Bidar Fort is located in the northern region of Indian state of Karnataka particularly in Bidar district. This Fort was constructed in 1427 by Sultan Alla-Ud-Din Bahman of Bahmani Dynasty who transferred his capital to Bidar from Gulbarga. He built this Fort with numerous numbers of monuments that belong to Islam community. Bidar was the name given to the district, town and as well as Fort. Both Fort and town are situated at the corner of the plateau which is oblong in shape. It measures about 35 km (22 miles) in length and 19 km (12 miles) in width surrounding a total land of about 31 square kilometer (12 miles). Towards the western direction of Bidar is Basavakalyan (Kalyani), the ancient capital of Kalyani Chalukya which is about 64 km (40 miles) from Bidar. The Bidar town together with its surrounding area in this district receives its water from Karanja River, a known tributary of River Manjira, which on the other side is a well known tributary of River Godavari. The climatic condition in this area is completely salubrious all round the year. Even in peak summer season, one can witness sudden and sharp thunder showers in this place. Even the winter season is quite pleasant here. The villages and the city surrounding this area carry a rich heritage comprising historical legends and monuments.

History

Bidar Fort history dates back to 1427, when Sultan Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah shifted the capital to Bidar from Gulbarga because of its pleasant climatic conditions and good fruit and fertile land. The recorded history of existence of Bidar Fort in the form of strong and small Fort is traced to 1st Muslim invasion of this region in 1322, by Prince Ulugh Khan after which it was wrapped under the rule of Tughlaq dynasty. Sultan Alla-Ud-Din Bahman Shah Bahmani took over Bidar after the establishment of Bahmani dynasty in 1347. Bidar became the capital of Bahmani Kingdom during the period of Ahmad Shah between 1422 and 1486. The Fort was renovated with beautiful and amazing gardens, palaces, mosques and madrasas. In Bidar history, it’s Prime Minister in 1466, Mahmmad Gawan plays a major role. In 1656 A.D. Aurangzeb, Mughal Emperor captured Bidar from Barid Shahi dynasty. In 1724, Bidar was taken under the control of Nizam’s Asaf Jahi Kingdom. Between 1619 and 1620, Bidar was joined under Bijapur Sultanate, later on Aurangzeb took over the place in 1657 and later on, it came under Mughal Empire. Between 1751 and 1762, Salabath Jung (Nawab Said Mohammed Khan Asaf Ud Daula), the 3rd son of Asaf Jah I ruled Bidar, followed by Mir Nizam Ali Khan Asaf Jah III who took over this Fort after arresting his brother. He was imprisoned in this Bidar Fort and later on executed on September 16, 1763. The old name of Bidar, Mohammedabad was also present in his name. Bahmanis ruled the entire Gulbarga between 1347 and 1424 followed by Bidar till the time of their extinction in 1424. They were then divided into five different kingdoms like Berar, Bidar, Ahmadnager, Golconda and Bijapur. Following the Independence of India, Bidar was clubbed under the state of Karnataka in 1956.

Architecture

After establishment of Bahmani Kingdom in 1347, Iran’s Persian architecture made long lasting and impressive effect which was clearly visible in Bidar Fort. The Fort which was built on edge of plateau possesses a quadrangular layout of 1.21 km (0.75 miles) in length. The walls of the Fort carry peripheral length of 4,100 meters. The barbicans, gates, bastions and walls of Bidarthough ruined, preserved well. Triple moat covering is present around the Fort. Totally there are 7 gates to the Fort and among them, the main gate ‘Gumbad Darwaza’ depicts Persian style in its architecture. The 2nd gate, ‘Sherza Darwaza’ carries 2 tiger images on the gates fascia. As per Shia belief, the decoration of tiger indicates Ali, otherwise known to be Asadullah-Al Ghalib who assures protection against the attack of enemies. Other Gates include Mandu Gate, Delhi Gate, Talghat Gate in east and Fateh Gate in south. The major bastion at entrance is known to be ‘Munda Burj’ that carries guns on it. There is an assumption that Bahmani Sultanate requested for motifs and Sasanians on all their buildings especially those crowns of arches which they constructed which closely resembles the crowns of Sassanian emperors.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Bidar Fort is during the month of October and March.

Timing & Tickets

The Fort is opened between 6 AM and 9 PM all days of the week.

How to Reach

By Air

There is no airport in Bidar. The nearest airport is at Hyderabad (Begumpet international airport) which is about 132 km apart.

By Rail

Bidar railway station is well connected with Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai.

By Road

Bidar has got good connectivity by road from Gulbarga (110 km) and Hyderabad. There are regular luxury buses the ply from Hyderabad and Bangalore on NH 9 and NH 7. It takes about 20 hours to reach Bidar via Bellary and Gulbarga.