Beyond the Taj: Underrated Mughal Architecture Across India

Often nicknamed the "Taj of the Deccan," Bibi ka Maqbara in Aurangabad is a striking, though humbler, echo of its Agra counterpart. Commissioned by Aurangzeb's son, Azam Shah, in memory of his mother, it reflects both reverence and restraint.

- TDG NETWORK

When it comes to Mughal architecture, one monument dominates the global imagination—the Taj Mahal. This ivory-white marvel in Agra has become synonymous with Mughal grandeur, drawing millions of visitors each year. Yet, the Mughal empire's architectural legacy stretches far beyond the Taj, spanning centuries and regions, leaving behind a treasure trove of lesser-known structures that remain overlooked. These hidden gems—mosques, gardens, tombs, and palaces—reveal the rich evolution of Mughal design, blending Persian, Indian, and Central Asian influences in ways both grand and intimate.

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi — The Precursor to the Taj
Before Shah Jahan dreamed up the Taj, his grandfather Humayun rested under a dome that redefined Indian architecture. Built in 1570 by Empress Bega Begum, Humayun's Tomb in Delhi was the first garden tomb of the subcontinent and a UNESCO World Heritage Site today. With its red sandstone facade, white marble dome, and charbagh-style gardens, it laid the foundation for Mughal funerary architecture—and yet, many tourists bypass it for Agra.