Built by Ahmad Shah Bahmani between 1426 and 1432 A.D, has five Darwazas (gates) with imposing bastions lead into a little town nestling within the ramparts. Enter from the Gumbaz Darwaza and steps lead you to the Rangin Mahal. The royal residence has elaborately carved wooden pillars, Persian couplets engraved in encaustic tiles and exquisite mother-of-pearl inlay work.
Near the palace are the royal kitchens and the royal baths. Further on are the Ladies Apartments with a 16 columned prayer hall built in 1423. The Solah Kamba Masjid, as it is popularly known, is the oldest Muslim building in Bidar and one of the largest in India.
Not to be missed are the Gagan Mahal,the Diwan-E-Am where the fabulous turquoise throne once rested, the Takhat Mahal, the Royal Pavilion, the Hazar Kothari and the Naubat Khana.
Move on to the Bahmani Tombs at Ashtur. The interiors of the tombs are adorned with well-preserved paintings that are excellent examples of medieval Muslim art. The outer walls are decorated in tile work.
Right in the heart of Bidar town stands the Chaubara, a 71 foot tower. You can have a splendid view from the top of the Chaubara.
The Madrasa of Mahamud Gawan is another important building in Bidar. Architecturally similar to Madrasa at Fez, this university was once a renowned center of learning, attracting scholars from all over the Muslim world.
Nearby is Nanak Jhira, famous for its Gurudwara-built in memory of Guru Nanak.
The rock temple at Narasimha Zarni is also worth a visit.
Image Credit:
