| Bahu Begum ka Maqbara | |
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Tomb of Unmatuzzohra Bano Begum alias Bahu Begum
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| Location: | Faizabad, India |
| Built: | 1816[1] |
| Architect: | Darab Ali Khan |
| Architectural style(s): | Nawabi |
| Type: | Cultural |
| State Party: | India |
Bahu Begum ka Maqbara is the Tomb of Queen Bride Begum Unmatuzzohra Bano alias Bahu Begum a memorial built for queen of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula. Its one of the tallest buildings in Faizabad and is a beautiful example of non-mughal Muslim architecture. The Mausoleum of Bahu Begum created by Nawab Suja-ud-Daula in the memory of his loving wife is famous for the creative architectural brilliance with which it was designed and constructed.[2].Shuja-ud-daula's wife was the well known as Bahu Begum, who married the Nawab in 1743 and continued to reside in Faizabad, her residence being the Moti-Mahal. Close by at Jawaharbagh lies her Maqbara, where she was buried after her death in 1816. It is considered to be one of the finest buildings of its kind in Avadh, which was built at the cost of three lakh rupees by her chief advisor Darab Ali Khan. A fine view of the city is obtainable from top of the begum's tomb. Bahu Begum was a woman of great distinction and rank, bearing dignity. Most of the Muslim buildings of Faizabad are attributed to her. From the date of Bahu Begum's death in 1815 till the annexation of Avadh, the city of Faizabad gradually fell into decay. The glory of Faizabad finally eclipsed with the shifting of capital from Faizabad to Lucknow by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula.[3]
. The Nawabs graced Faizabad with several beautiful buildings, notable among them are the Gulab Bari, Moti Mahal and the Bahu Begum ka Maqbara. Gulab Bari is a beautiful building of fine architecture, standing in a garden surrounded by a wall, approachable through two large gateways.[4] The Tomb created in the year 1816 from white marble was an attempt to recreate the grandeur of the Taj Mahal at a cost of Rs 3 lakhs. The marble used almost 200 years ago still shines it’s brightest and provides the Mausoleum of Bahu Begum an aura of immortality. Rising upto 42 meters the tomb also affords a magnificent view of the Faizabad town and its beautiful surroundings. This royal monument in memory of a dignified woman has been maintained well and even today the care taken by the Archaeological department is evident.[5]
Sadly, this beautiful monument is a victim of neglect and is crumbling.[6]