Aurangabad.... A wave of nostalgia sweeps me when I hear the name. I was very young when my parents planned this trip to Maharashtra. I was around 8 years old then but the city has left an indelible mark in my memories. You would not believe but we stayed only 1 and a half days here but the stay was so good that I cannot but long to go back. It was summertime and my parents decided to take us for a vacation to my maternal grandparents place in Nagpur. Once we reached Nagpur, my Uncle planned a ten days long sojourn for us. He had a Tata safari in those days and it became our mode of transport for this trip. My parents, Uncle and Aunt, my elder brother and sister and myself were to be the honorable guests of this lovely vehicle. We packed our bags and some eatables to serve as snacks during our time in the car and lo! we were ready to unwind!
Our journey was planned as Nagpur-Wardha-Amravati-Akola-Jalna-Aurangabad-Shegaon- Shirdi- Nashik and back. The whole journey was itself rejuvenating but my interest was aroused only at Aurangabad. It was the Ajanta- Ellora caves that was to be our first tourist spot at Aurangabad. God! what caves! what a feeling it aroused when we saw them. A tourist guide was showing us and explaining to us the history and significance of the place. History was never boring for me after that. I realised that how much one could learn and understand from history. The ancient age was not an age of ignorance, infact, ancient people were more intelligent then us as they did not had the amenities and facilities that we today have and still they could build up a whole civilisation in that rocky terrain!
There were 29 caves at Ajanta nd 34 caves at Ellora to be seen. Some were closed for the visitors as there was some restoration work happening. The caves at Ajanta depicted the story of Buddhism spanning a period from 200 BC to 650 AD.The 29 caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve - centers of the Buddhist cultural movement. Using simple tools like hammer and chisel, the monks carved out the impressive figures adorning the walls of these structures. Many of the caves house panels depicted stories from the Jatakas, a rich mine of tales of the several incarnations of the Buddha. Images of nymphs and princesses amongst others, were also elaborately portrayed.
The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are the finest specimens of cave - temple architecture, they house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures represented the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism and were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period.
What the books could not teach me, the stones did! Someone has well said if you want to learn history, visit it! How true!
It took us a full day to complete our sightseeing at Ajanta and Ellora. By the time we were finished we realised that we were famished. There were some roadside stalls near the caves serving some snacks and beverages. But it was not hygienic at all! Also the tourists has literally littered the place with used paper-bags, polythenes and plastic bottles. the beauty and serenity of the place was destroyed by such carelessness of human. At that time there was no decent hotel near the caves serving refreshments and we had to wait for 30 mins to reach the main town and freshen up and it was hot and sultry! We were completely drenched by the time we found a nice hotel for ourselves. (The situation may have improved now).
I cannot remember the name of the hotel where we spent the night but it was a beautiful place and was very well decorated. The massive chandeliers, the velvet carpet and the excellent hospitality is all I remember. Also since our stay was so brief I really could not comment on people behaviour and also I was not in a position to really comprehend that. The food was sombre and I do not recall any particular delicacy. The city is a small one but is a well planned one. The roads are all clean and it is a clean and green city! At least at that time it was. I can only learn about the changes through feedback from others.
Next day our first stop was Bibi ka Maqbara. Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son’s loving tribute to his mother, Begum Rabia Durrani, the Queen of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It was heartwarming to see a son’s love for his mother. The white marbled monument rises majestically and almost rivals the beauty of the world famous Taj Mahal at Agra. The central tomb, distinguished by elaborate surface ornamentation and intricately perforated marble screens, is framed by four towering minarets. The gardens and the lawns of the monument were also spectacularly beautiful. The ponds, the fountain, the cool breeze all added to the warmth and sheen of the place. I still cannot forget the whole scene and it seems as if just yesterday I visited the place although it is almost a decade now. Some places you just fall in love with at first sight! Bibi ka Maqbara is one such place!!!
Panchakki, the water mill built by Malik Ambar in 1695 was our next destination. The water, channeled from a spring on a distant hill was used to power the flour mill and grind grain for the pilgrims. And we boast of our engineering skills of modern era! Phew!
We had to leave for Shegaon in the evening and hence we could not see the famous Darwazas of the Mughal period that formed a part of the defense systems of the city. Maybe, someday I should go and visit the place again and feel the magic of Aurangabad again! What do you say, friends? Any company?