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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)
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