Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) is known for two traditional crafts that visitors often see side by side: Himroo, a woven fabric of silk and cotton with Persian-style patterns, and Bidri, a blackened metalware inlaid with silver. Himroo is closely tied to the history of this city, while Bidri originated in Bidar in present-day Karnataka and arrived here later. Both can still be seen at working looms and craft shops in the old city.
Himroo: the "similar" fabric
The name Himroo is usually traced to a Persian phrase meaning "similar" or "alike". It refers to the fabric's origins as a more affordable cousin of kimkhwab (kinkhab), the heavy brocade woven with gold and silver threads for royalty. Himroo reproduces those rich patterns using silk and cotton instead of precious metal, which made it lighter and within reach of a wider circle of buyers.
Local tradition holds that the craft came to the Deccan in the 14th century, when Muhammad bin Tughlaq moved his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, the fort just a kilometre from where we are based. When the capital moved back, many weavers are said to have stayed. The craft is recorded as flourishing later under Malik Ambar and in the Mughal period, when Aurangabad became an important city. Some historians argue for a stronger local role in developing the technique, so it is fair to say the story blends Persian design with Deccani hands.
How Himroo is made
Himroo is traditionally woven on handlooms using a supplementary weft technique, in which extra threads float across the surface to create raised patterns. Designs often include vines, flowers, fruit, birds and geometric motifs, and some modern weavers borrow patterns from the Ajanta paintings. The result has a soft sheen on one side and a characteristic texture that is different from printed or power-loom imitations.
Shawls, stoles, cushion covers and saree borders are the most common pieces today. The craft has declined over the past century and only a small number of families still weave by hand, which is one reason a visit to a working loom is worthwhile.
Bidri: a craft from Bidar
Bidriware takes its name from Bidar, a town in northern Karnataka that was the seat of the Bahmani Sultanate. The craft developed there around the 14th and 15th centuries, blending Persian and local styles. Bidriware from Bidar received Geographical Indication status in 2006, which recognises Bidar as its home.
The craft reached Aurangabad when the region was part of the Nizam of Hyderabad's territory, and local artisans went on to develop their own designs. You will find Bidri pieces in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, sometimes with motifs inspired by Ajanta, but it is worth remembering that the tradition belongs first to Bidar.
How Bidri is made
The process is slow and precise:
- An alloy made mostly of zinc with a small amount of copper is cast into a shape such as a vase, box or plate.
- The surface is darkened temporarily so the artisan can scratch a design onto it.
- Fine grooves are engraved along the design, and thin silver wire or sheet is hammered into them.
- The piece is filed and polished, then treated with a paste of special soil and ammonium chloride. This turns the alloy a deep, matte black while leaving the silver bright.
Traditionally the soil in Bidar was taken from the old fort, and the particular chemistry of that earth is part of the craft's story. Authentic Bidri has a velvety black finish that does not flake, and the silver sits flush with the surface.
Where to see and buy them
In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Himroo and Bidri are found in the older parts of the city and around the handicraft shops near the historic gates. A few family-run Himroo workshops welcome visitors to watch the handlooms at work, and some of the long-established craft emporiums stock both Himroo and Bidri. Ask locally for the current workshops that are open to visitors, since they change over time.
When buying, a few habits help:
- Handwoven Himroo usually shows small irregularities and a clear reverse side with floating threads; perfectly uniform pieces are often power-loom made.
- Ask to see weaving in progress if you can; genuine workshops are usually proud to show it.
- For Bidri, check that the black finish is even and the silver inlay is not simply painted on.
- Buy from shops that name their makers or have a long local reputation.
Both crafts make meaningful souvenirs because they carry a real story rather than just a logo. A Himroo stole or a small Bidri box also packs easily for the journey home.
Crafts close to the resort
Craft traditions are all around Daulatabad. The historic handmade paper mills of Kagzipura are only a short drive away, and Paithan, home of the Paithani saree, lies to the south of the city. Together they show how the Deccan's courts and trade routes left behind skills that families still practise.
If you stay at Hiranya, our team can help you plan a craft-focused half-day into the old city alongside a visit to Kagzipura, and the fort that started the Himroo story is right next door. It is a gentle, rewarding way to spend a morning between the caves and the lake.
