Bahmani Tombs
The Dynasty's Resting Place: This sprawling necropolis in Ashtoor is the resting place for nine of the Bahmani Sultans and other royal family members, marking the monumental end of one of South India's most powerful medieval dynasties: The tombs were constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries, with Sultan Ahmad Shah Wali's being the earliest: Complex of Grandeur and Decline: The tombs reflect the varying fortunes of the dynasty: Early tombs like that of Ahmad Shah Wali are grand and richly decorated, while later ones, such as the incomplete tomb of Nizam Shah, are simpler and unfinished, physically representing the dynasty's slow fragmentation and decline towards the end of the 15th century: Syncretic Culture: The complex is a key site for understanding the syncretic culture of the Bahmani era, where influences from Persia, Turkey, and local Deccan traditions merged in art, administration, and religion: The site serves as a historical textbook on medieval Indian Islamic history: Conservation Efforts: The entire complex is a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), who manage its conservation, although many structures are still in a state of ruin, adding to the melancholic beauty of the area:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2-3 Hours:Place Type:
Necropolis/Historical Complex:Entry Fees:
Indian Nationals: Generally free entry to the complex, but there is a small fee (under Rs.20) to enter the best-preserved tombs, such as Ahmad Shah Wali's and Alauddin Bahmani's, for conservation purposes:
Foreign Nationals: A higher combined f...Indian Nationals: Generally free entry to the complex, but there is a small fee (under Rs.20) to enter the best-preserved tombs, such as Ahmad Shah Wali's and Alauddin Bahmani's, for conservation purposes:
Foreign Nationals: A higher combined fee (ranging from Rs.100 to Rs.250) is usually charged at the main gate for all protected monuments within the complex:
Video Camera Fee: A nominal fee may be charged for professional video equipment: Standard mobile and still cameras are typically free:
Guide and Parking: Negotiable guide fees and a small parking fee are separate:Timing:
Regular Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (confirm locally, sometimes 9:30 AM to 6:
00 PM) Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) or late afternoon (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM) are ideal to avoid the sun and enjoy comfortable ...Regular Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (confirm locally, sometimes 9:30 AM to 6:
00 PM) Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) or late afternoon (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM) are ideal to avoid the sun and enjoy comfortable walking around the vast grounds:
Linger Time: Unlike a single monument, dedicate at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the cluster and the historical sequence of the tombs:
Best Month: The dry and cool Winter months (November to February) are best:Special Events:
Urs-e-Sharif: The annual Urs-e-Sharif of Sultan Ahmad Shah Wali is the main religious event affecting the area (See place 1 for details) This brings the entire necropolis to life with devotees and cultural activities, offering a vibrant contrast to its usual quietude:Urs-e-Sharif: The annual Urs-e-Sharif of Sultan Ahmad Shah Wali is the main religious event affecting the area (See place 1 for details) This brings the entire necropolis to life with devotees and cultural activities, offering a vibrant contrast to its usual quietude:
Archaeological Expeditions: The ASI sometimes conducts small-scale excavation or conservation-related workshops, which, though not public events, can be observed from a distance if visiting at the right time:
These rare glimpses offer educational value:
Local Village Fairs: The small fairs and markets organized by the local Ashtoor villagers on regional festive days (like Holi in March) near the complex provide a lively cultural experience for visitors:Best Photo Spots:
The Line of Tombs: A wide-angle shot capturing the row of tombs from the main path, emphasizing the massive scale and the varying dome shapes against the sky, is a classic shot:
The Shattered Tomb: Capture the Humayun Shah tomb's dramatic, ha...The Line of Tombs: A wide-angle shot capturing the row of tombs from the main path, emphasizing the massive scale and the varying dome shapes against the sky, is a classic shot:
The Shattered Tomb: Capture the Humayun Shah tomb's dramatic, half-collapsed dome from a low angle to showcase its unique, exposed interior:
Arches and Vaults: Use the multiple arched openings in one tomb to frame another tomb in the distance, creating depth and a sense of endless history:
Texture Shots: Focus on the weathered laterite stone, the crumbling lime plaster, and the intricate stucco patterns for abstract and textural black-and-white photography:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Tomb-to-Tomb Exploration: Systematically walk from the earliest tombs (like Ahmad Shah Wali's) to the latest ones, observing the changes in scale, material, and decoration, effectively charting the decline of the dynasty's wealth:
Study the Collapsed Structure: Spend time at Humayun Shah's tomb to visually analyze the layers of construction and the engineering of the dome before it collapsed:
It's a rare chance to see a building's skeleton:
Picnicking and Relaxation: The large, quiet grounds around the tombs, especially near the gardens, provide a perfect spot for a tranquil picnic or a relaxing break amidst historical ruins, away from the city's noise:
Photography of Details: Focus your photography on the detailed stucco work, the J...
