Aurangabad, officially known as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, is a city in Maharashtra, India. It serves as the administrative center of Aurangabad district and is the largest city in the Marathwada region. Situated on elevated terrain in the Deccan Traps, it ranks as the fifth most populous urban area in Maharashtra, with around 1.2 million residents. The city is renowned for its production of cotton textiles and exquisite silk fabrics. It houses notable educational institutions like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University. Moreover, Aurangabad is a prominent tourism destination due to its proximity to UNESCO-listed sites – the Ajanta and Ellora caves. These historical attractions, alongside Aurangabad Caves, Devagiri Fort, Grishneshwar Temple, and more, make it a vibrant tourism hub. The city is also nicknamed the “City of Gates” due to its historical gates. In 2019, it earned the distinction of being India’s first greenfield industrial smart city under the Smart Cities Mission. Industries like manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles thrive here, with major companies such as BMW, Audi, Skoda, Bajaj Auto, and others having a presence. The culture of Aurangabad, influenced by Hyderabad, is reflected in its language, cuisine, and local traditions.