Historical places to visit in Karnataka - 05

BIDAR

Bidar fort

 

Distance (From Bidar Railway Station): 2.5 Kms

Visited From: Bidar Railway Station

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1 Hour

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: Rangin Mahal, Tarkash Mahal, Solah Khamba Masjid are added as separated places and the remaining monuments - Gagan Mahal, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khass and Valkoti Bhavani temple can be seen as part of this.

At a distance of 2.5 km from Bidar Railway Station, Bidar Fort is one of the magnificent forts in Karnataka and main tourist attraction of Bidar. 

 

The initial Bidar Fort is considered to have been built during the reign of the Western Chalukya dynasty which was established in 977 AD at Kalyani. Subsequently, it was captured by the Yadava dynasty of Devagiri and fell yet again to the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Bidar Fort was rebuilt by Sultan Ahmed Shah Wali of Bahmani Dynasty, when his capital was moved from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1430 along with a number of Islamic monuments.

 

The Bidar fort is a specimen of the Persian architectural style having 1.21 km in length and 0.80 km in breadth, with a quadrangular layout. Surrounded by three miles long walls and comprising 37 bastions, it is surrounded by a triple moat.

 

There are seven gates in the fort. The dominant main gate exhibits Persian style architecture. The Gumbad Darwaza depicts arches with stilted size, also in Persian style. The Sherza Darwaza, the second gate of entry depicts two images of tigers carved on its fascia. The other gates are the Fateh Gate on the south, Talghat Gate in the east, Delhi Gate and Mandu Gate. The prominent bastion at the entry is known as the Munda Burj with guns positioned on it.

 

Within the fort complex, there is an old city, with monuments and structures from Bahamian era. Among these monuments, Gagan Mahal, Rangin Mahal and Tarkash Mahal are most popular. Jami Masjid and Solah Khamba Masjid are the two notable mosques constructed within the fort.

 

The inner section of the fort behind Solah Khamba Mosque has few wonderful monuments like Diwan-i-Am (also known as Jali Mahal) was a Public Audience hall built by Bahamani Sultans in 14th-15th centuries. It is currently in ruins. The Jalis can be still in the upper windows of the structure.

 

Beside the Diwan-i-Am is a wonderful structure known as Diwan-i-Khass also called Takht Mahal or Throne Palace. It was built by Bahamani Sultan Ahmad Shah between 1422-1436. This is the place where coronation of several Bahamani and Barid Shahi sultans was taken place. The palace used to be adorned with beautifully colored tiles and stone carvings part of which can be still seen on the arches. This structure is closed for public and the outer sections can be seen from outside.

 

Behind Diwan-i-Khass, an old temple known as Valkoti Bhavani temple exists along with few settlements.

 

The fort is considerably in good shape and one of the best forts in Karnataka.

 

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

Mahmud Gawan Madarsa

 

Distance (From Bidar Railway Station): 2 Kms

Visited From: Bidar Railway Station

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1 Hour

Place Location: Between Chaubara Clock Tower & Bidar Fort

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 2 km from Bidar Railway Station, Mahmud Gawan Madarsa is one of the major historical structures and a beautiful structure situated between the Fort and Chaubara Clock Tower.

 

Mahmud Gawan Madarsa is an old Islamic university built by Khwaza Mahmud Gawan in 1472. Mahmud Gawan was a Persian merchant who arrived in the Bahamani Sultanate at around 1453 AD. Due to his honesty, simplicity and knowledge he impressed the Bahamani Kings. He ultimately reached to the post of prime minister and was much respected among the local population.

 

Gawan had built a large madarsa at the centre of Bidar with his own money. It functioned like a university, in the same way as other contemporary madarsas of West and Central Asia and Saharan Africa. The architectural style of the madarsa strongly resembles the buildings of Samarkand. 

