From ancient times Aurangabad has been a place of great importance due to it’s location on the famous "Silk Route" that traversed across the breadth of Asia to reach Europe. Textiles, embroidered finery and various kinds of beads made in nearby Paithan were exported to the markets of Greece, Rome and Egypt. Under royal dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas, Aurangabad developed as a centre of culture and learning. It gave birth to or provided inspiration for great poet – saints and philosophers like Dyaneshwar, Eknath and Ramdas, Wali and Siraj.
Today, the city is the gateway to the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora. The city got its name after the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. Under Aurangzeb, Aurangabad became the seat of the powerful Mughal Empire for a short while. His predecessors prefered 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 the 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 centre 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 situated in the northern part of Maharashtra is the largest city in the region. As the name only suggests, it is named after Aurangzeb. The city has also got the same splendour of Mughal architecture just like Delhi and Agra.
Aurangabad is famous for its Himroo Shawls, Mashru and Kimkhab weaves. There is also a wide range of Bidri-ware, AGate stones, Paithani silk sarees and decorative pieces. Aurangabad offers you accommodations which suit every budget.
The famous attractions of the city are Bibi Ka Maqbara an excellent e.g. of Persian Architecture, Pan Cahkki or water mill. Aurangabad Caves display the influence of Tantric Cult, Girishneshwar Temple is a fine e.g. Medieval architecture and are among the twelve Jyotirlingas of India.
The most famous excursion to be taken from Aurangabad is that of Ajanta and Ellora caves. Other excursions include Daulatabad situated on a Pyramid -shaped hill, Khuldabad the burial place of Aurangzeb. This place is also famous for the Bhadra Hanuman or Hanuman in sleeping posture. Pithalkokra are second century caves which are 78 kms from Aurangabad. Paithan is famous for its silk sarees with intricate zari boarders- Paithanis.
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