Prince Azam Shah (the eldest son of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb) to commemorate his beloved mother, Dilras Banu Begum. Interestingly, it was designed by Ata-ullah, who was the son of the principal architect of Taj Mahal, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.

The mausoleum is set on a raised plinth with four towering minarets surrounding it. An octagonal lattice screen of marble with exquisite designs encloses the raised platform, supporting Dilras Banu Begum’s grave inside the tomb. It looks resplendent in the morning, when the sun’s rays cast a reflection of the monument on the water.

Bibi Ka Maqbara, Begumpura, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Bibi Ka Maqbara | © Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Flickr

Mini Taj Mahal

The Mini Taj Mahal definitely does not measure up to the original Taj Mahal, but the essence of the building is the same: love. This symbol of love was built in 2011 by a retired postal worker from Bulandshahr (Uttar Pradesh), Faizul Hasan Qadri, in fond memory of his beloved spouse who died of cancer. He spent his entire life savings and sold family heirlooms (nearly $13,762 in total) to construct this replica of the iconic monument.

3. Taj Mahal, Seven Wonders Park

Amusement Park, Park

Rajasthan also has a replica Taj Mahal, in an amusement park in Kota called the Seven Wonders Park! Scale replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World can be found here. The Taj Mahal here looks a lot like the original, and is one of the key attractions of the park. The best time to visit is during the evening, when the entire park is lit up.

Seven Wonders Park, Kotri Mini Flyover, Ballabhbari, Gaytri Vihar, Ballabhbari, Gumanpura, Kota, Rajasthan.

Replica of Taj Mahal in Seven Wonders Park, Kota | © Ritukejai / Wikimedia Commons

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