Every city of
India has marked its own historical and cultural impact in the world map. Each city has its own historical and cultural heritage that differentiates it from the other city. Therefore it is truly said for
India that one needs to be fully settled in
India to know its culture and history. Same is true for one of the most important district of Maharashtra,
Aurangabad.
Foreigners visit
India to see the symbol of love the Taj Mahal but their journey is incomplete without visiting the Ajanta Ellora , Daulatabd and Bibi-ka-Maqbara which are located in the district of Aurangabad of
Maharashtra. The sculptures of Ajanta Ellora are declared as world heritage by UNESCO world site.
Named after the last Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the history of Aurangabad dates back to 1610 A.D. when it was founded by Malik Ambar who was the then Prime Minister of Nizam Murtaza Shah of Ahmednagar near village Khadki. Malik Ambar developed Khadki as the capital of his city and his forces started dwellings around its boundary. As the result of his efforts within the short span of ten years Khadki developed as the most developed and populous city of the region. Malik Ambar was encouraged with these developments and took personal interest in designing the architecture of city. Thus one can see the creativity of Malik Ambar architecture in the monuments of
Aurangabad.
After his death in 1626 his son Fateh Khan succeeded the throne and changed the name of Khadki to Fatehnagar. However during the war of 1633 with Mughal Sultanates of Delhi all the areas under Nizam Shahi dominance including Fatehnagar and Daulatabad came under the control of the Mughals.
Prince Aurangzeb was appointed as the viceroy of the Deccan in 1653 for the second time and this time he changed the name of his capital from Fatehnagar to Aurangabad. During 1660 Aurangzeb’s son Azam Shah built the Bibi Ka Maqbara as a tribute to his loving mother Dilras Bano Begam. In 1720 one of the most trust worthy General of Aurangzeb Nizam ul Mulk Asif Jah with an intention of establishing his own kingdom in the Deccan came to Aurnagabad and made it his capital.
The first war of Independence in the history of India was Revolt of 1857 which had slowly but steadily affected and encouraged all the provinces in India to raise voice against the British rule. Aurangabad also had an equal impact of this revolt. The British troops were sent to Aurangabad from Mominabad to demolish the revolt.
On the basis of the above mentioned history it is clear that since its establishment the district played an important role in developing its cultural heritage. It served as the hub of social and political activities and was the place of learning architecture and the religious hub. Centers like Paithan, Devgiri, Aurangabad, Ajanta, Ellora attracted large number of saints, poets, men and artisans from all over the country. Hence, it remained a meeting place of different life-styles including different faiths and beliefs. Therefore the district holds the visitors spellbound with its ancient and medieval charms.
At present the district is broadly divided into three geographical regions: (i) The Shivna-Godavari basin, (ii) The northern piedmont slopes and (iii) The Ajanta Plateau.
Geography:
The district of Aurangabad is located mainly on the Basins of Godavari and towards North West of the Tapi River Basin. The district lies at 19 0 20’ to the North Longitude and 74 0 76 ‘ to the east longitude.
FORESTS: The total area under forest is 135.75 Sq.Km. which is 9.03% of the total forest area of Maharashtra.
MOUNTAINS
There are three mountains namely
1) Antur – its height is 826 Mtr.
2) Satonda – 552 Mtr.
3) Abbasgad – 671 Mtr. and Ajintha 578 Mtrs.
RIVER
The main rivers in Aurangabad district are Godavari and Tapi. Whereas Purna, Shivna, Kham . Dudhna, Galhati and Girja rivers are the sub rivers of Godavari.
Statistical Data
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CHARACTERISTICS
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UNIT
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|
Area
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10100 Sq. Km.
|
|
Urban Area
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141.1 Sq. Km.
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Rural
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99587 Sq. Km.
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|
Villages
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1344 nos.
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Grampanchayat
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852 nos.
|
|
Total Population ( as per 2001)
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2897013
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Total Urban Population
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1087150
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|
Total Rural Population
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1809863
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Total SC Population
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376181
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|
Total ST Population
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100416
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Literates
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1771659
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Illiterates
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1125354
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|
Total Workers
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1176857
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Main Workers
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1025531
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Household size
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5.3
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Sex Ratio
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924
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Connectivity:
Air: Aurangabad is well connected by air, rail and road. The airport is conveniently located 10 kms east of the town, and is directly air-linked to Mumbai and Delhi.
Rail: Aurangabad is an important railway station of Maharashtra. Several daily and weekly trains run between Aurangabad and destinations viz. Manmad, Mumbai, Pune, Parbhani, Banglore, Secundrabad, Nanded and Nizamabad.
Road: One can also reach the city by a network of well maintained roads. There are several luxury and state run bus services that ply between Mumbai and Aurangabad and the Ajanta/Ellora Caves.
For more information about Aurangabad explore here