The history of Aurangabad District dates back to the Treta and Dwapar ages. It is believed that sages like Bhrigu had practiced his penance in the region of Aurangabad. Remnants of ancient history still are part of the district. Even dilapidated remains of the ancient past testify the fact the Aurangabad had glorious past. Some of such remains which are found in the region are Baba Dudheshwar Nath which is a Shivaling made of Black Sapphire. There is a Sun temple of Konark style in the district of Aurangabad. It is believed that the temple was founded by Raja Ayel, a Tretayugi King and also an ascendant of Lord Rama. There is also a folk tale that Lord Brahma had started to construct three temples in this region in a single night. Two of them, the temples of Deo and Umga were completed, but third one of Devkund could not be completed, because it became morning.
When it comes to the modern history of Aurangabad District it can be said that Aurngabad is a part of history of the ancient Magadha which included the undivided district of Patna and Gaya. Aurangabad had been ruled by Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, the great Ashoka and Chandragupta Maurya. After the downfall of the Mauryas, the Aurangabad area remained under sovereignty of the Sungas and the Kushans. Harshavardhan had also ruled over Aurangabad. During the regime of Harshavardhan, celebrated books of Sanskrit Literature Kadambari and Harshcharitra were written by Banbhatta.
The prominent feature of Aurangabad was that, although it was ruled by Ashoka, the great Magadh Emperor, it culturally continued to enjoy its own identify. Even during the climax of his regime, this region resisted the spread of Buddhism. Due to the militant nature of the Rajputs for a long period of time they resisted to the domination of the Mughal Sultanate and the British Empire. Before Aurangabad came under the Mughals it was under the control of Sen and Garhwal kings.
During the regime of Sher Shah, the area became strategically important .It formed a part of the Rohtas Sirkar. The Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri had built the famous Grand Trunk Road. Glimpses of Afghan architecture are still visible in the old buildings of this region. History says that after downfall of Mughul Empire, the area had come under control of zamindars of Deo, Kutumba, Mali, Pawai, Chandrgarh and Siris.
Aurangbad District had a vital role to play in the freedom struggle of India. During the freedom movement of 20th century, the people of this region also took active part and remained in close contact of freedom fighters of the whole country. The slogan "Angrejo Bharat Chhorho" launched by Mahatma Gandhi and Indian National Congress had a great impact on the People of Aurangabad.
The district of Aurangabad was separated on 26th January 1973 from the parent District Gaya. Till the year 1991 there was only one sub-division in Aurangabad district that was Aurangabad Sadar. On 31st March 1991, another sub-Division namely Daudnagar was created.
