Aurangābād, India

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Aurangābād, India

Region: Maharashtra


Geographic Coordinates: 19.880000, 75.320000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 1371330
Language: Marathi

Aurangabad, Situated in Maharashtra, India, Is a city that boasts of rich history and culture. It was established in 1610 by Malik Ambar, An African slave who became the Prime Minister of the Nizam Shahi dynasty. The city was named after Aurangzeb, A Mughal Emperor who made it his capital during his rule. One of the most famous tourist attractions in Aurangabad is the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcase some of India’s finest rock-cut architecture and art dating back to 2nd century BC.

The Ajanta Caves comprise 30 Buddhist caves with intricate paintings depicting various scenes from Buddha’s life while Ellora Caves have sculptures and carvings representing Buddhism, Hinduism, And Jainism. Another popular destination for tourists is Bibi Ka Maqbara which is also known as ‘Taj Mahal’ of Deccan. This mausoleum was built by Prince Azam Shah for his mother Dilras Banu Begum between 1651-1661 AD. It has stunning Mughal architecture with intricate designs on white marble walls.

The city also has strong ties with Sufism as it houses several important Sufi shrines such as Hazrat Baba Shah Musafir Dargah and Hazrat Pir Ismail Dargah that attract devotees from all over India. For those interested in history, Aurangabad has several museums including Sunheri Mahal Museum which displays artifacts from the Maratha Empire era; Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum that showcases weapons used during battles fought by Shivaji Maharaj; Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum dedicated to social reformer Dr B.R Ambedkar; Siddharth Garden Zoo that houses rare species like white tigers.

Apart from its historical significance, Aurangabad is also known for its silk and cotton textiles, With Himroo being the most popular. The city is also famous for its spicy cuisine, Including the famous Hyderabadi biryani and Naan Qalia. Aurangabad is a bustling city that has a perfect blend of history, Culture, And modernity. It has excellent connectivity with major cities in India through air, Rail and road transport making it an ideal destination for tourists from all over the world.



Important Landmarks

  1. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
  2. Bibi Ka Maqbara
  3. Daulatabad Fort
  4. Aurangabad Caves
  5. Panchakki (Water Mill)
  6. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
  7. Siddharth Garden and Zoo
  8. Himayat Bagh Udyan (Fruit Orchard)
  9. Sunheri Mahal Museum
  10. Gates of Aurangabad – Bhadkal Gate, Delhi Gate, Paithan Gate

Primary Industries

  1. The major industries and businesses in Aurangabad, India are diverse and include:
    • Manufacturing
    • Tourism
    • Agriculture
    • Education
    • Healthcare
    • IT/ITES services
    • Retail/trading
  2. Aurangabad is known for its industrial belt with a significant presence of manufacturing units. The major industries include:
    • Automobile
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Textile engineering
    • Food processing
  3. Additionally, the region around Aurangabad is known for its agriculture production of:
    • Sugarcane
    • Cotton
    • Soybean
  4. Tourism is another important industry in the city with several historical monuments such as:
    • Ajanta and Ellora caves
    • Bibi Ka Maqbara
    • Daulatabad Fort
  5. There are several educational institutions in Aurangabad including:
    • Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University
  6. Healthcare facilities are also abundant in the city with hospitals like:
    • MGM Hospital & Research Center
  7. With the establishment of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) in 2003-04 many IT companies have set up their offices in Aurangabad providing employment opportunities to local residents.
  8. The city also has a vibrant retail sector with many large shopping malls like Prozone Mall catering to consumers’ needs offering branded products at competitive prices.

Noteable History

  1. Ajanta and Ellora Caves are ancient rock-cut caves located near Aurangabad, designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. They showcase some of the finest examples of Indian art from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE.
  2. The city is named after Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who made it his capital in the late 17th century. Known for his strict Islamic policies and expansionist military campaigns.
  3. After the decline of Mughal power, Aurangabad became an important center for the Maratha Empire in the 18th century under leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Peshwa Baji Rao I.
  4. In the early 19th century, Aurangabad came under the control of Nizam of Hyderabad, a powerful Muslim dynasty that ruled a large part of southern India until independence in 1947.
  5. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was a social reformer and politician born in a nearby village called Mhow who later settled in Aurangabad where he established a school for untouchables (Dalits) in 1927.
  6. Bhagat Singh was a revolutionary freedom fighter imprisoned at Aurangabad Central Jail during British colonial rule before being hanged by British authorities in Lahore, Pakistan.
  7. The mid-20th century saw a movement to create a separate state for Marathi-speaking people which eventually led to Maharashtra becoming its own state with Mumbai as its capital city known as Maharashtra statehood movement.
  8. Indian Air Force Station at Chikalthana is an airbase located on outskirts of city which played an important role during Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 when Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes on Pakistani military targets across border.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
  2. Bibi Ka Maqbara
  3. Aurangabad Caves
  4. Panchakki (Water Mill)
  5. Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum
  6. Sunheri Mahal (Golden Palace)
  7. Daulatabad Fort
  8. Siddharth Garden and Zoo
  9. Himayat Bagh
  10. Soneri Mahal


