Aurangabad

The city of Aurangabad is known for its medieval monuments and cultural heritage. It was the seat of the Mughal Empire for a short period. The city boasts of Bibi-ka-Makbara, a tomb that has some resemblance to the Taj Mahal. The importance of Aurangabad is great, owing to its proximity with world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora. These sites have Buddhist, Jain and Hindu temples. Aurangabad is also famous for its silk and cotton textiles.

LOCATION
Aurangabad city is located in the northern part of the state of Maharashtra, in the western region of India. It is 375 km from Mumbai (Bombay). The city is surrounded by hills. The weather of Aurangabad is temperate with moderate winters (November-February) and summers (April-June). This region experiences good southwestern monsoon rains in June-September.

BEST TIME TO VISIT
Though the weather of Aurangabad is moderate, it is advisable to visit it in the winter season.

HISTORY
The Mauryans ushered Buddhism in this region of India, which is evident from the profusion of numerous Buddhist cave temples in and around Aurangabad. Temples built by Satvahanna and Rashtrakuta rulers are located here. The famous caves of Ajanta are a part of this Buddhist tradition. The heritage of Aurangabad is linked with different Muslim rulers and dynasties of India. The city was founded in 1610, on the site of a village named Khirki, by a local Muslim noble Malik Ambar. His son Fateh Khan ruled it and named the city as Fatehpur in 1626. Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal ruler, took over this city in 1653 and renamed it as Aurangabad. Due to its strategic location in peninsular India, Aurangzeb made Aurangabad his capital. He used this city as a base to quell the rising power of the Marathas.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Aurangabad Caves: The Aurangabad Caves were built during the 6th and 7th centuries. The walls of the caves have interesting illustrations from the Jataka stories. Lying amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves possibly dating back to the 1st century AD. The Tantric influences evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves are of particular interest. Some of the chaityas are constructed on a mandala plan for the circumambulation of the Buddha who is depicted here seated on an intricately carved throne.

Bibi-ka-Maqbara: The Bibi-ka-Maqbara is a tomb built in memory of Aurangzeb's wife Rabia-ud-Daurani Begum. The tomb bears some resemblance with the Taj Mahal, and hence known as "Poor Man's Taj Mahal". This Maqbara attracts the tourists due to its wonderful architecture and historical importance.

Panchakki: Panchakki, meaning water mill is another major attraction of Aurangabad. The mill gets its share of water that travels through an underground channel from a source which is 6 km away in the mountains. The water is released on to the wheel creating an enthralling waterfall. The place also has a garden and fountains with fish-filled tanks adding to the beauty of the entire area. Panchakki also has a tomb of Baba Shah Muzaffar, a Sufi Saint who was spiritual adviser to Aurangzeb.

Himroo Factory: The Himroo Factory is another major tourist attraction of Aurangabad. The traditional Himroo fabric which is an amazing blend of cotton and silk is known for its quality. You can also find here Paithani saris, traditional handloom shawls and other textiles material of Himroo fabric and silver threads. Interestingly, the designs and patterns worked out on these fabrics are inspired by Ajanta frescoes.

PLACES AROUND AURANGABAD
Ajanta Caves: The Ajanta caves in Aurangabad date back to the second century BC and contain sculptures and paintings depicted from Buddhist, Hindu and Jain religious art. Ajanta has a total of 29 caves and is one among the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Ellora Caves: These caves were built by the rulers of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty and are located just 30 km from Aurangabad and were built in the 7th century AD. Cave 16, which is known as the Kailashnath Temple is a masterpiece art at Ellora. The temple is a splendid achievement of the Dravidian style of art and was started by King Krishna of the Rashtrakuta dynasty that ruled Manyakheta. It took around 100 years to complete this cave. There are other caves here which depict the tradition and Philosophy of the Buddhist and Jain art and architecture.

Shirdi: It is situated about 144 km from Aurangabad and is considered a religious site famous for the Shrine of Sai Baba. This place is easily accessible from nearby towns and is one of the most important tourist attractions in Aurangabad city.

Daulatabad Fort: It is just 13 km from Aurangabad, and was built in the 12th Century AD. This fort was earlier known as Devgiri and was built by king Bhillama of Yadav dynasty. The name was changed to Daulatabad by Md Bin Tughlaq.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
Mahashivratri is devotedly celebrated in the temple of Ghrishneshwara during February and March. This temple is situated near Ellora.

SHOPPING
Aurangabad is famed for its age-old weaving craft 'Himroo' and 'Mashru', fabrics of cotton and silk, with the luster of satin and motifs derived from Ajanta paintings.

Bidriware is another of the region's ancient professions. The plates, vases, urns, necklaces are made of a zinc-copper combination with either intricate inlays embossed, or overlaid in silver. Originally, 'bidri' was used to make 'hookahs' and boxes or plates to offer 'paan/supari'. Today they come in a wide range of objects.

Paithani saris, woven from an art almost 2000 year old are collectors' item. The yarn used is pure silk and he 'zari' is drawn from pure gold. Some of the more intricate designs take up to one and a half years to weave.

GETTING THERE
By Air: Chikalthana airport is the domestic airport of Aurangabad. Indian Airlines daily operate flight from Aurangabad to Delhi via Mumbai. Jet Airways and Air Deccan have also started their flight service from Aurangabad to Mumbai and Delhi. The nearest international airports to Aurangabad are Mumbai and Pune.

By Rail: There is direct train link between Mumbai and Aurangabad. Direct train connection to Hyderabad is also available from the city.

By Road: Aurangabad is well connected to Mumbai via Manmad (388 km), Nashik (221 km), Shirdi (136 km), Ajanta (110 km), Pune (299 km) and Ellora (30 km).