Indian
States
Maharashtra |
| |
Cities
In Maharashtra
Aurangabad
( Sightseeing )
Panchakki
Panchakki(Water Wheel) takes its name from the mill that, in
its days, was considered a marvel of engineering. Driven by water
brought through earthen pipes from the river 6km away, the mill
once ground grain for pilgrims.The mill it self is to the right
of the first tank as you enter. It is also the shrine of a saint,
Baba Shah Musafir.
Bibi
Ka Maquara
Bibi Ka Maqbara is the tomb of Begum Rabia Durani,wife of Emperor
Aurangazeb. The monument is an excellent example of Persian Architecture.
The arched aclove surmounted by a swelling dome, the idea had acquired
its own reputation in India. Bibi Ka Maqbara is considered to be
a poor imitation of Taj Mahal in Agra. The layout and surrounding
of the tomb is very much similar to that of Taj but some how the
architecture fails to produce the magic of Taj. Nevertheless, the
monument has its own charm and has been attracting tourist far &
wide.
Himroo
Factory
Tucked away in the old town near Zaffar Gate, this small workshop
is the only place in the city that still produces hand-woven Himroo
shawls from cotton, silk and silver threads. This art developed
as a cheaper alternative to the more extravagant brocades of silk
and gold thread, known as Kam Khab, that were woven for royalty
in the 14th century. Aurangabad is well known for its Himroo, shawls
and saris. It can be found in the many showrooms around the market
area. Most are mass produced using power looms but here you can
see the tradational process. Many of the designs are based on motifs
in Ajanta frescoes.
Aurangabad
Caves
Although they're easily overlooked in favour of the Ajanta and
Ellora caves, Aurangabad has its own group of caves 2km north of
the Bibi-ka-Maqbara. They were carved out of the hillside around
the 6th or 7th century AD. The 10 caves are all Buddhist; caves
1 to 5 are in the western group and caves 6 to 10 are 1 km away
in the eastern group.
Western
Group
All the caves are viharas, except for cave 4. This, the oldest
cave at Aurangabad, is a Hinayana chaitya with a ribbed roof and
is fronted by stupa, now partially collapsed. Cave 3 is square and
is supported by 12 highly ornate columns
Eastern
Group
Cave 6 is fairly intact and the sculptures of women are notable
for their exotic hairstyles and ornamentation. Cave 7 is most intresting
of the Aurangabad caves, particularly for its sculptures- the figure
of women, scantily clad and ornately bejewelled, are indicative
of the rise of Tantric Buddhism during this period
To
the left of cave a 7 huge Bodhisattv prays for deliverance from
the eight danger: fire, the sword of the enemy, chains, shipwreck,
lions, snakes, mad elephants and a deamon (representing death)
|