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Panchakki 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 FactoryTucked 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 CavesAlthough 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) Sightseeing | Places to Eat | Travel Info | Hotels | Excursions | AurangHome |
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