From ancient times Aurangabad has been a place of great importance due to it’s location on the famous "Silk Route" that traversed across the breadth of Asia to reach Europe. Textiles, embroidered finery and various kinds of beads made in nearby Paithan were exported to the markets of Greece, Rome and Egypt.

Under royal dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas, Aurangabad developed as a centre of culture and learning. It gave birth to or provided inspiration for great poet-saints and philosophers like Dyaneshwar, Eknath and Ramdas, Wali and Siraj.

There was a village named Kirki (Khadki) where the city stands today. According to some historians, the city was founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar. Malik Ambar was the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II of Ahmednagar, the then ruler of the Deccan (central parts of Southern India ). It is widely believed that city took shape between 1604 and 1610 under Malik Ambar’s rule. Initially, it was named Fatehpura (city of Victory ), probably after Malik’s son Fateh Khan. A mint was built in the city. In 1634, Aurangzeb was sent to Kirki, and named as Governor of Deccan. In 1644, he moved to Agra to play an active role in Mughal politics.

In 1681, the city again became the residence of Aurangzeb, who had now become Mughal Emperor. He used the city as base for his campaigns to conquer the last remaining Deccan sultanates. He lived there until his death in 1707. The modern name of the city was probably taken after his death. Aurangzeb’s tomb is situated at Khultabad, a small town near the city.

State : Maharashtra
District : Aurangabad

Coordinates : 19.53° N 75.23° E
Area : 138.5 km²
Elevation : 513 m
Time zone : IST (UTC+ 5:30 )

Population (2001) : 682,000
Codes : Postal : 431 xxx
Telephone : +91-240
Vehicle : MH-20