Taj Mahal of the poor: Faizul Hasan Qadri’s heartfelt tribute to his wife

When one thinks of the Taj Mahal, the image of the iconic marble mausoleum in Agra often comes to mind. However, a lesser-known yet equally poignant tribute to love exists in the Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh a mini Taj Mahal built in honor of a beloved wife. Located in Kasair Kala near Dibai town, this unique structure is affectionately referred to as the “Taj Mahal of the Poor.”

A Tribute to Love

The Taj Mahal of the Poor was constructed by Faizul Hasan Qadri, a retired postmaster who dedicated his life’s savings to creating this beautiful monument in memory of his late wife, Begum Taja Mulli Bibi. Following her passing, Qadri embarked on this heartfelt project, viewing it as a symbol of enduring love. Construction began in 2012 in a field near his home, drawing inspiration from the original Taj Mahal in Agra.

Qadri poured his heart and soul into the project for two years, but by 2014, he had exhausted his savings of ₹23 lakh (approximately $28,000). While the structure was nearing completion, he faced a financial hurdle, needing an additional ₹10 lakh (about $12,000) to finish the marble stonework. Determined to fulfill his dream, he continued saving from his pension, collecting ₹74,000 before his death.

As news of his project spread, the then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, offered Faizul Hasan Qadri funds to complete the building. In a humble act of generosity, Qadri declined the offer, instead requesting the construction of an inter-college for girls, which now stands proudly in the region.

After his passing, family members revealed that Qadri had hoped to purchase marble from Jaipur to complete the project. In a poignant parallel to the original Taj Mahal, he was buried beside his beloved wife, Taja Mulli Bibi, further cementing the bond that inspired his work.

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