BIDAR
Bidar is a taluk located in the northeastern part of the state of Karnataka.Bidar is an important historical town. It is located 2,200 feet above sea level on a plateau overlooking the Manjira river valley. Bidar was a part of the Bahamani Kingdom which comprised of Bijapur, Gulbarga, Bidar, Golconda, and Birar. The ruler of Bidar was Barid Shah. Bidar was later ruled by the Nizams of Hyderabad. Bidar witnessed the "religious revolution" under the Lingayat Reformist Basavanna. Basavakalyan from where Shaivism spread.

A number of historical monuments dating back to 15th century can be found here.Bidar was one of the most prosperous cities of south India during the period of 11th century to 16th century.The name of Bidar appears to be derived from 'bidiru' which means bamboo. The place seems to have been known for bamboo clusters in the past, came to be known as Bidaroor and then Bidare and now Bidar.

History

In ancient time, Bidar formed an important part of the kingdom of Vidharba, referred to in the Mahabharata. It became the part of the Chalukyan Empire in the 10th century.Bidar was the capital of the Bahmani kings from 1428 till it later passed into the hands of the Barid Shahi dynasty. There are some beautiful specimens of typical Muslim art and architecture here.Bidar witnessed many upheavals during the early medieval period. It was taken over by the Yadavas of Devangiri and later by the Kakatiyas of Warangal in the 14th century. It then became a part of the Bahamani kingdom in the 14th century.

The Bidar Sultanate was absorbed by the Bijapur Sultanate to the west in 1619, which was in turn conquered by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1686.Bidar became part of the dominions of the Nizam of Hyderabad from 1724 to 1948, when Hyderabad was annexed to India to become Hyderabad state.In 1956, it became a part of Mysore state, later renamed Karnataka.Bidar, along with Gulbarga, Raichur and Koppal are collectively referred to as Hyderabad Karnataka. Bellary, though ceded by the Nizam to the British in 1796 AD, is also grouped together with these areas.

Tourist Attractions

Bidar Fort - The historical fort of Bidar was a stronghold of the Bahamani Kings in the 14th and 15th centuries is considered one of the strongest in Karnataka. It is known for its formidable defensive works. The fort is surrounded by three miles of walls with 37 bastions, most of them surmounted with cannons. This fort was a source of irritation to the Mughal rulers of Delhi, and was finally conquered by Aurangazeb. Ahmad Wali Shah built this fort and the well laid out gardens and other monuments within it, in 1429. This fort has five imposing entrances or Darwazas. In the center of this fort is the old city with its monuments and structures, belonging to the Bahamani era. There are important palaces within the ramparts of the fort. The Rangin Mahal, once the royal abode, has ornately carved wooden pillars and Persian artwork.

Ragin Mahal Palace built by Ali Barid Shah in the 1500 is one of the most elegantly decorated and one of the last remaining piece of that era. Its entire walls were once covered with colourful tile work again recalling the strong Persian influence in Bidar History.

Some of the inner room doorways are still stunning with their decorative work. The intricate inlay work of mother of pearl and curving calligraphy is a really magnificent.

Solah Khamb Mosque now houses a small museum run by ASI (Archeological Survey of India) built in 1424 predates the fort and is Bidar's oldest Islamic building. It is really huge and and looks really impressive from a distance.

Domes project out at the roof of the mosque from below. In olden days the roof has reservoir to supply water for worshippers at the mosque. Adjacent to the mosque are more palaces that is a must visit.

Guru Nank Jhira - Gurudwara Bidar is one of Holiest Place for Sikhs. Every Year this place attracts lots of tourists from all parts of the country particularly during the months of November and March. Legend has it that Saint Guru Nanak visited the palce while the land was in the grip of a famine The Guru performed a miracle at the request of the locals and a spring of water from the laterite rock mountain burst out. Till this day crystal clear water flows from the laterite trap.The belief is that drinking of this water cures many ailments.

Papnash Shiva Temple - As per the local traditional saying, the Shiva Linga idol in this temple is one of those installed by Shri RAM during the time of his journey back from Lanka. The location of the temple in a valley is mesmerising to the eyes. Every year at the time of Shivrathri festival lot of tourists visit this place. A natural spring flows into a pond in front of the temple which is called 'Papnasha'

Narasimha Zarna - The temple virtually runs into a cave waterbody and is one of the unique in the world. The water in the cave will guide the pilgrims to the idol.Narshimha Jhira Water Cave Temple At this place the Powerful diety as per the belief here is situated in cave of nealy 300 meters. One has to wade through water upto chest height to have darshan of the diety. It will be thrilling experience with bats and owls sitting on the roof toop of cave but they will not do any harm to the devotees.

Veerbhadreshewar Jatra's at Humnabad & Changlare
Two very ancient temples of Lord Veerbhadreshwara in Humnabad Taluk one at Humnabad and one at Changlara village attract lakhs of tourists in the Month of January and November respectively for the yearly Jatra and cart pulling Mohotsav's. The temple at Humnabad constructed in 1725 is famous for its moving pillar.

Bidar is famous for being the place where Bidriware, a form of silver filigree art, originated. Bidriware is silver filigree done in Islamic motifs and set against a dark background of blackened zinc, tin, copper and lead to create the most striking ashtrays, boxes, bangles and such.