Bidar history

Foundation and Ancient Roots

The history of Bidar dates back centuries, intertwined with legends and epics. Traditionally, it is believed that the city existed as early as the time of the "Mahabharata" under the name Viduranagara and was part of the ancient kingdom of Vidarbha. However, it established itself as a significant political centre on the map of India during the medieval period.

A turning point in the city's destiny was the year 1427, when Sultan Ahmad Shah I of the Bahmani dynasty decided to move his capital here from Gulbarga. It was this decision that transformed Bidar into a thriving metropolis of that era, adorned with majestic architecture and powerful fortifications.

Key Development Factors

Bidar's transformation into a strategically important centre was driven by several unique factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated on the edge of the Deccan Plateau. The elevation provided natural protection against enemies and offered an excellent vantage point over the surrounding territories.
• Favourable Climate: Unlike the sweltering lowlands, the climate on the plateau was milder and healthier, which was one of the main reasons for the capital's relocation by Sultan Ahmad Shah.
• Water Supply System: A unique Persian system of underground canals — karez — was implemented in Bidar. This engineering marvel allowed the city to be supplied with clean drinking water and irrigated gardens, which was critical for the settlement's development in an arid region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the moment it was proclaimed the capital, Bidar became a melting pot of cultures. Scholars, artisans, and poets flocked here from Iran, Turkey, and Arab countries, bringing their traditions into the local way of life.

The economy of early Bidar was built not only on trade but also on high craftsmanship. It was here that the famous art of Bidriware originated — a technique of inlaying silver onto a blackened zinc alloy. These exquisite items quickly became the city's hallmark and were highly valued far beyond the region. Furthermore, the construction of the grand Mahmud Gawan Madrasa cemented the city's status as an important educational centre in Asia.

Key Milestones in Bidar's History

• 1321 — The region comes under the control of the Delhi Sultanate following the conquest by Prince Ulugh Khan (the future Muhammad bin Tughlaq).
• 1347 — Foundation of the Bahmani Sultanate, whose rulers would later play a decisive role in the city's fate.
• 1427 — Sultan Ahmad Shah I moves the state capital from Gulbarga to Bidar, beginning a golden era of construction and prosperity.
• 1432 — Completion of the powerful fortifications and the citadel of the famous Bidar Fort.
• 1472 — Completion of the Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, an outstanding monument of architecture and education.
• 1492 — Qasim Barid founds the Barid Shahi dynasty, and the city becomes the centre of the independent Bidar Sultanate.
• 1565 — Bidar participates in the Battle of Talikota, which led to the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• 1619 — The city is conquered by Ibrahim Adil Shah II and annexed to the Bijapur Sultanate.
• 1656 — The fortress is captured by the troops of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and the city becomes part of the Mughal Empire.
• 1724 — Bidar becomes part of the princely state of Hyderabad under the rule of the Nizam dynasty (Asaf Jah).
• 1948 — The city, along with the princely state of Hyderabad, becomes part of independent India.
• 1956 — During the reorganisation of states, Bidar becomes the administrative headquarters of a district in Mysore State (now Karnataka).

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of Bidar is a journey from a frontier outpost to a strategic centre of the Deccan. Each era left its mark on the city's appearance, shaping its economic and cultural landscape. Below are the key milestones that defined the city's modern look and status:

• Capital Urbanisation (1427): The relocation of the Bahmani Sultanate's capital became a catalyst for an urban planning boom. The erection of the massive Bidar Fort and palace complexes turned the city into one of the most protected and luxurious metropolises of medieval India, setting a new standard for fortification architecture.
• Hydro-technical Revolution (15th Century): The introduction of the Persian water supply system known as Karez (underground aqueducts) was a vital infrastructure project. This allowed for the creation of a sustainable urban environment on the arid plateau, ensuring population growth and the development of agriculture around the city.
• Intellectual Flourishing (1470s): The construction of the Mahmud Gawan Madrasa turned Bidar into an international educational hub. This structure not only introduced the Persian style to local architecture but also attracted scholars and theologians from across the Islamic world, enriching the city's cultural layer.
• Economic Identity (Bidri Art): The emergence of the unique technique of inlaying metal with silver formed the basis of the city's artisan economy. Items in the Bidri style became the main export commodity and a symbol of the city, retaining their economic significance to this day.
• Landscape and Garden Construction (16th–17th Centuries): During the Barid Shahi dynasty era, the focus shifted to aesthetics. The construction of elegant mausoleums and the development of garden culture around the city (such as the Barid Shahi tombs) created a unique architectural ensemble, which today forms the basis of its tourism potential.
• Infrastructural Modernisation (19th–20th Centuries): Integration into the Hyderabad state brought the benefits of the industrial era to the city. The laying of the railway linked Bidar with major trading centres, which stimulated commerce and facilitated the export of agricultural produce.
• Military-Strategic Development (Modern Era): The establishment of one of the key Indian Air Force bases (Air Force Station Bidar) gave the city a new status. This ensured an influx of specialists, the development of supporting infrastructure, and strengthened the regional economy through the public sector.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Bidar is a unique chronicle of Deccan stone masonry, where rugged military engineering harmoniously intertwines with the refined aesthetics of Persian palaces. The city serves as one of the finest examples of the fusion of local Indian traditions and Islamic architectural canons arriving from Central Asia.

