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Aurangabad Tours |
Click Here for Aurangabad Tour Packages
One
of the most fascinating cities in the western
India, Aurangabad has a charm of its own. Reputed
as the gateway to the famous Ajanta an Ellora
caves. However, various tour packages of Aurangabad city offer a visit to
variety of tourist attractions such as Panchakki, Bibi Ka Maqbara and others.
A fast growing industrial town in India, Aurangabad
has successfully retained its glory over the years.
Aurangabad
has a number of attractions and could easily stand
on its own were it not overshadowed by the famous
EIlora and Ajanta caves nearby. The city is named
after Aurangzeb. but earlier in its history it
was known as Khadke. Aurangabad is northern Maharashtra's
largest city though it is remarkably uncrowded
and quiet except for the occasional politicalrally.
Today, it is known for some of the finest colleges
and university in Maharashtra. And it is the fastest
growing industrial town in India. But the charm
and glory of its long past has not been lost.
And its heritage is rich and varied - the result
of the artistic and cultural influences of several
dynasties since its first Stone Age inhabitants.
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Places to see
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Bibi Ka Maqbara is the tomb of Begum Rabia Durani,
wife of Emperor Aurangzeb. The arched alcove surmounted
by a swelling dome, exhibit the excellence of Persian
architecture. The layout and surrounding of the
tomb is very much similar to that of Taj but some
how the architecture fails to produce the magic
of Taj.
Panchakki
Also reputed as the shrine of a saint, Baba Shah
Musafir, Panchakki (Water Wheel) is considered a
marvel of engineering. Driven by water brought through
earthen pipes from the river 6km away, the mill
once ground grain for pilgrims.
Aurangabad Caves
Aurangabad has its own group of caves 2km north
of the Bibi-ka-Maqbara. They were carved out of
the hillside around the 6th or 7th century AD. The
10 caves are all Buddhist; caves 1 to 5 are in the
western group and caves 6 to 10 are 1 km away in
the eastern group.
Himroo Factory
Tucked away in the old town near Zaffar Gate, this
small workshop is the only place in the city that
still produces hand-woven Himroo shawls from cotton,
silk and silver threads. This art developed as a
cheaper alternative to the more extravagant brocades
of silk and gold thread, known as Kam Khab, that
were woven for royalty in the 14th century. Aurangabad
is well known for its Himroo, shawls and saris.
It can be found in the many showrooms around the
market area. Most are mass produced using power
looms but here you can see the tradational process.
Many of the designs are based on motifs in Ajanta
frescoes.
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Aurangabad
Caves
Although they're easily overlooked in favour of
the Ajanta and Ellora caves, Aurangabad has its
own group of caves 2km north of the Bibi-ka-Maqbara.
They were carved out of the hillside around the
6th or 7th century AD. The 10 caves are all Buddhist;
caves 1 to 5 are in the western group and caves
6 to 10 are 1 km away in the eastern group.
Western Group
All the caves are viharas, except for cave 4.
This, the oldest cave at Aurangabad, is a Hinayana
chaitya with a ribbed roof and is fronted by stupa,
now partially collapsed. Cave 3 is square and
is supported by 12 highly ornate columns
Eastern Group
Cave 6 is fairly intact and the sculptures of
women are notable for their exotic hairstyles
and ornamentation. Cave 7 is most intresting of
the Aurangabad caves, particularly for its sculptures-
the figure of women, scantily clad and ornately
bejewelled, are indicative of the rise of Tantric
Buddhism during this period
To the left of cave a 7 huge Bodhisattv prays
for deliverance from the eight danger: fire, the
sword of the enemy, chains, shipwreck, lions,
snakes, mad elephants and a deamon (representing
death) .
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FACTS |
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Location:
West
Central Maharashtra
Originally
Called As: Khadke
(Big rock)
Founded
By: Malik Ambar
Best
Time To Visit: October
to March |
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