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Aurangabad Travel Guide
Originally known as Khadke, Aurangabad city was founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar, an Abyssinian slave who became the Prime Minister to the king of Ahmednagar. When Fateh Khan, Malik Ambar's son turned successor in 1626, he gave the city the name Fatehpur. Later in 1653, when Prince Aurangazeb became viceroy of the Deccan, he made the city his capital and called it Aurangabad. His wife is buried in the Bibi Ka Maqbara and he is buried in a simple grave at Rauza. It acted as the centre of operations for his Deccan campaign, which occupied him for the second, half of his 49 year reign.
Culture : Aurangabad has always been a prominent region on the Deccan Plateau. Having been inhabited since the stone Age, it has a long artistic and cultural history - to which several dynasties have made major contributions over the years. Today, it has a university, medical as well as engineering colleges and is one of the Indias fastest growing cities. Further, compared to other Deccan towns, Aurangabad is uncrowded and quite. It is popular for its Bidriware, which is one of the ancient professions of Aurangabad. During any festive season, the whole city of Aurangabad brightens up and there is lot of excitement in the air.
Places to See in Aurangabad :
Aurangabad Caves : The Aurangabad caves lie just outside the city. During the 2nd and 6th century the caves were excavated and only the remains are seen now. Totally there are twelve caves portraying the Viharas and among them the most stunning are the 3rd and 7th caves of which the first displays 12 finely carved columns, and sports sculptures portraying scenes from the Jataka tales and the other displays an imposing sculpture of a Boddhisattva praying for deliverance. These caves are splendid in their appearance and structure making it a wonderful tourist spot.
Bibi - Ka - Maqbara : Standing as a fine replica of the Taj Mahal, this wonderfully constructed monument was built in the year 1679 by Aurangzeb's son as a remembrance in the honour of his mother Begum Rabia Durani. This is another perfect example of the beauty of the Mughal architecture.
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. From Allaudin Khiljis capture of Deogarh fort in 1296 until Independence in 1947, the fort remained in Muslim hands with exclusive control with the Nizam of Hyderabad. The Persian style Chand Minar stands at the bottom of the fort, towering as a celebration of victory like the Qutb Minar in Delhi. It also houses the Jama Masjid with 106 pillars taken from a Hindu temple and the Chini Mahal where the last king of Golconda was imprisoned for 13 years.
Pan Chakki : The inventive watermill built in the 17th century by Malik Amber in 1695 is an ingenious invention. The mill was used to grind grain for the pilgrims and was designed in such a way to generate energy from the water flowing from a mountain close by.
Paithan : Being an ancient taluka town, it is well known for the exquisite saris. Further, of the few attractions found nearby, the Jayakwadi dam is a treat to the eyes of the avid bird watchers. Next is the Dnyaneshwar Udyan, which is supposedly Maharashtras largest garden.
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