Grand islamic Monuments at Bidar-India

Bidar is presently topmost District headquarters in Karnataka state, South India.It is one of the heritage sites in this state.Prior to 13th century, it was ruled by many Hindu dynasties like Chalukyas,Rashtrakutas,Kadambasof Banavasi, etc. In 12th century, it was ruled by King bijjala belonging to Kalachuri dynasty.

In 1321 A.D.Bidar came under the rule of Tughalak empire.Then it came under Bahamanian sultans.Later,it became an independent state ruled by Muslim kings.Bahamanian Sultan Ahmad Shah Wali transferred his capital from Gulbarga to Bidar. It came under Aurangazeb'srule also.He constructed palace and Mosques in the fort captured by him.

As a result of all this, Islamic influence spread in this area. Many Islamic scholars and Good administrators came from different parts of the eastern world.Many Fine buildings, forts and palaces were built here on Islamic style.In 1656,Adilshahis Conquered Bidar and started their rule.LAter, in 18th century, Bidar became a part of Nizamshahi Government and it continued till India got independence.

Now it is a part of Karnataka state and Kannada is its administrative language.But people here speak
Kannada Urdu and also Marathi commonly.

The architectural constructions of Pre-islamic and Islamic period at Bidar are quite appreciable.

Bidar Fort

Its grand, well structured.Highly protective. Inside space is very large.Earlier fort here was Further extended and improved by Ahmad Shah Bahamani in 1430.Around the fort, there is water canal. Inside, there are palaces, mosques and auditoriums.There are the remains of Beautiful mughal style park,Queens' bath, etc.

Muhamud Gawan Madarasa

This was a centre of higher learning. It was ambitiously erected by Muhamud Gawan, who was a minister(Wazir) in bidar court. He was a scholarWho was called from Gilan( perhaps inTurky or Persia).He did great administrative reforms in Bidar kingdom. He was a post also.This was constructed in 1472. It was first damaged in 1656 due to lightening. The present ruins are also worth seeing.On the walls, writings from Qur'an are seen.

Apart from these, there are many other places to visit in and around Bidar.The Chowbara-cylendrical tower near the Guwan madarasa, Tomb of Saint Khalilullah Kirmani-present outside the town, Guru nanak Jira(fountain) the place that was visited by Guru nanak, Fort and museum at Basavakalyan(80 K.ms)-etc, are worth seeing.

At Bidar, there is a statue or bust of famous persons in every circle. WE can see the statues of Basaveshwara, Bhagat Singh,Dr.b.R.Ambedkar, are seen.

It is interesting to note that all the photoes given here are taken from my Nokia mobile phone camera