 

The Madarsa had an imposing three-story building with 100 feet tall minarets in four corners. Only the northern end minaret is survived today which shows traces of blue glazed tile work with calligraphy in Thuluth script containing religious texts. The first and second floors having balconies which project from the main structure in a curvilinear form without any bracket support. The lower part of the tower was decorated with tiles arranged in a chevron pattern, the colors being green, yellow and white. 

 

This three-storied building was once surmounted with domes. The walls of the structure are adorned with colorful tile work and are inscribed with verses from the holy Quran. Earlier, this college housed a library, mosque, laboratory, and lecture halls. There were thirty-six rooms for students and six suites for the teaching staff. It housed a library where 3000 Persian books had been kept.

 

The Madarsa ran effectively for over two centuries, but unfortunately it suffered as Bidar witnessed a series of political struggles after that. After Aurangzeb conquered the city of Bidar, the Madarsa was then used as a military barrack. The building suffered much damage due to explosion of gun powder in 1695, but still retains much of the original architectural features.

 

The ASI took over this monument in has put in a great deal of effort in conserving it. 

 

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM.

Chaubara clock tower

 

Distance (From Bidar Railway Station): 2 Kms

Visited From: Mahmud Gawan Madarsa (300 m)

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 15 Mins or Less

Place Location: On Fort Road Near Mahmud Gawan Madarsa

Transportation Options: Walk/Trek

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 2 km from Bidar Railway Station, Chaubara is an old circular Clock Tower and one of the important monuments situated in the heart of Bidar town. 

 

Chaubara means a building facing in four directions. The tower is reported to have built in the pre-Islamic period but follows semi- Islamic architecture. It was probably constructed as an observation post with a height of 71 feet. This cylindrical structure gives a commanding view of the entire city from the top.

 

The tower has a circular base, 180 feet in circumference and 16 feet in height with small arched enclosures built along its lower parts. There is a large clock on the top of the tower. The entire tower is built of black trap masonry laid in lime and strengthened by circular bands. The tower has four rectangular openings pierced in its walls for ventilation and airflow. A winding staircase of eighty steps leads to the top of the tower.

 

This place is situated in the middle of a busy road and traffic could prevent visiting of this place, especially during morning and evening rush hours.

 

Barid Shahi Tombs

Distance (From Bidar Railway Station): 3 Kms

Visited From: Bidar Railway Station

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1 Hour

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 3 km from Bidar Railway Station, The Barid Shahi Tombs are historical monuments situated in Deccan Park and Barid Shahi Park near Bidar Bus Station. The Archaeological Survey of India has declared the group of tombs as national monuments.

 

The Barid Shahis gained control of the territory around Bidar in the beginning of the 15th century. The tombs of Ali Barid and his son Qasim Barid are located in the sprawling gardens of Deccan Park. The 55 acre garden has hundreds of plants spread across. The main entrance has a gateway on the south, decorated with architectural motifs with star-shaped panels and beautiful patterns. 

 

Ali Barid Shah was the most prominent among Baridshahi rulers. He was interested in architecture and built his own tomb three years before his death in 1577. The Tomb of Ali Barid Shah is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture and beauty. There is a two storied gateway which leads to this tomb. The 70 feet high tomb has a big dome supported by four pillars. It has a grand pavilion based on a high platform built by green granite and laterite rock. It has rich floral designs carved on stone. It also has painted tiles inside of the dome. The paintings have hand designs along with calligraphic patterns. The structure has the tombs of Ali Barid and his wives. A small mosque is also built near the tomb which has rich decoration walls.

 

The tomb of Ibrahim Barid Shah is situated right in front of Ali Barid's tomb. This tomb is almost similar to the one of Ali Barid but smaller in size. Some of the flower designs are very intact and beautiful. It was built on a high platform with a number of graves spread all around. These are sixty seven graves belonged to royal line of Ali Barid Shah. 

 

Barid Shahi Park is located on the other side of the road opposite to Deccan Park. The park is well maintained with walkways and lush greenery. Just beyond the Park gateway is Qasim Barid Shah II Tomb. This tomb has similar size and architecture of Ali Barid Shah tomb. The square tomb has walls with three arches each and the entrance on the southern wall.

