Aurang e Noor

I’ll be real — oud usually scares me. It’s either too medicinal or way too loud. But Aurang E Noor? This one whispers. The patchouli grounds it, the musk gives it that intimate skin-scent finish, and the blackberry adds a hint of sweetness that’s actually... comforting? GAIA Parfums nailed the balance here. Feels masculine, but not macho. Powerful, but kind.

Aurang e Noor: "Throne of Light" ⏯Tareekh e Aurang. Let us travel back to class 9th and 10th History Studies. (with the boring bits chopped out) Aurangzeb was the sixth emperor from 1657-1707. His reign was the second longest (49 years) only behind Akbar, his great grandfather. His empire was marked with territorial expansion. However, this was not without weakening of the internal region and unrest from the non Muslims. There was also opposition and rebellions from the Marathas, Sikhs, Rajputs who wanted power for themselves. Then there was the land distribution issues with the Jaagirdaars. Everything went downhill after him. Most of later Mughals were weak puppets with no power, lack of proper administration and governance and less support. Aurangzeb, like any other emperor had his virtues and criticisms. But the details should be left to the history books. ⏯ Opening The opening is a very smooth, almost creamy oud accompanied with a hearty serving of green vetiver. The reason I say 'creamy' is because the musk is latched upon the oud note, or perhaps its the other way around. I was scared of getting this because musk and I don't have a good relationship. Especially musk mixed with jasmine. (Off putting for me). And thankfully there's no neroli/orange blossom note because quite a few perfumes use that to compliment vetiver and it just menacingly takes over. Attars are compact living beings. Everything comes out at once. Leaving only the heavy base notes at front. Now the lighter notes are lifted, tangy sweetness of the berries. THEN the loban note. I was expecting you to come a bit early but you came late. Only by about 5 minutes. ⏯Development Opoponax is one of those dark ingredients like its usual suspect buddies, labdanum, myrrh, birch tar, and benzoin that create a theatrical, and 'scary' effect with their smokiness, sweetness and mystery. Here, I believe the resins got merged together, as I am unable to distinguish them individually from the frankincense. The initial impression was a triad of oud, musk and vetiver followed by incense. The second attempt brought out a sweet, sharp berry note. For such a condense oil structure, it has top to base notes. Yes, it is a structured perfume. Aurang is a multi faceted jewel that glimmers as you sway right and left. It is unlike other one-staged commercial-niche attars that are bereft of transitions. ⏯Longevity/Projection: When it comes to attars and naturals, I throw away longevity and projection out the window. A perfume's art is ignored or not even experienced because the above two are not expected to satisfy. This doesn't mean attars don't project well or have weak lasting. There have been great performing ones as well. As for Aurang, it sits closely on skin, is of a personal nature. ⏯Conclusion. This is a challenging and tricky attar to understand. It decides to reveal certain aspects of itself at different times. The key to this is multiple reflective wearings. This can be frustrating for some; for others, enjoyable. Aurang e Noor does not signify the end of the Mughal empire but is a dignified farewell to its better half, celebrating the legacy of one of its more successful kings, leaving way for chaos, contradictions and confusion.