Gulbarga Fort
Built in the 14th century, Gulbarga Fort was the main fortification of the Bahmani Sultanate.
From here, around eighteen Bahmani kings ruled for 200 years (from 1347 to 1527 AD)
Originally founded by the Kakatiyas in the 12th century, it was extensively rebuilt and fortified by the Bahmani rulers.
Architecture
Features a 50-foot-thick wall and a 90-foot-wide moat.
The fort is surrounded by three miles of defensive walls and has 15 towers.
Inside the fort, the Jama Masjid (built by Muhammad Shah-I) is notable for its Spanish-style architecture
The structure of Jama Masjid, designed by a Moorish architect Rafi from Qazvin in Iran, is inspired by the Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain
It has 107 small domes and four large ones.
Bala Hisar: A prominent citadel providing panoramic views and a defensive stronghold.
equipped with three cannons placed on circular towers
Standing at an altitude of 61 feet, it is the highest peak in the fort
This structure was built as a donjon (inner stronghold of a fort) as a last resort against invading forces
Sharanabasaveshwar Lake, also known as Mehboob Sagar, this picturesque lake lies in the background of the fort
The existence of a dilapidated temple structure (said to be Someshwar Temple) near the south tunnel in the fort stand as exemplification of syncretic culture.
Other Features
Includes the Bada Darwaza (east gate) and the Hathi Darwaza (west gate) with elaborate defenses.
It also has three tunnels
Also contains the tombs of early Bahmani Sultans
Current State: The fort is in a state of neglect due to insufficient maintenance and encroachments, although recent efforts are underway to restore it
Nearby premises
Haft Gumbad (seven tombs)- 3 kilometres away from the fort lies the second-late royal funerary complex of the Bahmani Sultans
Shor Gumbad- about 3 kilometres west of the fort, the structure has a guard tower with a large dome in the centre and four minarets at its four corners
Bahmani Sultanate
Established in 1347 by Alauddin Hassan Gangu Bahman Shah (Turkish governor) after rebelling against the Delhi Sultanate – Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
The Bahmani Sultanate was the first independent Muslim kingdom in the Deccan region of India.
It lasted until 1527.
Capital: Initially based in Gulbarga (earlier Hasnabad), and later moved to Bidar.
Cultural Contributions
Architecture: Known for a blend of Persian, Turkish, and Indian styles.
The Bahmani rulers supported the development of distinctive Deccani art and architecture.
Practiced a policy of religious inclusiveness, including interfaith marriages and respecting various religious traditions.
At the beginning of the 15th Century, the nuptials of Sultan Firuz Shah with the daughter of King Deva Raya of Vijayanagara Kingdom brought both dynasties together
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