Paithan, the imperial capital of theSatavahana dynasty (1st century BCE–2nd century CE), as well asDēvagirī, the capital of theYadava dynasty (9th century CE–14th century CE), are located within the limits of modern Aurangabad. In 1308, the region wasannexed by theDelhi Sultanate during the rule ofSultanAlauddin Khalji.[18] In 1327, the capital of the Delhi Sultanate was shifted fromDelhi toDaulatabad (in present-day Aurangabad) during the rule ofSultanMuhammad bin Tughluq, who ordered the mass migration of Delhi's population to Daulatabad.[19] However, Muhammad bin Tughluq reversed his decision in 1334 and the capital was shifted back to Delhi thereafter. In 1499, Daulatabad became a part of theAhmadnagar Sultanate. In 1610, a new city namedKhaḍkī was established at the location of modern Aurangabad to serve as the capital of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate by theEthiopian military leaderMalik Ambar,[20] who was brought to India as a slave but rose to become a popular Prime Minister of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate. Malik Ambar was succeeded by his sonFateh Khan, who changed the name of the city toFatehnagar. In 1636,Aurangzeb, who was then theMughal viceroy of theDeccan region, annexed the city into the Mughal Empire. In 1653, Aurangzeb renamed the city as "Aurangabad" and made it the capital of the Deccan region of the Mughal Empire.[21] In 1724, the Mughal governor of the Deccan,Nizam Asaf Jah I, seceded from the Mughal Empire and founded his ownAsaf Jahi dynasty. The dynasty established theState of Hyderabad with their capital initially at Aurangabad, until they transferred their capital to the city ofHyderabad in 1763. Hyderabad State became aprincely state during theBritish Raj and remained so for 150 years (1798–1948). Until 1956, Aurangabad remained part ofHyderabad State. In 1960, Aurangabad and the largerMarathi-speakingMarathwada region became a part of the state of Maharashtra.
Zeb-un-Nisa's palace, Aurangabad 1880s.Painting of the profile of Malik Ambar of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, the founder of Khadki (later Aurangabad)
Khaḍkī was the original name of the village which was made a capital city byMalik Ambar, the Prime Minister ofMurtaza Nizam Shah II, Sultan ofAhmednagar. Within a decade,Khaḍkī grew into a populous and imposing city. Malik Ambar died in 1626.[22] He was succeeded by his sonFateh Khan, who changed the name ofKhaḍkī toFatehnagar. With the capture ofDevagiri Fort by the imperial troops in 1633, the Nizam Shahi dominions, includingFatehnagar, came under the possession of theMughals.[23]
In 1653, when Mughal princeAurangzeb was appointed the Viceroy of theDeccan for the second time, he made Fatehnagar his capital and renamed it Aurangabad. Aurangabad is sometimes referred to as Khujista Bunyad by the chroniclers of Aurangzeb's reign.[24]
In 1667 Muazzam, son of Aurangzeb became governor of this province. Before him Mirza RajaJai Singh was in-charge of this province for some time.[25]
In 1681, after Aurangzeb's coronation as emperor, he shifted his court from the capital city of Delhi to Aurangabad in order to conduct his military campaigns in the Deccan. The presence of Mughal elites in the city led to urban development, as numerous public and private buildings were constructed.[26] Aurangabad had a city wall built encircling it around 1683 in response toMaratha raids, of whichseveral gates still stand, such as the Delhi Gate.[27][28] Though Aurangzeb chose not to reside in the city after 1684, the city retained importance as the primary military outpost of the Mughal Deccan, attracting wealth and turning Aurangabad into a centre of trade; the manufacture of embroidered silks emerged during this period and is still practised in Aurangabad today. Mughal Aurangabad was also a cultural hub, serving as an important centre ofPersian andUrdu literature. During the Mughal era, Aurangabad had an estimated population of 200,000 people, living in 54 suburbs.[26]
In 1724,Asaf Jah, a Mughal general andNizam al-Mulk in the Deccan region, decided to secede from the crumblingMughal Empire, with the intention of founding his own dynasty in theDeccan. Aurangabad continued to be politically and culturally significant for the next 40 years as capital of Asaf Jah's new dominion, until his son and successorNizam Ali Khan Asaf Jah II transferred the capital toHyderabad in 1763.[29][30] The loss of Aurangabad's privileged position led to a period of economic decline; by the beginning of the 19th century, the city had become notably underpopulated, leading to the crippling of its administration, and its buildings were in decay.[31] However, Aurangabad would continue to be important as the "second city" of the Nizam's dominions for the remainder of the polity's lifetime.[32]
