Bidar
Bidar used to be the capital of the Bahmani Kindom from 1428, while later it became the capital of the Barid Shahi dynasty. It is a nice walled city that is well-known for its beautiful Bidri handicraft products and its rich history. There are countless archaeological sites in and around town and it is sometimes referred to as 'City of Whispering Monuments'.
Some of the most interesting sites in Bidar include:
- The marvellous 16th century Bidar Fort is perched on the Deccan plateau. It was built in the 16th century and includes several palaces:
- Ranjeen Mahal boasts beautiful coloured tiles and other art.
- Chini Mahal.
- Turkish Mahal is said to be built for the Turkish wife of the sultan.
- Gagan Mahal was for the use of the sultan and his harem.
- Takht Mahal, or the Royal Palace, was the royal residence. It was once beautifully decorated with coloured tiles and stone carvings, some of which can still be seen.
- Khwaja Mahmud Gawan Madrasa was built in the 15th century. It had a library of some 3,000 manuscripts, but they were destroyed in 1656 during a siege of Bidar. It sits in the center of town and the remains of Islamic mosaics can be seen there.
- Chaubara is a tall tower that was used as a watchtower. The views from the top are magnificent.
- Jama Masjid is a large mosque with no minarets. It is not far from the watch tower.
- The Bahmani Tombs are also known as 'Ashtur'.
- Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah.
- Barid Shahi tombs.
There are numerous other historical structures in Bidar, including tomb complexes, a madrasa, a tower and a few gateways in the fortification walls.
Not far outside Bidar, both to the west and east are several tombs of the Bahmani and Barid kings. Accommodation is available in town. Bidar is 1175 km south of Delhi.
; "Image 1 - Bidar fort ©Venkat Sudheer Reddy [118kB]")
; "Image 2 - Bidar fort ©Venkat Sudheer Reddy [121kB]")
; "Image 3 - Bidar ©Shreyansh Mishra
[119kB]")