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Aurangabad
[ Edit ] Overview
The city of Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra was named after the last great Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. Aurangabad meaning “built by the throne” in Persian, is the largest city in northern Maharashtra. It is also called as "City of Gates" and Aurangabad has plenty of them.
Aurangabad was earlier a village called "Kharki or Khidki" and was founded by Malik Ambar, The Prime minister of Nizam shaha of Ahmadnagar.
Aurangabad is mainly well known among the tourists for the Bibi Ka Maqbara, an imitation of Taj Mahal in Agra, whih is called as Mini Taj of the Deccan. the city is a hub to reach the cultural and historical World Heritage Sites, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Himroo textiles, which is a blend of local cotton and fine silk and Mughlai or Hyderabadi cuisine are some specialities of Aurangabad.
[ Edit ] History
The city was founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar, a prime minister of the Nizam Shahi rulers of Ahmadnagar. Later from1653 the city became the headquarters for Aurangzeb. During the Nizam Shahi rule, the city was known as Fatehpur and later when Aurangzeb came into power he named the city after himself.
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] State
Maharashtra, India
[ Edit ] Location
Aurangabad is located 400 km NE of Mumbai and is fringed by the Satmala Hills and Kaum River.
[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit
The best months to visit Aurangabad are October through March when the weather is dry and pleasant. If you are comfortable with the rains, then June through September are also a good option. Summer months (April and May) are hot and best avoided.
[ Edit ] Tourist Offices
[ Edit ] STD Code
0240
Sightseeing
[ Edit ] Paithan
Paithan located 55km south of Aurangabad was formerly known as Pratishthan and is the most ancient city in Marathwada. It was the ancient capital of Satvahanas. Several shrines including those of Eknath Maharaja and Mukteshwar are at Paithan. In the month of March or April every year pilgrims gather at the banks of the Godavari River to pay homage to saint Eknath Maharaj. The festival is celebration for 10 days.
However Paithan is mainly known for its 6 yard brocade saris. The saris are weaved using traditional methods dating back 2000 years. The saris are made of silk and have zari borders and cost from Rs 6,000 up to Rs 5,00,000.
[ Edit ] Aurangabad Caves
The Aurangabad caves (3km north) were mainly excavated in the 6th and 7th century during the Vakataka and Kalachuri periods. The 10 caves are divided into Western group caves and Eastern Group caves. Caves 1-5 belong to the Western group while caves 6-10 belong to the Eastern Group. All the caves are Viharas except for Cave 4 in the western group which is a chaitya griha of the Hinayana sect.
Cave 4 is the oldest cave in the western group and is believed to date back to the 1st century. The cave was a chaitya griha or prayer hall and has a monolithic stupa. On the outside there is a carved image of Buddha seated on a lion throne. Cave 3 belonging to the 5th century has an ingenious pillar that amplifies sound. Insider the inner sanctum there is an image of a seated Buddha. On the eastern group, Cave 7 is believed to be the most beautiful. It has a large sculptures of Tara and Avalokitesvara. The inner sanctum has a frieze of female dancer accompanied by 7 musicians. Cave 6 has sculptures of Bodhisattvas surrounded by flying figures.
- Open from 9am to 5pm.
- Entrance fees: Indian nationals: Rs 10 and Foreign nationals: Rs 100
[ Edit ] Bibi Ka Maqbara
Bibi ka Maqbara is the most famous monument in Aurangabad. Located just outside the city, the structure is an imitation of the Taj Mahal in Agra. It was built in 1678 by Aurangazeb's son, Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother Begum Rabia Durani. The memorial is built of sandstone and has a marble dome. Like the Taj it stands in the centre of a Mughal garden and has 4 large minarets at the ends of the raised platform. However it doesn’t have the fine peitra dura work that the Taj is famous for and the 4 large minarets are rather disproportionately large. The architect of Bibi ka Maqbara, Ata Ullah, sadly failed to recreate the magic of the Taj.
- Open 8am to 6pm.
- Entrance fees: Indian Nationals: Rs 10 and Foreign Nationals: Rs 100
[ Edit ] Ghrishneshwar Temple
Ghrishneshwar temple was built between 1765 and 1795 by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. Built of red sandstone the temple has a 5 tier shikara. Ghrishneshwar temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas. During Mahashivratri the temple receives hordes of devotees.