In 1816, the British established acantonment outside Aurangabad (as they did in other parts of the Nizam's dominions), but were discouraged from entering the city proper by the Nizam's officials.[33] As aprincely state under British suzerainty, the Nizam'sHyderabad State was quasi-autonomous, meaning that Aurangabad's culture was somewhat free of colonial influence.[34][35]
Aurangabad began to industrialise in the late 19th century, with the city's first cotton mill being opened in 1889.[36] The population of the city was 30,000 in 1881, growing to 36,000 over the next two decades. Aurangabad was particularly affected by Deccan famines in1899-1900, 1918, and 1920, causing surges in crime.[37][38]
Bal Thackeray in 1988 proposed the city to be renamed as Sambhajinagar. The local governing body i.e., CityCorporation passed a resolution on name change in 1995.[40] On 29 June 2022, theShiv Sena-led Maharashtra cabinet approved the renaming of Aurangabad to Sambhaji Nagar, afterSambhaji Bhosale, second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire.[41]
Geography
The co-ordinates for Aurangabad are N 19° 53' 47" – E 75° 23' 54". The city is surrounded bythe Ajanta mountain range on all directions.
Climate
Aurangabad features asemiarid climate under theKöppen climate classification. Annual mean temperatures range from 17 to 33 °C, with the most comfortable time to visit in the winter – October to February. The highest maximum temperature ever recorded was 46 °C (115 °F) on 25 May 1905. The lowest recorded temperature was 2 °C (36 °F) on 2 February 1911. In the cold season, the district is sometimes affected by cold waves in association with the eastward passage of western disturbances across north India, when the minimum temperature may drop down to about 2 to 4 °C (36 to 39 °F).[42]
Most of the rainfall occurs in the monsoon season from June to September. Thunderstorms occur between November and April. Average annual rainfall is 710 mm. The city is often cloudy during the monsoon season and the cloud cover may remain together for days. The daily maximum temperature in the city often drops to around 22 °C due to the cloud cover and heavy rains.[43]
Climate data for Aurangabad (Aurangabad Airport) 1991–2020, extremes 1952–2012
Source 2: Weather Atlas,[47] Tokyo Climate Center (mean temperatures 1991–2020)[48]
Aurangabad has been ranked 36th best “National Clean Air City” (under Category 1 >10L Population cities) in India.[49]
Geology
Ahilyabai Holkar Chauk, Station Road, Aurangabad
The entire area is covered by theDeccan Traps lava flows ofUpper Cretaceous toLower Eocene age. The lava flows are overlain by thin alluvial deposits along the Kham and Sukhana river. The basaltic lava flows belonging to the Deccan Trap is the only major geological formation occurring in Aurangabad. The lava flows are horizontal and each flow has two distinct units. The upper layers consist ofvesiculara andamygdaloidalzeoliticbasalt while the bottom layer consists of massive basalt. The lava flows are individually different in their ability to receive as well as hold water in storage and to transmit it. The difference in the productivity of groundwater in various flows arises as a result of their inherent physical properties such as porosity and permeability. The groundwater occurs under water table conditions and is mainly controlled by the extent of its secondary porosity i.e. thickness of weathered rocks and spacing of joints and fractures. The highly weathered vesicular trap and underlying weathered jointed and fractured massive trap constitutes the main water-yielding zones. The soil is mostly formed from igneous rocks and is black, medium black, shallow and calcareous types having different depths and profiles.[50]
According to the2011 Indian Census, Aurangabad has a population of 1,175,116, of which 609,206 are males and 565,910 are females. Population in the age range of 0 to 6 years is 158,779. The total number of literates in Aurangabad was 889,224, which constituted 75.67% of the population with male literacy of 79.34% and female literacy of 71.72%. The effective literacy rate of 7+ population of Aurangabad was 87.5%, of which male literacy rate was 92.2% and female literacy rate was 82.5%. TheScheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes population is 229,223 and 15,240 respectively. There were 236659 households in Aurangabad in 2011.[3]
The majority of the population in Aurangabad areHindu (51%), followed by 30%Muslim, 15.2%Buddhist and 1.6%Jain. There are a substantial number of adherents ofSikhism andChristianity in the city.[52] Buddhists are ofNavayana tradition who are mostly scheduled castes.[citation needed]
Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is the local civic body. It is divided into six zones. The Municipal Council was established in 1936, the Municipal Council area was about 54.5 km2. It was elevated to the status of Municipal Corporation from 8 December 1982, and simultaneously including eighteen peripheral villages, making the total area under its jurisdiction to 138.5 km2 extended its limits.
