–Dr. Sajid Bin DOZA*

Abstract:

The tomb of Bibi Pari, located within the Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, stands as a prime example of Mughal tomb architecture in Muslim Bengal. Constructed by Shaista Khan, the Mughal Subahdar of Bengal, in memory of his daughter Iran Dukht Rahmat Banu (Bibi Pari), the mausoleum reflects the fusion of Mughal grandeur with local architectural nuances. This paper examines the architectural and historical significance of the tomb, which adheres to the Mughal tradition of memorial structures while showcasing unique features of Bengal’s regional craftsmanship. The tomb’s central burial hall is meticulously planned, surrounded by eight ancillary chambers that reflect the Mughal attention to symmetry and spatial order. The interior boasts finely crafted marble inlays, grooved panel work, and intricate floral terrazzo tiles, characteristic of Mughal luxury. The polygonal corbelled ceilings and a copper dome at the apex, once gilded, further emphasize the tomb’s spiritual and artistic dimensions. The façade’s use of four-centred arches and recessed niches highlights the Shaista Khan period’s architectural evolution. The tomb’s stylistic resemblance to the famed Itmat Ud Doula mausoleum in Agra underscores its significance within the larger context of Mughal tomb architecture, though regional variations in materials and scale are evident. This research highlights how the tomb of Bibi Pari integrates the aesthetics of imperial Mughal architecture with local Bengal interpretations, embodying the evolution of mausoleum construction in Muslim Bengal during the Mughal era. Through an analysis of its design, this paper situates the tomb within the broader tradition of Mughal funerary architecture, underscoring its role as a spiritual and historical landmark in Bengal’s architectural heritage.

*Associate Professor of Architecture, BRAC University, Bangladesh