[ Edit ] Himroo Factory
Situated within the old city near Zaffar gate is another popular tourist attraction, the Himroo Factory. Aurangabad has been famous since ancient times for producing himroo. Himroo emerged from “kamkhah” an ancient art of weaving in Aurangabad which produced brocade using gold and silver threads. When the prosperity of the city weakened, the weavers started using cotton and silver threads thereby creating himroo, which means “similar”.
[ Edit ] Khuldabad
Khuldabad meaning “Heavenly Abode” is located 24 km from Aurangabad. It is hoame to the tombs of 2 well known Muslim saints, Sayeed Zain-ud-din and Burhan-ud-di. Alamgir Dargah built in the 14th century was dedicated to Sayeed Zain-ud-din and was considered to be very sacred. Several future rulers chose to buried within this complex.
Aurangzeb also chose to be buried here and there is a simple tomb erected here for him.
[ Edit ] Naukonda Palace
Situated in the old city, Naukonda plalce was the home of Nizam Ali Khan when he was at Aurangabad. The palace used to consist of the Diwan-i-Am(Hall of public audience), Diwan-i-Khas(Hall of private audience), hamam(bathing area), a mosque, garden and a water tank. The palace is however in a state of ruin now.
[ Edit ] Panchakki
Panchakki is a water powered mill used to grind grains. Built in the 17th century the mill generated energy through the water brought down from a mountain. The mill is considered to be an engineering masterpiece.
Withing the complex there is a memorial shrine of the Sufi saint, Baba Shah Musafir who was Aurangazeb’s spiritual guide.
- Open from sunrise to sunset.
- Entrance fees: Indian Nationals: Rs 5 and Foreign Nationals: Rs 100
[ Edit ] Purwar Museum
Located in a beautiful old haveli or house at Sarafa road, Purwar museum exhibits the private collections of a retired doctor by the name of Purwar. The museum has been around since 1970. Some of the exhibits at the museum include and 800 year old Paithani sari and a copy of the Koran written by Aurangzeb.
- Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30am to 1:30 pm and again from 3pm to 6pm.
- Entrance fees: Rs 5.
[ Edit ] Sunheri Mahal Museum
Sunheri Mahal located in Paharsingpura, was constructed by a chief who came with Aurangzeb to Aurangabad. Built of stone and limestone, the palace uses to have paintings painted in gold thereby deriving its name of Sunheri Mahal. The palace functions as a museum today.
- Open from 8am to 6pm.
- Entrance fees: Indian Nationals: Rs 10 and Foreign Nationals: Rs 100
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
Chikalthana Airport located 10km from Aurangabad city centre is the nearest airport and is well connected with other major metros in India.
[ Edit ] Rail
Aurangabad not in a main railway route. The Manmad Railway Staion, which is 120 km away from Aurangabad, is on the main metro rail routes. From Manmad, you can catch a taxi to Aurangabad.
[ Edit ] Road
[ Edit ] Getting Around
[ Edit ] Other Information
If visiting in the month of March, enjoy the classical dance and musical festival organized at the Ellora caves where some of the well known artists in India showcase their talents.
Every year during the month of Rabi-Ul-Awal, Muslims observe the festival of Khultabad Urs wherein devotees gather at the tomb of Khawaja for five days.
The festival of Buddha Jayanti is celebrated on a grand scale in Aurangabad. Community halls and public places hold mass prayer ceremonies. Religious processions are also taken out onto the streets on this day.
In December the city organizes the Aurangabad festival promoting promotes the rich local culture, talent, art and heritage of the city. The festival is organized to explore the hidden talents and to increase the vibrancy of this historic city.
[ Edit ] Shopping
Aurangabad is known for its ancient art of weaving Himroo fabric. Himroo fabrics mix silk and cotton threads in its weave. The Himroo factory in the old city near Zaffar Gate creates hand-woven designs. Apart from the much coveted saris from Paithan also look out for Mashru and Kamkhab weaves. Another craft that Aurangabad is known for is Bidriware. Bidri is a metal object decorated with Indian art and is made of iron, copper and other metals.
[ Edit ] Food
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