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The Historical city of Aurangabad....
Location: West Central
Maharashtra
Originally Called As: Khadke (Big rock)
Founded By: Malik Ambar
Best Time To Visit: October to March
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, the city offers a
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.
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.
Cave 7 is the most
interesting of the Aurangabad caves. Most
impressive are the sculptures, figures of women
which are scantily clad and ornately bejewelled.
They show the rise of Tantric Buddhism during
this period. To the left of Cave 7 is a huge
Bodhisattva praying for deliverance from the 8
dangers: fire, the sword of the enemy, chains,
shipwreck, lions, snakes, mad elephant and demon
(representing death).
Khuldabad
24 kms. from Aurangabad lies Khuldabad -
literally 'heavenly abode'. The final resting
place of Emperor Aurangzeb, this walled town was
once an important center.
Bani
Begam Gardens
24 kms. from Aurangabad, you can find the tomb of
Bani Begam - companion to one of Aurganzeb's
sons. It lies amidst sprawling landscaped
gardens, interspersed with fluted pillars,
elegant domes and aesthetic fountains -
showcasing the splendid architecture of the
times.
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