Current Time in Sambhaji Nagar, India

Sambhaji Nagar, formerly known as Aurangabad, is a major city in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India. Located in the Deccan Plateau region of central Maharashtra, the city has a population of over 1.2 million and serves as the administrative headquarters of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District. The city was officially renamed Sambhaji Nagar in September 2023 to honor Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of the great Maratha king Shivaji. It is widely known as a gateway to some of the most important historical and archaeological sites in India.

The city was founded by Malik Ambar, the Ethiopian-born regent of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, in the early 17th century. It later became the capital of the Mughal Deccan under the Emperor Aurangzeb, who ruled much of his later life from here and is buried nearby at Khuldabad. The city's Mughal heritage is visible in several monuments that survive from this period, including the Bibi Ka Maqbara, built in 1678 by Aurangzeb's son as a mausoleum for his mother and often called the Taj of the Deccan for its resemblance to the Taj Mahal.

The most famous attraction near Sambhaji Nagar is the Ajanta and Ellora Caves complex. The Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 100 kilometers north of the city, consist of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE, renowned for their stunning paintings and sculptures. The Ellora Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site about 30 kilometers from the city, feature 34 monasteries and temples carved directly into the volcanic basalt cliffs, representing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions. The Kailasa Temple at Ellora, carved entirely from a single rock in the 8th century, is considered one of the greatest achievements of ancient Indian architecture.

Within the city, the Daulatabad Fort, a formidable medieval hilltop fortification built by the Yadava kings and later used by the Delhi Sultanate, is another remarkable historical site. The Panchakki, a water mill complex with a large artificial lake built during the Mughal era, and the Sunheri Mahal are other notable landmarks. The city's old quarters contain several beautifully decorated gates and mosques from the Mughal period.

Sambhaji Nagar has a growing economy centered on manufacturing, particularly the textile, pharmaceutical, and automotive industries. The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor passes nearby, promising further industrial growth. Several educational institutions and the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University contribute to the city's intellectual life.

The city is served by Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje Airport and good rail connections, making it accessible for tourists from across India and abroad. Its unrivaled archaeological wealth and historical importance make it one of the most significant heritage destinations in the entire subcontinent.