The city is divided in 115 electoral wards called asPrabhag, and each ward is represented by a Corporator elected by the people from each ward. There are two Committees, General Body and Standing Committee headed by the Mayor and the chairman respectively. AMC is responsible for providing basic amenities like drinking water, drainage facility, road, street lights, healthcare facilities, primary schools, etc. AMC collects its revenue from the urban taxes which are imposed on citizens. The administration is headed by the Municipal Commissioner; anIAS Officer, assisted by the other officers of different departments. Aurangabad Metropolitan Region Development Authority (AMRDA) is being Formed for the Allover Development of the Region.[54]
Aurangabad is considered to be a classic example of efforts of state government towards balanced industrialisation of state.[58] The city was a major silk and cotton textile production center. A fine blend of silk with locally grown cotton was developed asHimroo textile.Paithani silksaris are also made in Aurangabad. With the opening of theHyderabad-Godavari Valley Railways in the year 1900 several ginning factories were started.[59] After 1960,Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) began acquiring land and setting up industrial estates. The Maharashtra Center For Entrepreneurship Development's main office is in Aurangabad.[60] Major industries in Auragabad are manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and automobiles etc.[61] In the 1990s, land near Shendra village on the Aurangabad-Jalna route was purchased. The MIDC created the Waluj and Chikalthana Industrial Areas as part of its efforts, which were quickly purchased.[citation needed]
The culture of Aurangabad city is heavily influenced by the culture ofHyderabad. The old city still retains the cultural flavour and charms ofMuslim culture of Hyderabad. Its influence is reflected in the language and cuisine of the locals. AlthoughUrdu is among the principal languages of the city, along withMarathi andHindi, it is spoken in theDakhni –Hyderabadi Urdu dialect.[64][better source needed]
Abul Ala Maududi one of the Muslim scholars (1903–1979) was born inAurangabad, India. Syed Abul A'ala Maududi was born to Maulana Ahmad Hasan, a lawyer by profession.[65] His father was "descended from theChishti line of saints.[66] He was also the founder ofJamaat-e-Islami, the Islamic revivalist party.[67]
Various sculptors next to an entrance at Aurangabad Caves.
Aurangabad Caves: These are situated at a distance of 5 km (3 mi), nestled amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves dating back to 3 A.D. Of particular interest are theTantric influences evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves.
Gate: The city is also known for the52 gates built during Mughal era which gives it the name of "City of Gates".[70]
Mughal architecture
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Bibi Ka Maqbara: Aurangabad is known for theBibi Ka Maqbara situated about 3 km (2 mi) from the city, which is the burial mausoleum of EmperorAurangzeb's wifeDilras Banu Begum, also known as Rabia-ud-Daurani. It is an imitation of theTaj Mahal at Agra and due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the "Taj of the Deccan".[71] Aurangabad also has the remains of the palace built by Aurangzeb, including the royal mosque.[72]
Other
Panchakki, was designed to generate energy via water brought down from a spring on a mountain. It displays the scientific thought process put in medieval Indian architecture.
Panchakki: Panchakki, which literally means water mill, is a 17th-century watermill situated within the old city is known for its underground water channel, which traverses more than 8 km from nearby hills. The channel culminates into an artificial waterfall that powers the mill.
