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Information about
Aurangabad |
Aurangabad is 2200
year old city which was known as Rajtadak, Kirkee Fatehnager
and finally renamed after Aurangzeb and came to be known as
Aurangabad. Aurangabd was founded in 1653 by the Mughal
emperor, Aurangzeb who established his capital here once he
became the Viceroy of Deccan. It is surrounded by Lakenvasa
Hills on the North and Satasa Hills on the South. Today, it is
an integral part of the region that is home to Buddhist, Hindu
and Islamic monuments. The charm and glory of its long past
has not been lost till today and its heritage is also very
rich and varied. This city still evokes the feeling of royal
splendour, which was once, a way of life. Its past finds a
fine expression in its fort, the fort wall and other relics
spread across the city. The city is the district headquarters,
which offers visitors all the modem comforts and amenities.
The present Government names this city as ‘Sambhajinagar’.
Today, Aurangabad is known for some of the finest colleges and
universities in Maharashtra. It is the fastest growing
industrial town in India. Aurangabad experiences extreme
climate; hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit
this place is from October to March. Marathi, Hindi, Urdu and
English are the various languages which are spoken in
Aurangabad. |
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Tourist Attractions in Aurangabad |
The main tourist attraction in Aurangabad are the Aurangabad Caves, Bibi ka Maqbara,
Pan Chakki and History Museum of Maharathwada
University. |
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Aurangabad
Caves
The Aurangabad caves are situated just outside
the city. The Aurangabad caves were excavated
between the 2nd and 6th centuries A D. These
caves are a fine example of contemporary life
and displays the influence of Tantric cult in
the iconography and architectural designs.
There are nine caves which are mainly viharas.
The most interesting among these are Cave 3
and 7. The Cave 3 is supported on 12 highly
ornate columns and has sculptures depicting
scenes from the legendary ‘Jataka’ tales. Cave
7 with its detailed figures of bejeweled women
also has a dominating sculpture of a
‘Bodhisattva’ praying for deliverance. The
pictorial depiction of Jataka tales, the
remarkably well preserved image of Buddha and
the lavish ornamentation, shows about the
tantric influence which is evident in the
sculptures and architecture.
Bibi ka Maqbara
Bibi ka Maqbara is the tomb of Begum Rabia
ud-Durani, wife of Aurangzeb. In 1679,
Aurangzeb’s son built this tomb in the memory
of his mother. This maqbara is a replica of
the Taj Mahal and stands out as the only piece
of Mughal architecture on the Deccan Plateau.
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Pan Chakki
Pan Chakki is the water mill which belongs to
the late 17th century. This mill was built by
the Malik Ambar, the architect of Aurangabad
City in 1695. This water mill was designed to
generate energy by water brought down from a
spring on a nearby mountain to turn the large
grinding stones serving as a flour mill. This
mill is surrounded by a picturesque garden
landscape, dotted with fish tanks. It also has
the tomb of Baba Shah Muzaffar, a Sufi saint,
who was a spiritual guide to Aurangzeb.
History Museum of Maharathwada University
The History Museum of Maharathwada University
has some excavations displayed from 2nd
century BC., sculptures from 7th to 12th
centuries AD., miniature paintings of the
Maratha, Rajput and Mughal times, paintings of
the East India Company, weapons, and Persian
and Arabic manuscripts of the 17th and 18th
centuries. |
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Excursions from
Aurangabad |
Daulatabad
Daulatabad is situated about 13 kms. from Aurangabad.
It is famous for its Daultabad fort that was once
considered invincible. The Daulatabd fort, earlier
known as Devgiri fort was constructed by Bhillama,
Raja of Yadav Dynasty in the 12th century. Mohammed
Bin Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi was so impressed by this
fort that he decided to shift his capital here in 1326
and renamed it as Daulatabad ‘city of fortune’.
Daulatabad was held as fine fortress by successive
dynasties in the Deccan. The fort is situated on a
pyramid-shaped hill and has slippery gravel pathways,
spiked gates, spiral staircases and dungeons. The
Chand Minar, 30 meter high minaret with three circular
galleries, looked down over the approach from the
north and east and played a defensive as well as
religious role in this fortress.
Khuldabad
Khuldabad is situated about 26 kms. away from
Daulatabad and 3 kms. from Ellora caves. Khuldabad
literally means the heavenly abode and was the final
resting place of Aurangzeb. It is a holy shrine for
the Muslims and contains the tomb of the last Mughal
emperor, Aurangzeb. The monument has serene austerity,
as was the wish of the emperor himself. This place is
also known for the Bhadra Hanuman temple which houses
the image of the Lord Hanuman in sleeping posture. |
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Ghrishneshwar Temple
Ghrishneshwar Temple is situated about half
kms. from Ellora caves. This magnificent
temple was built in the 18th century. This
temple is one of the twelve Jyotirligas of
India and dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The
temple is the finest example of medieval
architecture, built by Rani Ahillyabai Holkar,
the Maratha princess.
Pithalkora
Pithalkora is situated about 78 kms from
Aurangabad, on a remote stretch of land on the
ancient trade route linking Ajanta and Ellora
and progressing to the coast. This place has a
cluster of 13 Chaityas and Viharas that were
carved between the 2nd and 5th centuries AD.
The relief work is strikingly richer and more
elaborate and the carvings are more precise.
Cave 4 has an elaborate and beautiful
sculptured façade.
Paithan
Paithan or Pratishthan is situated on the
banks of the Godavari river, about 56 kms
south of Aurangabad. This ancient city was the
capital of Satvahanas and is famous for its
beautiful silk saris with intricate zari
borders known as Paithanis. Paithan was once a
booming trade center and also a great seat of
learning. Today, it is an important excavation
site. Eknath, the Marathi poet-saint, lived
here centuries ago. The Jayak Wadi Dam,
located nearby is a heaven for nature lovers.
Here one can see a variety of resident and
migratory birds. The large Gyaneshwar Udyan
(garden) named after the well known Saint
Gyaneshwar is planned along the lines of the
Brindavan Gardens, Pinjore and Shalimar.
Facing Nath Sagar, near the north and south
ends of the Dam are constructed two view
points to watch the native and migratory
birds. |
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Bani Begam Gardens
Bani Begam Gardens is situated about 24 kms.
from Aurangabad. The tomb of Bani Begam, the
wife of one of the Aurangzeb’s sons is
situated amidst these sprawling landscaped
gardens, interspersed with fluted pillars,
elegant domes and aesthetic fountains which
shows the splendid architecture of the olden
times.
Lonar
Lonar is situated about 145 kms. from
Aurangabad. Over 30,000 years ago, a falling
meteorite struck the area creating the world’s
largest impact crater in basaltic rock.
Botanists have recently discovered vegetation
life forms in the stunning lake of the Crater.
The lake is home to many aquatic birds. Along
the edge of the lake, there are temples which
are now in ruins including the Daityasudan
temple. |
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Shopping in
Aurangabad |
Aurangabad
is famous for its Himroo Shawls, Mashru and Kimkhab weaves,
Bidriware artifacts, Agate stones and Paithani silk sarees. |
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How to get there |
By Air:
Aurangabad airport is situated 10 kms. to the east of the
city and is well connected by Indian Airlines flights to all
parts of India.
By Rail:
Aurangabad is well connected by rail with any part of
India.
By Road:
Aurangabad is well connected by road with Ahmedabad,
Mahabaleshwar, Mumbai, Nasik, Nanded, Pune and Shirdi.
To know the distances
from Aurangabad
click here. |
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