 

To the West of Qasim Barid II tomb, there is a tomb of Qasim Brid but smaller in size. He was the founder of Barid Shahi Kingdom. There are several other smaller tombs with no details. The tombs are believed to belong to the clan of Qasim Barid Shah II. One notable tomb in the cluster is the one that belongs to Chand Sultana.

 

Timings: 4 PM to 8 PM (Tue-Sat), 10 AM to 8 PM on Sundays & Holidays. Closed on Monday.

 

Entry Fee: Rs.5 per person.

 

Bahamani tombs

 

Distance (From Bidar Railway Station): 5.5 Kms

Visited From: Bidar Railway Station

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1-2 Hours

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM.

At a distance of 5.5 km from Bidar Railway Station, Bahmani Tombs located at Ashtur are other important historical monuments in Bidar, after the Fort. 

 

The 12 tombs of Bahmani Sultans are located in the same compound. They are huge structures with beautiful arches, niches and lofty domes. Among all the tombs, the tomb of Ahmad Shah Wali is most popular. Ahmad Shah shifted the capital from Gulbrga to Bidar in 1430 and rebuilt the old fort. Ahmed Shah Bahmani was a religious ruler. He was devoted to Khwaja Bande Nawaz of Gulbarga and later to the order of Shah Nimat-Ullah of Kirman. He was also respected the doctrine of Lingayats, a religious order of Deccan established by the philosopher, statesman and social reformer Basavanna. 

 

Ahmad Shah Wali the 9th Bahmani Sultan died in 1436 and his son Alauddin built a majestic tomb for his father. The walls are about twelve feet thick supporting a huge dome on the top. There are three doors built into huge recessed arches. This tomb is known for its beautiful walls, which are inscribed with Quran verses written in gold color. The walls of the tomb are also decorated with beautiful paintings. Highlight of this tomb is the swastika symbol, which has been used in this mausoleum for ornamentation. The paintings here depict lovely contrasts and skill of artist in blending colors. Urus (Jatra) is held here every year in which both Hindus and Muslims participate. East of Ahmad Shah Tomb is the tomb attributed to his wife possibly named Shah Jehan Begum. The tomb is built at a lower level. 

 

Another famous tomb is the tomb of Sultan Allauddin Shah which consists of tiled panels and carvings on the black stone margins of arches which are very impressive. Allauddin was a thoughtful and cultured prince who built his tomb during his lifetime. The arches in tomb are elegantly decorated with stucco work. He died of a wound in 1458. This tomb lies next to Ahmad Shah Tomb.

 

Humayun Shah tomb, the son of Alauddin, was struck by lightning and most of its dome and two walls collapsed. The shattered tomb is a strange sight. It seems like a cross section cut model of a tomb. South west to Humayun's Tomb is the tomb of his wife Malika-i-Jahan. She played an important role during the reign of her minor sons Nizam Shah and Mohammed Shah. Nizam Shah Tomb was probably built by Malika-i-Jahan and is situated next to Humayun Tomb. The tomb inexplicably remained incomplete and is open with the dome missing. Mohammed Shah III tomb lies next to Nizam Shah tomb. His tomb again is incomplete. 

 

Mohammed Shah IV built his own tomb along with several additions to the Bidar Fort. The tomb is majestic with arches on the walls. Mohammed Shah IV's nominal successors were his sons Ahmad Vira Shah II, Alauddin Shah II and their sons, Wali-Ullah Shah and Kalim-Ullah Shah who were under the control of Barid Shahis. All four tombs are similar with conical domes and are situated to the south and west of the Mohammad Shah IV Tomb.

Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah

 

Distance (From Bidar Railway Station): 5 Kms

Visited From: Bahmani Tombs (1 km)

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins

Place Location: In Ashtur Village, Near Bahmani Tombs

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 5 km from Bidar Railway Station and 1 km from Bahmani Tombs, Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah is located at Ashtur.

