Let`s have a short tour Of My City, My Hometown Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
- 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.
Description:-
Aurangabad, commonly used as a base for a visit to the
World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora is seeped in medieval history.
Named for Aurangzeb, the last of the great Mughal Emperors,
Aurangabad acquired plenty of monuments and a rich culture as its
heritage from the middle ages.
The gateway to the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora,
Aurangabad is named after the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. Lying along
the right bank of the Kham River, the city is the district headquarters,
which offers visitors all the modern comforts and amenities. Aurangabad
district has always been a prominent region on the Deccan plateau and
has a long artistic and cultural history, to which several dynasties have
made major contributions over the years.
Attraction of city:-
Bibi ka Maqbara- Bibi Ka Maqbara is the tomb of Begum
Rabia Durani, wife of Emperor Aurangazeb. The monument is an excellent
example of Persian Architecture. The arched alcove surmounted by a
swelling dome, the idea had acquired its own reputation in India.
Pan Chakki- This marvelous water mill was designed to generate energy
to turn large stone of a flour mill. This water mill or Pan Cahkki operated
on water from a nearby spring flowing from the mountains.
Aurangabad Caves- Just outside the city are located the sixth century
caves. These caves display the influence of Tantric cult in the iconography
and architectural designs of the caves. Some of the chaitya halls here
are constructed on a mandala plan for the circumambulation of the
Buddha who is depicted here seated on an intricately carved throne.
Ghrishneshwar Temple- A fine example of medieval architecture, built
by the Maratha princess Rani Ahillyabai Holkar. These temples are among
the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. It is half a kilometer from Ellora.
There was a village named Kirki (Khadki) where the city stands today.
According to some historians, the city was founded in 1610 by Malik
Ambar. Malik Ambar was the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah
II of Ahmednagar, the then ruler of the Deccan (central parts of
Southern India). It is widely believed that city took shape between 1604
and 1610 under Malik Ambar's rule. Initially, it was named Fatehpura
(city of Victory), probably after Malik's son Fateh Khan. A mint was
built in the city. In 1634, Aurangzeb was sent to Kirki, and named as
Governor of Deccan. In 1644, He moved to Agra to play an active role
in Mughal politics.
In 1681, the city again became the residence of Aurangzeb, who had
now become Mughal Emperor. He used the city as base for his campaigns
to conquer the last remaining Deccan sultanates. He lived there until his
death in 1707. The modern name of the city was probably taken after his
death. Aurangzeb's tomb is situated at Khultabad, a small town near
the city.
Daulatabad : In the twelfth century Bhillama, king of the Yadav Dynasty
built an invincible fort at Daulatabad. Situated on a pyramid-shaped hill,
the fort with its slippery gravel pathways, spiked gates,spiral staircases
and dungeons is a sight to behold. The sultan of Delhi Mohammed Bin
Tughlaq was so impressed by the fort that he decided to shift his capital
from Delhi to Daulatabad.
Khuldabad : As per the wish of Aurangzeb, he was buried just a few
kilometers from Daulatabad. The monument has serene austerity. The
place is also famous for the Bhadra Hanuman or Hanuman in sleeping
posture.
Pithalkora : These second century caves are 78 kms from Aurangabad.
There are 13 cave sanctuaries, chaityas and viharas on a remote land
cluster. The elaborate and beautiful sculptured facade of the great v
ihara in an impressive sight.
Paithan : Once the seat of learning, today it is famous for the silk
sarees with intricate zari borders- Paithanis. It is situated 56 kilometres
south of Aurangabad on the banks of river Godavari and is also known
as a pilgrimage centre.
Jayak Wadi Dam : Here one can see a number of resident and migratory
birds. The Gyaneshwar Udyan is a planned garden on the lines of Bridavan
gardens and the Moghul gardens in Kashmir. Over years the place has
been a heaven for nature lovers.
Ajanta / Ellora : Ajanta and Ellora respectively 99 kms and 30 kms from
Aurangabad are few of the finest cave temples in the world. Ellora is an
impressive cluster of 34 caves which belong to the artists of fifth to
eight century. These temples are in groups according to the faith and
religion to which they belong. Ajanta is a collection 30 caves some of
which are still unfinished. These caves mainly belong to the Buddhism.
In both Ajanta and Ellora, some thing more went into carving of these
caves than hammer and chisel and that was inspiration drawn from his
the deep faith.
