Bidar
tours would take you to the tourist attractions in and around Bidar.
Tours to Bidar should include the numerous monuments dating back to the
flourishing Bahmani and Barid Shahi dynasty.
Bidar Fort
The Bidar Fort, built in 1428 by Ahmed Shah Bahmani, stands proudly
epitomizing the grandeur of the Bahmani dynasty. Five darwazas (gates)
with imposing bastions lead into a little town nestling within the
ramparts. The Rangin Mahal, the royal residence, was built by Ali Barid
(1542-1580) and features exquisite wood carvings and fascinating glazed
tile mosaics.
Tombs of Bahmani Rulers
The tombs of Bahmani rulers in Ashtur, Bidar were erected from 1436 to
1535. The two most impressive are those of the ninth and tenth Bahmani
rulers, Ahmad Shah I and Allauddin Shah II. The tomb of Ahmad Shah I has
a dome rising over 30m high. The interior of these square tombs have
beautifully colored and gilded paintings on the ceilings.
Tombs of the Barid Shahis
The Mausolea of the Barid Shahi rulers lack the grandeur of the Bahmani
tombs. Ali Barid's tomb has a 25m high dome. The Tomb of Ali Shah Barid,
the largest of the lot, with a domed chamber, stands in the middle of a
symmetrical four square garden. Blank panels above the arches once
contained tile mosaic, examples of which are preserved inside.
Madrassa of Mahmud Gawan
Madrassa of Mahmud Gawan is an Islamic seminary built in 1472 by Khwaja
Mohammad Gawan, the Prime Minister during the reign of Bahamani ruler
Muhammad-III. This university was once a renowned centre of learning in
the Muslim world for the scholars of Persian, Arabic, philosophy,
theology and mathematics. The massive three-storey building housed a
mosque, a laboratory, lecture halls, quarters for the teaching faculty
and a students' hostel.
Chaubara
The Chaubara is a mighty 71-feet-tall tower located at the heart of the
town. Built to function as an observation post, this cylindrical
structure gives a commanding view of the entire city from the top.