 

Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah is a tomb built in honour of the renowned Hazrat Khalil Ullah. He was the spiritual adviser of Sultan Ahmed Shah. The tomb is known for its beautiful architecture, which features calligraphy and stone work above the arched doorways with carved granite pillars and adorned walls of the structure.

 

Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah is one of the prominent historical monuments in Bidar. The tomb is a two story octagon with a freestanding square domed tomb chamber within, entered through a large gateway with pointed arches. The outer octagonal curtain wall has arched recesses flanked by panels with diagonal squares; all outlined in black carved stone bands and covered in colored tile work. Inscriptions of Koranic verses adorn the doorway. The walls are decorated with stucco work both inside and outside. The calligraphy on the basalt lintel of the entrance is of exceptional quality. The Chaukhandi has three graves in the main vault and several others in the corridor.

Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib

 

Distance (From Bidar Railway Station): 2.5 Kms

Visited From: Bidar Railway Station

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1 Hour

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 2.5 km from Bidar Railway Station, Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib is a Sikh historical shrine and one of the important pilgrimage sites in Bidar. 

 

Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib was built in the year 1948 and is dedicated to the first Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Gurudwara is established in a nice valley, surrounded by laterite hills on three sides. The shrine comprises Darbar Sahib, Diwan Hall and Langar Hall. In the sukhaasan room, Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikh is placed. 

 

According to the History, Guru Nanak Devji along with his disciple Mardana visited Bidar during his second Udasi around 1512 AD. While he was visiting this place, Guru Nanak sat on the outskirts of the village on the foot of a hill. When people came to know about Guru Sahib, they started gathering here. They told Guru Nanak about the scarcity of water and also that the water available in Bidar was salty and unfit for drinking. It is believed that after hearing the plight of the residents, Guru Nanak touched a stone and rolled it with his foot. To the surprise of the people, a spring of clean water started gushing out. That water source is still preserved here and it still serves the people of Bidar for the last 500 years. A large beautiful Gurudwara is constructed close to the spring, known as Gurudwara Nanak Jhira (Jhira meaning spring of water).

 

The water from the spring is collected in a small water tank called Amrit Kund, built opposite to Gurudwara. It is believed that a holy dip in the tank is enough to cleanse the body and soul of the devotees. There is a free community kitchen where free food is given to pilgrims. A Sikh museum has been built in the memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur, depicting the important events of Sikh history through pictures and paintings.

 

Devotees throng to the Nanak Jhira Gurudwara especially during Guru Nanak Jayanti, which is one of the major festivals of the Sikhs. About 4 to 5 lakh pilgrims and tourists visit Gurdwara Nanak Jhira every year. Holi and Dussehra are also celebrated in grand manner.

 

Bhalki Fort

Distance (From Bidar): 44 Kms

Visited From: Bidar

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 2-3 Hours

Transportation Options: Bus / Cab

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 2.5 km from Bhalki Railway Station and 44 km from Bidar, Bhalki Fort is an ancient fort situated in the town of Bhalki.

 

The Bhalki Fort was built by Ramachandra Jadhav and Dhanaji Jadhav, under King Jang Bahadur, between 1820 & 1850. The fort spread over five acres amidst thick vegitation. It is quadrangle in plan having 20 feet high walls and one bastion. Locally available black stone has been used with lime mortar to build the fort. This fort was an arms and ammunition depot for Maratha army. Bhalki fort came into possession of Nizam of Hyderabad during British rule.

 

Bhalki fort has two important temples. The Kumbheshwar temple is inside the fort while the Bhalkeshwar temple is slightly away. On one side of the fort wall is a stepped well and at the other end is a narrow passage leading to another courtyard in the north, where part of the old Fort is being used as a primary school. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh at the northern end.

 

Most of the structures in Bhalki Fort remain in ruins due to poor maintenance.