Bidar is a hilltop city located in the north-eastern part of Karnataka bordering Maharashtra and Telangana states. The city was once the capital of the Bahamani Kingdom in the medieval period. There are many historical monuments dating back to 15th century expressing the glory of the Bahamani rulers. There are around 61 monuments in the city including 30 tombs which explains why the city got the nickname, “the City of Whispering Monuments”.
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Bidar Fort[/caption]
Eventhough the city is located near to Hyderabad most of the people don’t know the exact significance of this historic city. The ancient monuments here reflect the beauty of the ancient Muslim art and architecture. The main attraction of the city is the Bidar Fort. This Fort is about 500 years old with over 30 monuments inside. This is one of the biggest forts of India. Bidar Fort has an amazing mafnificent Fort wall and entrance block.
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Main Courtyard, Bidar Fort[/caption]
You can see Rangeen Mahal with beautiful wall sculptures while entering the Fort. The Mahal is on the left side of the entrance block. On the main courtyard of the fort, there is a museum displaying guns and knifes used by the Bahamani’s.
On the opposite of the Museum is the Tarkish Mahal, inside which is the Solah Masjid, one of the biggest mosques in India. Travellers are not allowed inside these monuments. You can also see Gagan Mahal inside the Fort. The old BIdar fort is now in ruins and you can go outside the main courtyard and can watch it after passing the security checkpost. It will take atleast 1 hour to cover all the ruined structures and visitors are not allowed inside the old fort buildings.
Another main thing to see in the city is the Bronze Cannon. To reach the tower where it is kept, you have to pass through a small village. This is located to the north eastern side of the fort.
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Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib[/caption]
Gurudwara Bidar Saheb is one of the must visit places in Bidar. This shrine is located just 3 kms from the fort.
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Bidriware[/caption]
The main speciality of the city is the Bidriware. Bidriware is a World famous metal handicraft found only in Bidar. This is a popular vintage art form of Persia for over 800 years. You can find many shops here selling Bidriware.
You can very well understand the history of the Bahamani Kingdom by visiting Bidar. For researchers and also, those who are interested in exploring the historic beauty of India this is a must visit place.