Aurangabad: The City of Gates and Mughal Splendor

• Helloनमस्कार
  [namaskar]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [haan]
• Noनहीं
  [nahin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा कीजिए
  [kshama keejiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [theek hoon. aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [mujhe samajh mein nahin aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू दिखाइए
  [krupaya menu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [main maans nahin khata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [krupaya main bhugtan karna chaahoon]

• Help!मदद!
  [madad!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [main kho gaya hoon]
• I'm illमैं बीमार हूँ
  [main bimaar hoon]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँगा...
  [main khareedna chaahunga...]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा हूँ
  [main bas dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [yah kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [yah bahut mahnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अब कितने बजे हैं?
  [ab kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तक
  [das baje tak]
• Morningसुबह
  [subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [kal]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [kal]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दो
  [do]
• 3तीन
  [teen]
• 4चार
  [chaar]
• 5पांच
  [paanch]
• 6छह
  [chhah]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहाँ है?
  [...kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [agli (bas) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [ek ticket (... ke liye)]

Aurangabad, originally known as Khadki, was founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate. It was later renamed Fatehnagar by his son, Fateh Khan, and finally Aurangabad by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1653, when he made it his capital during his Deccan campaign.

Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal Emperor, is a significant figure in the history of Aurangabad. The city served as his capital during his reign in the Deccan region from 1653 to 1707. During this period, Aurangzeb commissioned several structures, including the Bibi Ka Maqbara, which is often referred to as the 'Taj of the Deccan' due to its resemblance to the Taj Mahal.

Bibi Ka Maqbara, built between 1651 and 1661, is a mausoleum dedicated to Dilras Banu Begum, Aurangzeb's first wife. This architectural marvel was designed by Ata-ullah, the son of Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, the principal designer of the Taj Mahal. It stands as a testament to Mughal architecture in the Deccan region.

Aurangabad came under the control of the Marathas in the early 18th century after the decline of the Mughal Empire. The city was part of the Nizam's dominions, which later became the princely state of Hyderabad. The Maratha period saw the construction of several forts and temples in and around Aurangabad.

During the British colonial period, Aurangabad was part of the Hyderabad State under the Nizam's rule. The city modernized with the introduction of railways and other infrastructure developments. The Nizam's loyal association with the British Empire ensured that Aurangabad remained a significant administrative and cultural hub.

After India's independence in 1947, Aurangabad became part of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The city has since developed into an industrial and educational center, known for its textile industry and educational institutions like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University.

Aurangabad is renowned for its proximity to the Ellora and Ajanta caves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Ellora Caves, dating from 600 to 1000 AD, feature rock-cut monasteries and temples representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. The Ajanta Caves, older and dating from the 2nd century BCE to 480 CE, are famous for their stunning murals and sculptures that depict the life of the Buddha.

Aurangabad is a melting pot of cultures, influenced by various dynasties and rulers. The city celebrates a variety of festivals, including the vibrant Ellora-Ajanta Festival, which showcases classical Indian dance and music. The local cuisine, including the famous Naan Qalia, reflects the rich culinary traditions inherited from the Mughal and Nizam eras.

Aurangabad is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is the Aurangabad Airport (Chikkalthana Airport), with regular flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. The city is also served by Aurangabad Railway Station, which connects to major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad. By road, Aurangabad is accessible via National Highway 52 and State Highways, with regular bus services from neighboring cities.

Within Aurangabad, several transportation options are available. Auto-rickshaws and taxis can be hired for short distances or day trips. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates buses within the city and to nearby tourist spots. For a more personalized experience, consider renting a car. Ride-sharing apps like Ola and Uber are also operational in Aurangabad.

The official currency in Aurangabad is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash in urban areas before heading to more remote sites.

Aurangabad is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's wise to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places like markets and bus stations. Certain neighborhoods, particularly near railway stations and bus terminals, may have higher petty crime rates targeting tourists. Always use registered transportation services and avoid accepting unsolicited help from strangers.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and several hospitals, including the Government Medical College and Hospital, provide emergency services. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues, and many offer 24-hour service.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious practices. Remove your shoes before entering temples and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' or a handshake. Avoid overly familiar gestures. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Aurangabad like a local, visit the vibrant local markets such as Gul Mandi and Aurangpura for fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals; they are friendly and often eager to share stories about the city's rich history. Don't miss visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. For a unique experience, try the local street food and take a walk along the Siddharth Garden and Zoo for a leisurely day out.