Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the Taj of the Deccan, was commissioned in memory of Aurangzeb wife by which Mughal prince?

Introduction / Context:
Bibi Ka Maqbara is a famous Mughal era tomb located in Aurangabad in the Deccan. Because of its resemblance to the Taj Mahal, it is sometimes called the Taj of the Deccan. However, its patronage and historical background are different from the Taj at Agra. This question asks you to identify which Mughal prince was responsible for building Bibi Ka Maqbara in memory of his mother, thereby testing your knowledge of Mughal architectural history and family relationships.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The monument in question is Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad.
• It is a tomb built in memory of Aurangzeb wife, often compared with the Taj Mahal.
• The options list several Mughal figures: Humayun, Azam Shah, Babur, Aurangzeb himself, and Bahadur Shah I.
• You must identify which prince commissioned or built this monument.

Concept / Approach:
Bibi Ka Maqbara was built by Prince Azam Shah, the son of Aurangzeb, in memory of his mother Dilras Banu Begum. Although Aurangzeb supported the project, the main credit for commissioning the mausoleum goes to Azam Shah. This is different from the Taj Mahal, which was commissioned by Shah Jahan directly. Babur and Humayun belonged to an earlier generation, and Bahadur Shah I came later, so they cannot be associated with this Deccan monument in a historically accurate way.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify Bibi Ka Maqbara as a Mughal tomb in Aurangabad in the Deccan region. Step 2: Recall that it was constructed in the late seventeenth century, during or soon after Aurangzeb rule. Step 3: Understand that the tomb was built by Aurangzeb son, Prince Azam Shah, in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum. Step 4: Note that Aurangzeb himself is not usually named as the main patron in historical accounts, even though he was the emperor at the time. Step 5: Recognise that Babur and Humayun were earlier Mughal emperors, and Bahadur Shah I ruled after Aurangzeb, so none of them can be the correct builder of this specific mausoleum. Step 6: Therefore, the correct answer is Azam Shah.

Verification / Alternative check:
Architectural histories and tourist guidebooks on Aurangabad cite Bibi Ka Maqbara as a project initiated by Prince Azam Shah in honour of his mother. They often contrast the monument design, scale, and decoration with that of the Taj Mahal. In such discussions, Azam Shah name appears as the patron, while Aurangzeb is noted mainly as the reigning emperor. The absence of Babur, Humayun, or Bahadur Shah I from these accounts confirms that Azam Shah is the correct option for this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Humayun: He was the second Mughal emperor and lived long before the construction of Bibi Ka Maqbara.

Babur: As the founder of the Mughal dynasty, he too belongs to a much earlier period and has no link with this Deccan tomb.
Aurangzeb: Although he was the ruling emperor and related to the persons involved, the monument is specifically credited to his son Azam Shah as the commissioner.
Bahadur Shah I: He succeeded Aurangzeb and ruled later; there is no historical evidence that he built Bibi Ka Maqbara.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students assume that because Bibi Ka Maqbara commemorates Aurangzeb wife, Aurangzeb himself must have commissioned it, just as Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal for Mumtaz Mahal. This parallel can be misleading if you do not recall the distinct role of Prince Azam Shah. To avoid this confusion, fix in memory that the Taj at Agra is associated with Shah Jahan, while the Taj of the Deccan, Bibi Ka Maqbara, is associated with Azam Shah under Aurangzeb reign.

Final Answer:
Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad was built by Azam Shah, the son of Aurangzeb, in memory of his mother.