Salim Ali Lake & Bird Sanctuary: Popularly known as Salim Ali Talab (lake) is located in the northern part of the city near Delhi Darwaza, oppositeHimayat Bagh. During the Mughal period, it was known as Khiziri Talab. It has been renamed after the greatornithologist and naturalistSalim Ali. It also has a bird Sanctuary and a garden maintained by the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation.
Siddharth Garden and Zoo: is a park and zoo situated in near of the central bus station in Aurangabad. This is the only zoo inMarathwada region. There are various types of animals, birds, flowers and trees. The name of "Siddhartha" has been kept on the name ofGautama Buddha.[73][74][75]
Mashru and Himroo
Himroo: The fabric is said to have originated in Persia, though not conclusively proved, Himroo is associated with the times of Mohammad Tughlaq who ruled in the 14th century. Fabrics and shawls from Aurangabad are much in demand for their unique style and design.[76]
Kaghzipura: A place situated near Daulatabad made first handmade paper in India after the technology was brought here by Mongol invaders. However, the use of paper was not widespread there until the 12th century.[citation needed]
Aurangabadi food is much likeMughlai orHyderabadi cuisine with its fragrantpulao andbiryani. Meat cooked in fresh spices and herbs is a speciality, as are the delectable sweets. The local cuisine is a blend ofMughlai and Hyderabadi cuisine, with an influence of the spices and herbs of the Marathwada region.[77]
Naan Qalia is a dish that is associated with Aurangabad in India. It is a concoction of mutton and a variety of spices.Naan is the bread made intandoor (Hot furnace) while Qalia is a mixture of mutton and various spices.
Aurangabad/Marathwada/Dakhni cuisine is a blend of the Puneri and the Hyderabadi cuisine (which blends the use of typical South Indian ingredients such as curry leaves, tamarind and coconut into their celebrated culinary practices).[78]
Aurangabad railway station is the major railway station underNanded railway division of the South Central Railway zone. It is located on the Kacheguda-Manmad section and has rail connectivity with major cities such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Latur Road, Manmad, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nanded, Nashik Road, Nizamabad and Pune. The work of DPR preparation is ongoing for metro in Aurangabad from Shendra and Waluj.[81] The work of surveys and DPR is also ongoing for high speed rail line from Mumbai to Nagpur, which will have a halt in Aurangabad.
Road
Central Bus Stand and CIDCO bus stand, Aurangabad of MSRTC are the main public transport centres. Buses are available to every major bus depots of Maharashtra.Ola Cabs service is available in city. Major long route Aurangabad buses reachDelhi,Jaipur,Gandhinagar andHyderabad in 2–3 days. MSRTC buses are also available for all district ofMaharashtra and neighbouring State's cities likeIndore,Ujjain,Surat,Vadodara,Khandwa,Burhanpur,Khargone,Bhopal. There are Smart City Bus service in Aurangabad as the part of public transport in Aurangabad Metro City.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (BAMU) is located in Aurangabad city. Many colleges in the region are affiliated to it. The university has 101 Colleges affiliated in Aurangabad and 99 Colleges in Beed, 53 & 55 Colleges affiliated in Jalna & Osmanabad.[82]
National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology Aurangabad (NIELIT Aurangabad) is located inside the Dr. B.A.M. University campus. It is a central government engineering institute under the Ministry of Communication & Information Technology Government of India. It offers DEPM, B. TECH (Electronics Engineering), M. tech (Electronics Design Technology), Ph.D., and short-term courses.[citation needed]
Aurangabad has schools run by theAurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and private schools owned and run by trusts and individuals. Government Polytechnic Aurangabad andCSMSS College of Polytechnic are among the polytechnic institutions in Marathwada region.
Institute of Hotel Management, Aurangabad, is affiliated toUniversity of Huddersfield. Students have internships in the Vivanta, Taj in Aurangabad.[85]
In 1903, a treaty was signed between British and the Nizam to train theNizam's Army and it was decided to establish a proper cantonment. Today the cantonment is spread across 2,584 acres (10.46 km2) with civil population of 19,274 as per 2001 census.[86]
^Sohoni, Pushkar (2015).Aurangabad with Daulatabad, Khuldabad and Ahmadnagar. Mumbai: Jaico.ISBN9788184957020.
^Gopal, Madan (1990). K.S. Gautam (ed.).India through the ages. Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. p. 174.
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