Perched on the northeastern fringe of the Deccan plateau, Bidar Fort is predominantly constructed from red laterite stone.
The Bidar Fort stands proudly as one of the most formidable forts in the country. (iStock)
South India, with its rich history and vibrant culture, has long been a centre of power. Over the centuries, as empires and rulers have come and gone, they’ve left behind tangible remnants – forts that tell the story of how power was both symbolically and practically fortified through the construction of sturdy brick-and-mortar structures.
This region is home to numerous majestic forts, each with its own tale to tell. Some have endured the test of time, standing proudly as vestiges of the past, while others live in stories passed down through generations. Here’s one such fort, a witness to the chapters of history from the Deccan region.
The Bidar Fort, situated in the old city area of Bidar, Karnataka, is not only one of the most important forts in the south but also holds significance for the entire country.
Perched majestically on the Deccan plateau, the Bidar Fort boasts a history of over 500 years and continues to stand resilient.
According to A Study of Historical Monuments in Bidar District (1st Century-17th Century CE) by Ratnakar D Hosamani, “In about 1429 CE the Bahamanis shifted their capital from Gulbarga to Bidar, which was strategically stronger and has a better climate. In 1430, Ahmad Shah Wali Bahamani took steps to develop the city of Bidar and its fort was rebuilt.”
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The Bidar Fort has borne witness to numerous historical milestones.
Following the dissolution of the Bahamani Kingdom in 1527 CE, Bidar emerged as the capital of the Barid Shahi dynasty, which governed until 1619 CE and later until 1656 CE.
During this period, Bidar was a significant part of the Adil Shahi Kingdom. With the conquest of the Deccan by Aurangzeb in the mid-17th century CE, Bidar became incorporated into the vast expanse of the Mughal Empire.
Following the demise of Aurangazeb, Bidar fell under the governance of the Nizam of Hyderabad. This dynasty’s rule, encompassing the Bidar region, persisted until 1948. After the reorganisation of states in 1956 CE, Bidar became an integral part of the unified Mysore state, later renamed Karnataka.
“The second phase of the Bahmani art and architecture began with the transfer of its capital to Bidar. The massive fort of Bidar and its mosques and palaces continue to bear the Persian imprint albeit the indigenous Hindu influence also becomes equally strong in their construction,” writes author JL Mehta in the third volume of Medieval Indian Society And Culture.
The current configuration of Bidar Fortress was reconstructed using red laterite stone around the original fort. The fort takes on a rhombus-shaped layout. Beyond the outer fortifications and triple moat, the fort’s interior boasted splendid mahals, masjids, madrasas, and gardens, showcasing Ahmed Shah’s architectural additions.
The Bidar Fort features seven grand arched gateways, each named based on its facing direction – Mandu Darwaza, Kalmadgi Darwaza, Delhi Darwaza, Kalyani Darwaza, Carnatic Darwaza, and more.
Providing natural protection, cliffs on the north and east sides complement a unique triple-channelled moat shielding the walls facing Bidar city.
Bidar Fort at Bidar is one of the most prominent forts in Karnataka. Sultan Ahmad Shah I of the Bahmanid Empire shifted his capital from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1427 and built his fort along with a number of Islamic monuments. There are over 30 monuments inside Bidar fort pic.twitter.com/7WOmODF73X
— Syed Ubaidur Rahman (@syedurahman) April 25, 2022
Reflecting Persian influences since the establishment of the Bahmani Kingdom, the architectural styles within Bidar Fort feature Persian elements in mosques, arches, gardens, and palaces, both within and outside the fort.
“The twelve tombs of the latter Bahmani rulers at Bidar reveal this intermixture of the Persian and indigenous influences almost in equal proportions. They are much larger in size than their counterparts at Gulbarga and contain more arched recesses, screen windows in the facade and decorative columns besides richly decorated enamel tiles and paintings in many and varied colours,” writes Mehta.
Bidar experiences peak temperatures during the summer, often exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. When planning your visit, it is advisable to come prepared with sufficient water, an umbrella for shade, convenient clothing and footwear, and sunscreen to ensure a comfortable and safe exploration of this historically rich destination.
By air: Bidar boasts its own airport, facilitating flight connections to Bengaluru. It’s located 11 kilometres away from Bidar Fort. Additionally, for a broader range of flight options and international connectivity, the Hyderabad airport, situated 149 kilometres away, stands as the next closest airport.
By rail: The Bidar City railway station is conveniently located just 3 kilometres from the fort, offering easy access for travellers. Trains are available from Bengaluru, providing a well-connected railway network to and from Bidar. The city enjoys railway connectivity with various destinations including Hyderabad, Sainagar Shirdi, Parbhani Jn, Aurangabad, Latur, Nanded, Manmad, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, and Renigunta.
By road: Bidar can be reached by road from Bengaluru and Hyderabad and other locations such as Latur, Udgir, Nanded, Solapur, and more. It enjoys well-connected road transportation with frequent Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses to various destinations. Additionally, there are Volvo services available to major cities like Bengaluru, Hubli, Belgavi, Davangere, Mumbai, Mangalore, Pune, and others.
Within the expansive fortress complex of Bidar Fort, with 30-odd structures, several noteworthy monuments reflect its rich history and architectural grandeur. Here are some:
37 bastions: Along its walls, each bastion is equipped with cannons made of metal bars welded together and secured with metal hoops.
Rangin Mahal (Painted Palace): Named for its vibrant and ornate walls adorned with meticulously crafted coloured tiles.
The gorgeous 15thC Rangeen Mahal
One of the best preserved medieval domestic spaces in India
Bidar Fort pic.twitter.com/YiVm85tzgB— William Dalrymple (@DalrympleWill) January 14, 2018
Takht Mahal (Throne Room): A regal chamber within the fort, believed to have served as a throne room.
Jami Masjid: A grand mosque located within the fortress complex.
Sola Khamba Masjid (Sixteen-Pillar Mosque): The Solah Khamba Masjid, also known as the sixteen-pillared mosque, stands as one of the largest mosques in the country and holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving building in Bidar.
Scenes from the movie Bara (1982) were shot at Bidar Fort and its surroundings.
The song Ishq Sufiyaana from The Dirty Picture (2011) featured sequences, shot at Bidar Fort with actors Vidya Balan and Emraan Hashmi. This showcased the fort’s resplendence with Diwan-e-Khas and Diwan-e-Aam in the backdrop.
Bidar Fort is located at Old City Fort Area, Bidar, Karnataka. It is open from 8.30 am to 6 pm. Entry free.
‘Southern Splendors’ is a heritage travel series that serves as your go-to guide for discovering the vibrant religious, historical, and cultural landmarks that dot the scenic landscapes of South India.
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