The Bahmani Era (1427–1518): Persian Monumentalism

The period when Bidar became the capital was marked by large-scale construction. The architecture of this era is distinguished by grandeur, massiveness, and strict geometry, intended to demonstrate the power of the Sultanate.

• Style: Indo-Persian. Characterised by gigantic domes, pointed arches, and thick walls.
• Urban Planning Features: The city developed around Bidar Fort — one of the most impregnable in India. The layout included wide processional streets and an innovative system of aqueducts.
• Landmark Structures:
  • Mahmud Gawan Madrasa — a masterpiece inspired by the architecture of Samarkand. The building stands out with majestic minarets and colourful glazed tile decoration.
  • Jami Masjid — the congregational mosque, distinguished by the conciseness of its forms and the absence of minarets, which is typical of the early Bahmani style.

The Barid Shahi Era (1492–1619): Deccan Decorativism

With the disintegration of the Bahmani Empire and the rise of the Barid Shahi dynasty, the architectural emphasis shifted from scale to detailing. Buildings became smaller in size but far richer in decoration and more elegant in proportions.

• Style: Deccan Indo-Islamic. Active use of wood, mother-of-pearl inlay, intricate plasterwork, and painting.
• Urban Planning Features: The flourishing of garden and park art. The rulers' tombs turned into open pavilions surrounded by gardens, creating picturesque necropolises.
• Landmark Structures:
  • Rangeen Mahal (Painted Palace) — the interiors of this palace are famous for exquisite wood carving and mosaics, demonstrating a transition to intimate luxury.
  • Barid Shahi Tombs — distinguished by pyramidal vaults and open arcades, giving them visual lightness.

Urban Landmarks

The city's appearance is also shaped by elements of civic architecture that served as reference points in urban development:

• Chaubara: A massive cylindrical tower in the city centre (about 22 metres high), serving as an observation point and clock tower. It stands at the intersection of four main roads, setting the geometric foundation of the old city.

Historical Figures and Rulers

The history of Bidar is inextricably linked with the names of great Sultans and statesmen whose decisions defined the city's fate for centuries to come.

• Ahmad Shah I Wali — Sultan of the Bahmani Dynasty
  A key figure in the city's history. It was he who, in 1427, made the strategic decision to move the Sultanate's capital from Gulbarga to Bidar. Thanks to his vision, the grand fort was built, and the foundation of urban planning was laid. He is revered as a saint, and his tomb remains a place of pilgrimage.
• Mahmud Gawan — Grand Vizier, Scholar, and General
  an outstanding statesman of the 15th century who arrived from Persia. He served as Prime Minister under several Bahmani Sultans and led the state to the peak of its power. His main legacy was the construction of the famous madrasa, which turned Bidar into one of the leading educational centres of Asia at that time.
• Ali Barid Shah I — Ruler of the Barid Shahi Dynasty
  Known as a connoisseur of art and literature, he played an important role in the architectural embellishment of the city. It was under him that the luxurious Rangeen Mahal palace was created with its unique wood carving and inlays. His own tomb is an outstanding monument of Deccan architecture.
• Qasim Barid — Founder of the Barid Shahi Dynasty
  Initially holding the post of minister at the Bahmani court, he effectively became the ruler of the state during its decline. He laid the foundations of the independent Bidar Sultanate, which ruled the region for over a century.

Spiritual Leaders

Bidar is an important spiritual centre where the paths of preachers of different religions crossed, leaving an indelible mark on the region's culture.

• Guru Nanak Dev — Founder of Sikhism
  The great spiritual teacher visited Bidar in the early 16th century during his travels. According to legend, he performed a miracle by opening a spring of fresh water in a parched place to help the locals. The famous Gurdwara Nanak Jhira Sahib now stands at this site, attracting pilgrims from all over the world.
• Bhai Sahib Singh — One of the "Five Beloved Ones" (Panj Pyare)
  A native of Bidar who became one of the key figures in Sikh history. He was one of the first five Sikhs initiated into the Khalsa order by the tenth Guru, Gobind Singh. His origin from this city highlights Bidar's long and deep connection with Sikh history.
• Hazrat Khalil Ullah — Sufi Saint
  The spiritual guide of Sultan Ahmad Shah. His presence in the city contributed to strengthening Bidar's status as a centre of Islamic spirituality and culture. His mausoleum (Chaukhandi) is known for its unique octagonal shape and calligraphic inscriptions.