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Bidar Fort, Bidar Overview
The Bidar Fort is situated in Bidar, Karnataka. It is a work of great architecture and is an important monument in the history of Karnataka. The fort is a symbol of the glorious and magnificent history of the state. One of the most popular tourist attractions, the fort is an absolute favourite with historians and archaeologists. The place has various museums, brilliant royalpalaces,fortifications, moating and daunting bastions. The fort reminds one of the splendid and remarkable past of the South Indian rulers of the Deccan. There is no entry fee for the fort, and there are no restrictions on photography. One can take photos and capture the beauty of fort of Bidar.
There is an interesting history behind the magnificentBidar Fort. Though one cannot surely say when this fort emerged some believe it to be the house of the uncle of the Pandavas, Viduraccording toMahabharat. The city flourished under the rule of the Bahmani dynasty,being their capital city. The fort has witnessed the change of many rulers of different dynasties of South India each affecting the culture, traditions and architecture of the city. Satvahanas,Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kakatiyas and Yadavas are some of the major dynasties of the south that ruled the fort. After that, the fort came under the rule of the Sultanates, Mughals and Nizams. Since then the fort has been restored and developed many times.
More on Bidar Fort
The architecture of Bidar Fort
The fort is deeply inspired by Islamic and Persian architecture. When the fort was restored by Ahmad Shah, he constructed a royal complex inside the walls of the fort. The fort was built with a stunning defense strategy. With a triple-layeredmoat,glacis and strong red laterite stone wall, the fort was able to resist the attack of the Mughals during the period of Aurangzeb till fire rockets were used.
Equipped with 37 octagonal bastionswith cannons made of metals welded together the fort is well prepared to attack the rivals. Munda Burj is the biggest bastion among all of them. The ManduDarwaza is the first gateway to the fort out of the seven grand, arched gateways. Then comes the SharzaDarwazawhich has lions engraved on it. It is a symbol of power. The GumbadDarwaza follows next and is one of the most beautiful sights with spectacular architecture influenced by traditional Persian architecture. The Bidar Fort is a symbol of the rule of the great Indian Rulers and the effect it had on the city.
Structures insideBidar Fort
- Rangeen Mahal: TheRangeen Mahal also called the Colourful Palace was constructed by Muhammad Shah in the 16th century. It is so called because it is adorned with tiles of different colours. The main reason behind its construction was as a safe house for the royals. It could also be used as a hiding place as it has underground rooms, tanks and bathrooms. Ali Barid embellished the place with mother-of-pearl. Next to the Rangeen Mahal is a museum which showcases relics and artefacts of those times.
- SolahKhamba Mosque: The SolahKhamba Mosque constructed in 1423-24 AD by QubilSultaniis a piece of architectural brilliance. It has a huge dome at the centre which makes the mosque look grand. The mosque gets its name from the presence of 16 pillars in the prayer chamber. It is believed that Aurangzeb used to often visit this place while he was in South India. The structure stands tall in the Lal Bagh garden and looks magnificent. Tourists are not allowed inside, though.
- The Mahals: There are a number of Mahals inside the Bidar fort.The Tarkash Mahal was constructed by the Bahmani sultan for his Turkish wife hence the name. The Gagan Mahal was built for safety purpose. It is a grand and beautifully made palace. It was designed for the purpose of living for the royals and their staff. It is also believed that women used to spectate animal fights from here. The museum here showcases various royal relics of that time and is very popular among archeologists.
Ahmad Shah rebuilt the throne room also called the Takht Mahal which has witnessed the rise and fall of the Bahmani and Barid Shahi rulers.
4. Diwan-i-Am and Diwan-i-Khas: The Diwan-i-Am and Diwan-i-Khas were constructed by the Mughal rulers. Near the mosque, the fort has an audience hall with lofty walls. Diwan-i-Am,also known as the Jali Mahal, is a court only for the public which has beautiful trellis work. The Diwan-i-Khas, as the name suggests, is a court for special guests.
Bidar Fort History
The Bidar fort has a magnificent history. Some of it might even be lost. According to data, the initial history dates back to the period of Delhi Sultanate. In the 14th century, the fort was under the rule of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. The Bahmani Sultanate was formed in 1347 when a governor named Hassan Gangu rebelled against the ruling king and formed a different dynasty. Bidar became more developed and prospered under the rule of the Bahmani Sultanate. Hassan Gangu changed his name to Ala-ud-din BahamanShah, and a new lineage was started. Initially, the capital city was Gulbarga but in 1429 was changed to Bidar under the rule of Sultan Ahmad Shah I. The fort was renovated and restored with new fortifications, bastions, ramparts, huge gates, royal palaces, grand pavilions, and mosques.
The fort has seen the rise and fall of many dynasties. The Bahmani dynasty fell apart, and the fort was seized by Barid Shahi and later by Adil Shahi. In 1657 Aurangzeb later captured the fort. In the 18th century, it was under the rule of Nizam for some time but was soon taken over by the Britishers. In the present times, it is a part of Karnataka.
How to Reach Bidar Fort
Buses, trains and flights are available to reach the Bidar city. Inside the city, you can travel through autos, cabs or even horse carts to reach the fort.