Information
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Why Famous:
Collective Royal Mausoleums: The complex's fame lies in its collective representation—it is one of the largest and most concentrated royal burial grounds in the Deccan, housing the final resting places of the mighty Bahmani Sultans:
Architectur...Collective Royal Mausoleums: The complex's fame lies in its collective representation—it is one of the largest and most concentrated royal burial grounds in the Deccan, housing the final resting places of the mighty Bahmani Sultans:
Architectural Timeline: It is famous as a living timeline of Bahmani architectural evolution and eventual decay, visible in the progressive simplification of the nine royal tombs: The sheer scale of the ruins tells a powerful story of medieval power:
Tomb of the Sufi Sultan: The inclusion of the magnificent tomb of Ahmad Shah Wali Bahmani within the complex makes it famous, drawing visitors to its painted interiors which are considered the finest example of Deccani fresco art:
Humayun Shah's Tomb: The partially ruined, lightning-struck tomb of Humayun Shah is a bizarre and famous sight, often referred to as the "cross-section" of a tomb: -
Architecture:
Architectural Variety: The complex showcases a transition in Bahmani style: Earlier tombs are characterized by solid construction, massive domes, and elaborate interior stucco and fresco work, while later tombs exhibit smaller dimensions and more austere exteriors: Tomb of H...Architectural Variety: The complex showcases a transition in Bahmani style: Earlier tombs are characterized by solid construction, massive domes, and elaborate interior stucco and fresco work, while later tombs exhibit smaller dimensions and more austere exteriors: Tomb of Humayun Shah (The Shattered Tomb) A crucial architectural example is the tomb of Humayun Shah, which was struck by lightning, leaving a dramatic, partially collapsed structure: This provides a unique cross-section view, revealing the internal structure of the dome and walls:
Dimensions of Grandeur: The tombs are square in plan, typically measuring around 15 to 20 meters on each side, with towering domes reaching heights of up to 30 meters: The material used is primarily local grey basalt and red laterite stone, covered with lime plaster for decoration:
Stucco and Calligraphy: Beyond the famous frescoes of Ahmad Shah Wali's tomb, the other tombs feature excellent stucco plasterwork, carved in geometric and floral arabesque patterns, especially on the mihrabs (prayer niches) and arch spandrels: -
How To Reach:
By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad (140 KMS) is the main access point:
Take a cab or bus from HYD to Bidar: The regional Bidar Airport (VDBR) has limited service, check flight schedules:
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Near Tourist Places:
Ahmad Shah Wali Bahman Tomb (Inside complex, 0 KMS), Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah (1 KMS), Bidar Fort (6 KMS), Mahmud Gawan Madrasa (5 KMS), Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib (8 KMS), Barid Shahi Tombs (6 KMS), Chaubara Tower (5 KMS), Papnash Shiva Temple (12 KMS), Jharani Narasimha Temple (10 KMS), Kalyani Fort (Basavakalyan) (75 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The site is vast and relatively unfenced, be careful while walking near crumbling structures and edges: Carry a first-aid kit and insect repellent, especially in the evening:
Packing Essentials:
W...
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