Sports Teams

  1. Aurangabad FC is a football club founded in 2019 that plays in the Maharashtra Football League and has gained popularity quickly.
  2. Aurangabad Athletics Club is a track and field club that has been producing talented athletes for several years who have gone on to compete at national and international levels.
  3. Marathwada Mitra Mandal Cricket Club is a successful cricket team founded in 1984 that regularly participates in local tournaments and has won several titles over the years.
  4. Maharashtra United Volleyball Association is an association based out of Aurangabad that organizes various tournaments throughout the year to promote volleyball as a sport.
  5. Aurangabad District Chess Association promotes chess as a sport by organizing various tournaments for players of all ages and skill levels within the district.

Overall, sports play an important role in the lives of many people living in Aurangabad, with numerous clubs, associations, and teams promoting different sporting activities throughout the year.



Cultural Events

  1. Ellora Ajanta International Festival: This cultural event celebrates the rich heritage of Aurangabad, featuring music, dance, and art performances.
  2. Paithan Fair: A traditional fair held in Paithan near Aurangabad where visitors can buy and sell handloom textiles.
  3. Urs-e-Sharif: A religious festival celebrated at the dargah (tomb) of Sufi saint Hazrat Baba Shah Musafir in Aurangabad.
  4. Ganesh Chaturthi: An important Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India, including Aurangabad.
  5. Marathwada Mahotsav: A week-long cultural festival showcasing the art, cuisine, and traditions of Marathwada region in Maharashtra.
  6. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival: A popular arts festival held annually in Mumbai but also celebrated in other parts of Maharashtra including Aurangabad.
  7. Holi: The festive celebration of colors is enjoyed with great fervor across India including Aurangabad.
  8. Dussehra: One of the major Hindu festivals that marks the victory of good over evil is also celebrated with grandeur in Aurangabad as well as other parts of India.
  9. Diwali: The joyous celebration of lights is another significant Hindu festival widely observed across India including Aurangabad.
  10. Buddha Jayanti : This Buddhist Festival commemorates Buddha’s birth anniversary which falls on a full moon day during April/May every year.

Cuisine

  • Naan Qalia is a spicy mutton curry dish that is typically served with naan bread.
  • Dum Pukht is a slow-cooked biryani dish that is known for its rich and complex flavors.
  • Tandoori Chicken is a marinated chicken dish that is cooked in a tandoor oven, which gives it a smoky and charred flavor.
  • Sheer Kurma is a sweet dessert made with vermicelli, milk, and dry fruits, which makes it the perfect end to any meal.
  • Biryani Darbar is a popular restaurant chain that serves various types of biryanis and kebabs, making it the perfect place to indulge in some delicious Indian cuisine.
  • Himroo’s Restaurant is known for its authentic Maharashtrian cuisine, which includes dishes like vada pav and misal pav.
  • Oasis Restaurant & Bar serves Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine, so there’s something for everyone on their menu!
  • Taj Bawarchi Restaurant is famous for its Mughlai and North Indian dishes, which are rich in flavor and spices.
  • Shivaji Putala Hotel & Restaurant serves traditional Marathi dishes like Vada Pav and Misal Pav along with other delicious options.
  • Panchakki offers traditional vegetarian thalis comprising of roti or rice along with sabzi (vegetable curry), dal (lentil soup), raita (yoghurt-based side dish) etc., making it the perfect place to enjoy an authentic Indian meal!

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Bibi Ka Maqbara is a historical monument that resembles the Taj Mahal and is open to the public as a park.
    2. Siddharth Garden and Zoo is a vast public park that includes a zoo, botanical garden, and various recreational activities.
    3. Panchakki is an old water mill transformed into a public park with gardens, fountains, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.
    4. Salim Ali Lake offers scenic views of hills and greenery where visitors can indulge in outdoor activities such as boating and bird watching.
    5. Aurangabad Caves are ancient Buddhist caves converted into popular tourist spots for hiking and exploration.
    6. Himayat Bagh Udyan is an expansive botanical garden showcasing hundreds of plant species from around the world.
    7. Kala Darwaza Park located in Aurangabad city has playgrounds for children along with walking trails for adults to enjoy their leisure time.
    8. Daulatabad Fort Park has been transformed into a sprawling public park offering picnic areas, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
    9. Khuldabad Hill Station Park offers stunning views of nature along with trekking options to explore it better!

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