Begumpura: The Historic Jewel of Aurangabad

• Helloनमस्कार
  [namaskar]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [haan]
• Noनहीं
  [nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया/स्वागत है
  [krupaya/swagat hai]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा कीजिए/माफ़ कीजिए
  [kshama keejiye/maaf keejiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?
  [thik hoon. aur aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोल सकते हैं?
  [kya aap angrezi bol sakte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाइए
  [krupaya menyu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [main maans nahi khaata/khati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मुझे भुगतान करने दीजिए
  [krupaya mujhe bhugtan karne dijiye]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [bachao!]
• 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/गई हूँ
  [main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी
  [main ... khareedna chahunga/chahungi]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [main bas dekh raha/rahi 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?अभी कितने बजे हैं?
  [abhi 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
  [chhe]
• 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 (nakshay 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)]

Begumpura, meaning 'City of the Begum,' was established during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the late 17th century. The area was named in honor of his wife, Begum Zeb-un-Nissa, and served as an important cultural and administrative center in Aurangabad. The development of Begumpura coincided with the Mughal Empire's expansion in the Deccan region, and the neighborhood became a hub for trade and cultural exchange.

Begumpura is characterized by its unique architectural styles, blending Mughal and local influences. Notable structures include intricately designed mosques and tombs, reflecting the artistic legacy of the period. The area's buildings exhibit ornate carvings, elaborate frescoes, and expansive courtyards, which are testaments to the craftsmanship of the artisans who worked during the Mughal era.

During the Deccan Wars in the late 17th century and early 18th century, Begumpura played a strategic role due to its location. The neighborhood served as a military outpost and provided logistical support to the Mughal army. The battles fought in and around Aurangabad impacted the socio-political landscape, leading to a decline in the Mughal influence and the rise of regional powers.

Begumpura has historically been a melting pot of cultures, attracting people from various regions due to its trade routes and administrative significance. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant festivals, traditional music, and dance forms that reflect the diverse heritage of the region. This cultural amalgamation is evident in local cuisine, art, and community celebrations, making it a lively part of Aurangabad's cultural tapestry.

In recent decades, efforts have been made to preserve the historical and cultural significance of Begumpura amidst rapid urbanization. Local government and cultural organizations are working to maintain the architectural integrity of the neighborhood while promoting it as a tourist destination. Initiatives include heritage walks and cultural festivals that celebrate Begumpura's rich history and encourage community engagement.

Begumpura is well-connected to the rest of Aurangabad. The Aurangabad Railway Station is about 5 kilometers away, and from there, you can take a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Begumpura. If you're coming from the Aurangabad Airport, which is approximately 10 kilometers away, taxis are available for hire. Public buses also operate from various parts of the city to Begumpura, making it accessible for budget travelers.

In Begumpura, the best way to get around is by using auto-rickshaws or local taxis, which are readily available. Public buses also serve the area, but they may not be as frequent. For those who prefer to explore on foot, many attractions are within walking distance. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, providing a unique way to explore the neighborhood.

Begumpura is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. Areas such as the outskirts of Begumpura, particularly near isolated parks, may have higher crime rates, so exercise caution when exploring these parts.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 108 for ambulance services. There are local hospitals and clinics in Aurangabad that can provide medical care. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies, and know the location of the nearest hospital from your accommodation.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local temples or religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering places of worship. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a polite 'Namaste.' Don't engage in overly familiar behavior without invitation. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Begumpura like a local, visit the bustling street markets where you can sample street food and shop for handicrafts. Engage with the local community to learn about their culture and history. Visit the nearby heritage sites such as the Bibi Ka Maqbara, but also explore lesser-known spots to enjoy a more authentic experience. Early morning strolls can provide a peaceful way to observe daily life and local customs.