Saturday, 16 November 2013

Bidar- The Land Of Unique Handcrafted Bidri Art And Persian Grandeur



Located on the Deccan Plateau, Bidar is situated in the North-East region of Karnataka. Famous for monuments and temples, Bidar rivals the North in architectural beauty and splendour. This city is best known for historical monuments dating back to the Bahmani era. This historical city also has temples, Masjids and monuments from an array of Kingdoms and ruling emperors including the Adil Shahi, Pre-Kaktiya, Bahamani, Tughlaq, Nizam and  Mughal periods. This city is popular for fusion architecture where Hindu, Turkish and Persian craftsmen have created architectural marvels with elements of different architectural styles to offer visitors breathtaking structures, exclusive to the city. Bidar offers tourists and pilgrims ample proof of its rulers' architectural prowess.


One can reach this destination via road, rail or air with the nearest airport at Hyderabad. Karnataka state transport offers buses that ply from major cities in the state to Bidar. Those travelling by train can alight at Hyderabad, which also has the closest railway station.
Outlined below are important tourist destinations in Bidar.


Bidar Fort
Attraction: Battle-station and an aesthetic structure
Bidar Fort is one of the most formidable and robust forts in the country. Built on the brink of the Deccan plateau, the fort served as a battle-station for warriors protecting the city. Bidar fort has five gateways for entry into the fort. Reliable historical sources reveal that several  engineers and eminent architects were employed to design and build the fort.





Bahamani Tombs
Attraction: Mausoleums at Ashtoor
Tourists travelling to Bidar must visit the famous Bahamani tombs, huge sepulchres and mausoleums located at Ashtoor, about 4 kilometres east of Bidar.  These are grand structures built in honour of the departed rulers and warriors of yesteryear, to honour their years in service or as a ruler.  There are twelve tombs placed in a row making for an impressive sight. These are massive structures with grand arches, lofty domes and niches. The interior of these monuments is well decorated with beautiful paintings.


Jharani Narasimha Cave Temple
Attraction: Temple with a canal
One of the ancient Hindy temples, this cave temple is dedicated to the revered Lord Narasimha. The temple has been excavated in a tunnel, an architectural marvel and a rare structure in all of India. According to legend, the Lord Vishnu slew the giant Jharasura after destroying Hiranyakashyap. To visit the deity, one must wade through a canal that is 91 meters long, with a continuous water flow, a depth of about 1.4 meters. The temple attracts devotees from all over the world.







Solah Khamb Mosque
Attraction: Largest mosque in India
This mosque is the largest in the country with magnificent columns, domes and arches. Also called the Zanana Masjid, this edifice is located in the Zanana enclosure of Bidar. It is supported by 16 grand pillars in the front, making for a beautifully designed structure.


 Papnas Temple
Attraction: Holy pilgrim centre housing a large cistern
Papanash is Kannada signifies the annihilation of all sins and evil. This temple is a popular pilgrim spot, built to destroy evil in the South. At its foot is a cistern measuring 16 feet by 14 feet, fed by a natural spring throughout the day. To the North of the temple is a small tank, believed to be in existence since the Ramayana times.

Bidri Ware
Attraction: Rare art form in Bidar
Bidri ware is an integral part of the Bidar Heritage. This signifies a special style of work called "Damascending"in Silver. This fantastic art form was developed in Bidar, after its introduction to the city from Iran around 1422 AD. The art involves a sharp contrast between a black oxidized background and lustrous silver carving in-laid to lend a rare beauty to Bidri Ware. Articles traditionally crafted using this art form include hookahs, water jugs, candle sticks, wash basins, crockery, dishes, cosmetic boxes and flower vases.







Entry Fee :
No entry fee.

Visit Bidar for a wonderful trip filled with fun and frolic with your family and friends. 


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