An Insight :
A city known for its medieval monuments and rich cultural heritage.
Aurangabad, the city named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, is more than
just simply a place to stay while visiting famous cave temples of Ajanta and
Ellora. Under Aurangzeb, Aurangabad became the seat of the powerful Mughal
Empire for a short while. His predecessors preferred Agra, Delhi or Lahore -
all in the north, and Aurangzeb's move was not unopposed. But the autocratic
Emperor's will prevailed. The Mughal court moved to Aurangabad and remained
there till his death. Built during his years in Aurangabad were such
architectural gems as the Bibi-ka-Maqbara, a mausoleum with a marked
resemblance to the Taj Mahal and a medieval watermill. Aurangabad became a
thriving industrial center with many fine academic institutions. Its
textiles became much sought after and even today, the weavers of Aurangabad
produce fine textiles like pathani, himroo and kimkhwab.
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). Today, Aurangabad is a bustling city of Maharashtra with diverse
big and small industries, fine silken textiles, and exquisite hand woven
brocades of silver and gold fabrics, Himroo of world frame. To scholars and
lovers of art and culture the city is more familiar as the gateway to the
ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora, both famous as treasure houses of Indian
Art and Sculpture.
Lets Explore the City of Aurangabad :
» Aurangabad Caves - Just outside the city, lie the
Aurangabad caves, excavated between the 2nd and 6th century AD. Tantric
influences can be discerned in their architecture and iconography. There are
twelve caves in all, a major chunk of which are viharas, of which Caves 3
and 7, are the most fascinating. Cave 3 stands supported by 12 finely carved
columns, and sports sculptures portraying scenes from the Jakarta tales.
Cave 7 houses an imposing sculpture of a Bodhisattva, praying for
deliverance.
Places Around to Explore in Aurangabad :
There are a number of important tourist spots beyond the city limits of
Aurangabad. The cave temples of Ellora, listed among the World Heritage
sites, are 30 km northwest of the city. The world famous Buddhist caves at
Ajanta, also a World Heritage site, lies 100 km northeast of Aurangabad. The
Buddhist caves of Ajanta are world famous for their well-preserved frescoes
(wall paintings), which vividly depict the lifestyle of that period.
Grishneshwar temple, an important Hindu pilgrim place, is located in the
village of Verul, near Ellora caves. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of
India, where Lord Shiva is worshiped. Paithan, 56 km south of Aurangabad, is
famous for its traditional Paithani silk saris. Twenty-four kilometers from
Aurangabad lie the Bani Begum Gardens, which surround the tomb of one of
Aurangzeb's queens. Pithalkora caves are 78 km from Aurangabad. Mhaismal, 25
km from Aurangabad, is another tourist spot.
Where is Aurangabad?
» By Air - Indian Airlines and Jet Airways fly
daily from Mumbai. Indian Airlines also operates daily flights from Delhi.
» By Rail - Aurangabad is well connected to most
major Indian cities.
» By Road - Aurangabad is well connected to Mumbai
(392 km), Nasik (221 km), Shirdi (136 km) Ajanta (106 km), Pune (299 km),
and Ellora (30 km).
