Aurangabad has the known cultural history of over 2500 years. During this period, various places in the Aurangabad district underwent the rule of several dynasties belonging to different religions, mainly Hinduism and Islam. Naturally, several arts originated and thrived in the region, evolving as they passed on to the subsequent generations with the passing of every century. Unfortunately, some of these arts were lost during the times of turmoil, but some lived on. Today they are amongst the proud offerings of Aurangabad.The most luminous, ancient and prideful art heritage of Aurangabad is the intricate skill of weaving Paithani, a fine garment initially worn only by the royal order. This celebrated art originated nearly 2200 years ago in Pratishthan, the ancient capital of India and today’s Paithan. Paithani is woven out of finest silk, gold and silver threads. Completely hand woven for over one and a half millennia and thereafter with the use of handlooms, weaving Paithani is considered to be an extremely difficult art.
                    It is believed, this art thrived only because it was passed on from generation to generation, a skill successfully transferred genetically rather than only through teaching. For the same reason, the number of Paithani weavers never multiplied swiftly and though an art of extreme importance, it did not reach the far corners of world.Another reason is the time and cost required to produce one garment. Apart from the costly threads, it takes an excruciatingly long period to weave just a few square inches of Paithani. To weave one Paithani saree, the most popular form of Paithanis today, it takes several months. Weaving a masterpiece could take over a decade. This massive effort reflects into the cost, and makes Paithani a rideful possession for its owner.
                    Himroo is another garment that boasts to be Aurangabad’s specialty. Originally believed to be Persian, the Art came to Daulatabad when Tughlaq Khan shifted his capital there from Delhi. Some of the weavers chose to remain there after the capital was shifted back to Delhi again. The future generations of these weavers came to Aurangabad during the rule of Malik Ambar, and thrived here. Himroo, believed to be the replica of the royal Persian garment Kum-Khwab, is made out of silk and cotton. It is used most popularly in form of shawls. After the art came to Aurangabad it adopted an exquisite form through the designs and weaving styles that developed here.
                 It soon became the specialty of the town.  Another famous handicraft of Aurangabad is Bidriware. Originally from Bidar, Karnataka, this fine art of crafting metal-ware came to Aurangabad with the rule of Bahmanis during the 14th, 15th century. Made of zinc alloy, copper and silver, Bidriware is exported as an important commodity by India. Aurangabad makes Bidriware with its own taste, using the rich resources found near Devgiri fort.   Apart from the handicrafts, Aurangabad district is also a home for several folk arts. Celebrated as a religious place, Marathwada has been gifted by the great writings imparting values left behind by the saints like Dnyaneshwar, Eknath, Ramdas and Namdev. These writings have always inspired dramatists, spiritual singers, and musicians, which resulted in the origin of famous folk arts such as bharud, lokgeet and lavani. Several cultural gatherings are frequently organized in the city where one can enjoy these exclusive arts.  
It is recommended that you take back some of the specialties from urangabad as souvenirs for yourself and as gifts for the loved ones.