The Bahmani Architectures of Bidar

The Karnataka Waqfs Board has claimed 17 monuments inside the historic Bidar Fort ( including, the 16 Khamba mosque, 14 tombs of various Bahmani rulers etc) as their property.

Historical Relevance of Bidar City

• Bidar was the capital city of the Bahamani kingdom between 1422 and 1538. 
  • It was shifted from Gulbarga/Kalaburagi  to Bidar (previously known as Muhammadabad) by the ninth ruler of Bahmanis ie. Ahmad Shah I
• Evolution: The city of Bidar has evolved with various dynasties controlling it in the Medieval Period of history starting from, Pre-kakatiya, Tughluq, Bahamani, Barid Shahi, Adil Shahi, Mughal and Nizam. 
• Architectural Style: The architectural landscape of Bidar is an inter mixture of Hindu, Turkish and Persian artisanship.
• The plan of the Bidar city fortification is pentagonal and is built on the brink of the plateau.

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The Bidar Fort

• Built by: It was first built by the Kakatiya ruler-Madhav Varma II in the 10th century. 
  • Evolution: The fort was house to many dynasties including Bahmani Sultanate (1347 -1518) Barid Shahi Dynasty (1527-1619), Mughal Empire (1619-1724) Nizam of Hyderabad (1724 -1948).
• The fort has a three-layered fortification spread across 67 acres with a perimeter of 5.5 kilometres.
• Shape: It is shaped in the form of a rhombus housing palaces, mosques, and courtyards.
• Gateways: The Fort has seven grand arched gates of which the Gumbad Darwaza and Sharaza Darwaza are the most important entrance gates.
  • Other Gates: Named on the basis of their directions, these are, Carnatic Darwaza, Mandu Darwaza, Kalyani Darwaza, Kalmadgi Darwaza, Delhi Darwaza
• Palaces: Both the Takht Mahal and Rangeen Mahal are built around rectangular courtyards. The Fort Complex also houses Gagan Mahal and Tarkash Mahal which are in ruins.
  • Takht Mahal (Throne Place): It is the royal palace built by Ahmed Shah and was the royal residence housing the splendid throne of the Bahmanis where coronations of several Bahamani and Barid Shahi Sultans were held.
  • Rangeen Mahal: It is situated near Gumbad Barwaza, is one of the preserved palaces in the Fort with the walls adorned with Mother-of-Pearl of the finest quality inlaid in jet black stone. The designs of this monument represent the blend of the both Muslim and Hindu architecture. 
• The Solah Khamba Masjid (16 Pillars mosque): It is said to have been built in 1423-24 A.D. by Qubli Sultani.
  • The mosque was originally a ceremonial audience hall and was converted into a prayer space. The roof of the structure consists of a large dome surrounded by small domes.
• The Hazar Kothari: It was built for safe exit of the ruling  family during attack from the enemies. There is an underground hall which leads to the outer wall of the fort.
• The Karez system (Qanat system): It is an ancient Persian technology used for water supply introduced by the Bahmani Sultans in the 15th century that played a crucial role in Bidar’s agricultural prosperity.
• Mahmud Gawan Madrasa: It was built in 1472 by Gawan (prime Minister/wazir) , is considered as one of the oldest and most influential Islamic educational institutions in India. The structure is protected by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).
  • Residential University: It housed a Mosque, a library, lecture halls and quarters facing an open courtyard. The students were taught Arabic, Persian languages, theology, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics etc
  • The Madrasa was adopted by Shaheen Group of Institutions under the Adopt-a-Heritage scheme and a MoU was signed by ASI in August 2024.
• Ashtur Tombs: The Royal Necropolis of ten Bahmani rulers is situated in Ashtur village near Bidar city. The tomb’s interior is adorned with splendid paintings reflecting Deccani and Asian style of art.
• • The first tomb belongs to Ahmad Shah, followed by tombs of Ala-ud-Din Ahmed Shah II, Ala-ud-Din Humayun Shah, Nizam-ud-din Ahmad Shah III, Shams-ud-din Muhammad Shah III, and Shihab-ud-din Mahmud Shah II were aligned. 
  • Chaukhandi tomb:It is a majestic mausoleum built in honor of Hazrath Khalil Ullah, the spiritual advisor of Ahmad Shah