Aurangabad is a very age-old city situated in Maharashtra, India. It is prevalent among tourists due to its ancient caves, lakes, historical forests, and tombstones. This city was known as Khirki (window) and Fatehnagar; these city names were kept after the names of the current rulers of that time.
This historic city was named after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The Union of India ruled it under the later authorities, so it is a city full of historical events and landmarks. That's why tourists come over from around the world to explore historical places in Aurangabad.
Along with the historical sites, you will see the magnificent masterpieces of historical figures, such as the sculpture architecture of the buildings and places. In this article, you'll read about Aurangabad history and its sites, and after reading about this place, you'll also be curious to visit it.
Let's begin!
Aurangabad Caves
Aurangabad Caves have not been famous since its beginning. In the 20th century, archaeologists found these caves; from then on, they were protected by the Institution of Archeological Survey of India. These are the 6th and 8th-century caves, which didn't exist naturally, but ancient architecture built them with massive outcrops.
These Buddhist monuments were built by cutting 12 big rocks. When tourists see these fantastic caves and the cravings and sculptures on them, it surprises them how those people built these caves without any modern machinery and equipment, only with excellent skills and expertise.
This stunning place is located 20 kilometres away from north-west Aurangabad. Ajanta caves, Ellora caves, and Bibi Ka Maqbara are also the main focus of the visitors, but we should not compare these caves with each other because each one is a rare masterpiece in its place. It would be best to visit this place as it is well known in historical places in Aurangabad.
Naukhanda Palace
Malik Amber had built this Palace in 1616, and he was the army leader who worked for the Peshwa of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate. The Palace is counted among the most breathtaking, beautiful historical places in India. Naukhanda Palace has big gates leading to the Palace.
At the main doors, a vast Naubatkhana rings that was called Barkal. This Palace has nine accommodations; five buildings were reserved for the zananas ( only for women), and it has a mosque, kachori, Divan-e-Aam, Divan-e-Khas, and hot baths; every site has a personal garden and a piscina.
Now, this Palace is commonly known as Aurangabad College for Women. Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur, the current owner of this place, replaced it with the college for women. Although this place was ruined with time and many sites are entirely demolished, it still attracts tourists, who visit it often.
Sunheri Mahal
Pahadsingh built this Mahal with great splendour. After betraying the Mughal Emperor, he sold this Palace to the Nizam of Hyderabad. This Mahal was made between 1651 and 1653 in Rajput architectural style. Since its beauty has faded so much and even these paintings no longer have a name or trace, it still attracts tourists in all its glory.
The reason why this Palace of Rajputs was named Sunehri Mahal is that this Palace was decorated with paintings made of original gold, but with time, portraits have been ruined and disappeared. Still, the name of this Palace remains as Sunehri Mahal. The mountains behind the Palace and its surrounding lush trees and beautiful open grounds add to its grandeur.
This historical place is known as one of the Aurangabad famous places. This Palace has a museum that contains ancient pottery, sculptures, and items used by the Rajputs of that time. Apart from this, four-day festivals of Elora Cave and Ajanta Cave are organised in this Palace. Numerous artists, such as painters, dancers, and musicians, came and showed their art and talent.
Bani Begum Garden
Bani Begum Garden was named after the wife of Azam Shah; he was the son of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This place gets this name because of the presence of the tomb of Bani Begum in the middle of the garden. One of the famous historical places in Aurangabad.
It is an excellent example of Mughal architectural designs. This garden has an old Mughal style. Emberled with greenery and fountains, it gives a beautiful scenery view. Consists of giant domes and round-edged pillars with extensive attics. Its architectural style makes it a perfect place for romantic people.
Many tourists visit this place regularly. On the garden's south, west, and east sides, there is a Baradari in the middle of the wall, and each baradari has five arches and 12 doors. Historical structures attract people because human nature is always curious about how people lived before.
Himayat Bagh
This bagh covers almost four hundred acres of land. It is situated in the 17th century, during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb. Himayat Bagh has a fantastic nursery in which you can see various plants and flowers spread on the substantial green lawn. You'll witness the gorgeous scenery and can get a perfect photoshoot at this place.
This bagh also has a long beautiful pool, in the daylight the water shines like stars and you can see the reflection of the greenery in it. Visitors prefer this place for peaceful, romantic walks. The long routes in the garden and surrounded by trees offer amazing views and comfort for the people.
Furthermore, here you can also see different fruit trees like mangoes and tamarinds, and if you want to buy them, you can have one from the nursery. Himayat Bagh is included in the fruit research centre as it is part of the Marathwada University (Research Centre). This stunning natural place is counted in the top 10 historical places in Aurangabad.
Conclusion
Aurangabad has various historical tourist points. If you're eager to explore this city, visit Hazur Sahib Nanded, Bibi ka Maqbra, Shivaji Maharaj Museum, Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mhaismal. The more you explore, the more you'll know the history of the ancient people. Historians will love to roam around in the Aurangabad city.