AURANGABAD Part-1 : Caves, Forts, Lakes and Rich History

Good Day to all, with this new blog, we from Phila Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd. Are here to give you brief details about the City Aurangabad in the Province of Maharashtra along with the places of Interest, hope you will enjoy reading and will have a wish to visit it personally.

Aurangzeb

Chhatrapati Shivaji

The name AURANGABAD derived from the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, when he took over the Deccan Kingdoms and used the town as strategic point to suppress the rising of Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji, in 1653, changed the name of Fatehpur (Originally name was Khirki – meaning as Window) to Aurangabad. Though, the history of this town goes way back to the era of Buddhism. The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are the best examples of the influence of the Buddhism in and around those places in the early times. The days, those caves are World heritage sites and Bibi ka maqbara and Daulatabad fort are also quiet famous and all these monuments are visited by many Indians as well as foreigners. Those Caves are already under the approved list of UNESCO World Heritage Site and remaining two are proposed for the same. 

Bibi-ka-Maqbara

Sightseeing at Aurangabad is an extensive list, besides Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara (also known as Mini Taj Mahal or Taj of Deccan) the visit to Himroo Factory (shawl manufacturing factory) and Panchakki (Water Mill) are worth to be organized. Also there are other places like Daulatabad Fort, Khuldabad, Anwa Temple, Pitalkhora Caves, LonarCrater and Paithan can also be organized as excursions. Sunheri Mahal Museum, University History Museum and Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum are three the museums in the city, housing artistic treasures of this historical region.

In this first part about Aurangabad and places to visit, we will be mainly talking about Ajanta Caves and few other places, so let’s start with:

Water Mill Blades

PANCHAKKI:  Literally meaning ‘water wheel’, Panchakki takes its name from the hydro-mill (water Mill) which is situated at a distance of 1 km from the city, in its day, was considered a marvel of engineering. Driven by underwater water carried through earthen pipes from 8km away from its source in mountain, it once ground grain for pilgrims. The channel culminates an artificial water fall which powers the mill to grind grains. You can still see the humble machine at work.

Ajanta Caves from Viewpoint-Ajanta

Inside Ajanta Cave

AJANTA CAVES: The greatest Historical Monument protected by Archeological Survey of India and recognized by UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 105kms from Aurangabad City are 30 caves carved out of solid rock dates way back in 2^nd Century A.D. These monuments were constructed during two different periods of time separated by a long interval of four centuries. The older ones were the product of last centuries before Christ and belong to Hinayana period of Buddhism in later part of 2nd century AD when Buddhism was divided into two sections, after the conduct of the fourth general council under another great king, Kanishka. The depiction of carving of statues and paintings relates to the life and events of Prince Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism and the Jatakas stories pertaining to the Buddha’s previous incarnation.

Once you visit the caves, will start wondering how the paintings were made in such dark places on so rough walls, well, it’s like this: As the Buddhists began to scoop caves from the 1st century A.D. downwards, they evolved practical ways of working in the dark. The mashaal, or stick torch, was smeared with vegetable oil and used for lighting dark corners. Also, large mirrors were used to reflect sunshine in to the interiors. Before painting on walls, layer of clay mixed with cow dung and powdered rice hunk was first applied to the chipped rock surface. Once it dries, a second coat of lime plaster was a Applied over it, and thus the surface was smoothened for proper Painting to start. The outlines were then drawn in pink, brown or black; the colors were filled in with big brushes, made from the hair of squirrels’ tail. The colors were made by crushing and grinding pebbles and vegetable found on the hillside and then mixed with glue. The main colors used were; red ochre, yellow ochre, brown ochre, lamp black, white and lapis lazuli (blue). This last pigment was imported from Northern India, central Asia and Persia. Green was made by mixed this lapis lazuli with Indian yellow ochre.

There are 30 caves in Ajanta of which 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 are chaitya-grihas and the rest are monasteries. With this I would leave it on you to discover these caves, the statues and paintings in it and have a pleasure of visiting one of the oldest and important places in India.

Hand Pouch

Shawls

HIMROO FACTORY: Now wouldn’t you all be interested in having some useful item to be offered as gift to your relatives, friends etc. back home or for yourself a souvenir to remind you of the beautiful place you visited and good memories of the same, So here we offer you Shawls, made from Himroo material, which is an amazing mix of cotton and silk and the use of gold and silver threads, it is known for its quality. Paithani saris and conventional handloom shawals can also be seen here. The designs and the patterns on these fabrics are the inspirations which are derived from the Ajanta paintings. The locale of the Himroo Factory is ideal, it is near Zaffar Gate in the old town; don’t forget to visit.

Reclining Buddha in Ajanta Cave No: 26

And of course we from Phila Tours are always there for any further information, inquiry and requirement for your peaceful holidays, so, feel free to contact us. we will return to you with next part to complete about Aurangabad in some time, meanwhile enjoy your day.