Bidar owes its name to the large clusters of bamboo, (Bidiru in Kannada) which were once a salient feature of the city’s landscape. Though there are several other theories as to how Bidar got its name, this theory is the most popular and widely accepted.
Bidar History
The sands of Bidar have born witness to several conquests. The Mauryas, Bahamanis and Mughals have all ruled over Bidar and this rich and glorious history is evident in the art, architecture and literature of the city. The eclectic mix of cultural and historical significance and modernity draws several tourists to Bidar every year.
Bidar Fort. Image courtesy Vamsi Rimmalapudi
Sightseeing options in and around Bidar
Bidar Fort
This eponymous fort is the Bahamani Dynasty’s gift to the city. Noteworthy for its distinct Persian architectural style, the fort houses an ancient city with a multitude of monuments such as Rangin Mahal, Takhat Mahal etc. This fort is also the site of the origin of the famous Persian art form of Bidriware.
Bahamani Tombs
These consist of 12 large mausoleums located in Ashtoor. The most sought out among these is the tomb of Ahmad Shah Al-Wali which is famous for its exquisitely engraved walls adorned with verses from the Quran. The intricacy and detailing on the paintings on the walls of all the tombs attract several thousand art enthusiasts every year
Dedicated to Narasimha Dev, Lord Prahlad’s savior, this cave temple is as terrifying and cloaked in mystique as its deity. Devotees have to cross a stream of running water inside the cave in order to worship the deity. Several thousand devotees brave the waist level water and the dark damp cave to experience the spiritual aura that emanates from the temple.
Rangin Mahal
Another testament to the timeless splendor of Persian architecture, Rangin Mahal is located inside Bidar Fort near the Gumbad gate. The interiors are adorned with intricate wooden carvings and peerless Persian tile work. The entrance arches are engraved with verses from the Quran which further augment the beauty of this edifice.
Chaubara
This 22 m high cylindrical tower is located at the heart of Bidar city and is noteworthy due to its sheer magnitude. What it lacks in aesthetics, it makes up for in functionality, and has served as a watchtower for eons. It offers breathtaking views of the entire plateau and attracts several visitors every year.
It is believed that Lord Ram himself installed a Shiva Linga here on his return from Lanka. The popularity and importance of this temple stems from this belief. The spiritual ambiance as well as the beautiful pond Papnasha in its vicinity sees devotees from all over the country flocking to this temple.
Solah Khamba Mosque
This architectural marvel was constructed between the years 1423 and 1424 by Qubil Sultani and its artistic appeal has survived the test of time. The mosque owes its name to 16 pillars erected in front of the complex, and is one of the largest and most popular in the country.
Mohamad Gawan Madrasa
Established in the year 1472 by Mohamad Gawan, an exile from Persia, the Madrasa was once a great center of Islamic learning. It has now gained popularity due to the quality of its architecture, with its intricate and detailed tile work and embellishments and engravings attracting several thousand art and architecture enthusiasts every year.
Guru Nanak Jhira
This gurudwara is one of the holiest places for Sikhs. Legend has it that Lord Guru Nanak visited this place when it was struck by a famine. The locals begged the saint to intervene, and he obliged. A stream of crystal clear water burst out from the laterite rock mountain and quenched the locals’ thirst. To this day water flows from the laterite trap, and the water is purported to have healing properties.
Veerbhadreshwar Jatras at Humnabad and Changlara
The months of January and November see Jatras and cart pulling Mahotsavs conducted at two very ancient temples of Lord Veerbhadreshwar, one at Humnabad and another at Changlara village. The sensory spectacle of these events attracts several thousand tourists every year.
How to Reach Bidar
The city is well connected by air, road and rail to all major cities in the country.
By air
Bidar city lacks an airport and the nearest airport is in Hyderabad which is 140 km away.
By train
Bidar has its own railway station which connects it to the rest of the country, with several regular trains running from various cities of the country.
By road
The city enjoys connectivity to nearby cities through a network of busses. Buses run by both Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators are available for people looking to travel to the city.
Also See
Temples and religious hubs in Bidar
Colleges in Bidar
Vineyards in Bidar