Aurangabad is an ancient city in the Maharashtra state of India. It is also the tourism capital of the state. The city is called the gateway city because it was the administrative headquarters of the Marathwada region. Let’s have a sneak peek at the treasures this ancient city beholds!
How old is the city of Aurangabad?
The city was founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar– a Siddi military leader of the Deccan region of India. Its original name was Khadki as named by the founder of the city.
In 1653, when the Mughal prince Aurangzeb was appointed the Viceroy of the Deccan region, he renamed the city to Aurangabad. The city has seen the rise and fall of many empires and also the British reign.
The city of Aurangabad is more ancient than we think. The famous Ajanta and Ellora caves are the evidence that the civilization existed in the region in the Medieval-era. These cave temples were built between 2nd and 10th century in a rock-cut pattern.
The exclusive art of Aurangabad
Himroo
Himroo is a traditional art of cotton weaving, also known as kum-khuab. The fabric uses cotton and silk as raw material and has a smooth, slippery, satin-like texture. Some believe that this art of weaving originated in Persia, whereas, some believe it was introduced in the town itself during Muhammad Bin Tughlaq’s reign in the city.
This fabric was initially used only by the royals.
Bidriware
It is a Persian art-form in which impressions are made on copper and silver and gold are filled in those impressions. In Aurangabad, you can find beautiful and classy cufflinks made from this technique. The art is also used in the making of dinner plates, jewelry boxes, hookahs, ashtrays, vases, etc.
If you are planning to visit this wonderful city, you can also book a cab for sightseeing and onward journey.
Useful Links-
Aurangabad: One-day trip planner