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Dulhan Darwaza

Bidar, Karnataka, India
Historical Context: The Dulhan Darwaza is one of the important gateways forming the massive defense system of the historic Bidar Fort. This fort was substantially rebuilt and fortified by Sultan Ahmad Shah I Bahmani in the 15th century when he shifted the capital from Gulbarga to Bidar. The gates we re crucial elements in the fort's triple-layered defenses and acted as strategic points for controlling access to the royal citadel and the city. Like other Darwazas (Fateh, Gumbaz, Sharza, etc.), the Dulhan Darwaza stood as a symbol of the Sultanate’s military and architectural might, safeguarding the wealth and power contained within the fort walls. The exact meaning or story behind the name 'Dulhan' (meaning 'bride') is less documented than other gates, suggesting a local folklore or a less martial association compared to Fateh Darwaza ('Victory Gate').:

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    30 Minutes (As part of Fort Visit)
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    Place Type:
    Historical Gate, Fortification
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    Entry Fees:
    General Entry Fees: Entry is FREE. The gates themselves are part of the fort's main structure and do not have a separate ticket office.

    Bidar Fort Complex: Entrance to the overall Bidar Fort complex is also typically FREE.

    General Entry Fees: Entry is FREE. The gates themselves are part of the fort's main structure and do not have a separate ticket office.

    Bidar Fort Complex: Entrance to the overall Bidar Fort complex is also typically FREE.

    Parking/Other Fees: Small parking fees may apply if you drive your own vehicle to the vicinity of the fort entrance. :
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (The fort area is generally accessible during daylight hours).

    Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) or Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM) to avoid intense heat, especially s...
    Regular Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (The fort area is generally accessible during daylight hours).

    Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) or Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM) to avoid intense heat, especially since the Darwazas are open structures. Late afternoon is particularly good for the lighting on the stone. :
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    Special Events:
    Historical Fort Walks: The fort complex occasionally hosts historical walks or heritage tours focusing on the defensive walls and gates, which provide detailed insight into the design of the Dulhan Darwaza. :...
    Historical Fort Walks: The fort complex occasionally hosts historical walks or heritage tours focusing on the defensive walls and gates, which provide detailed insight into the design of the Dulhan Darwaza. :
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Framing the Arch: The simple, powerful archway of the gate, framed against the sky, makes for a dramatic, minimalist architectural shot.

    The Laterite Texture: Focus on the coarse, reddish-brown texture of the laterite stone used in the const...
    Framing the Arch: The simple, powerful archway of the gate, framed against the sky, makes for a dramatic, minimalist architectural shot.

    The Laterite Texture: Focus on the coarse, reddish-brown texture of the laterite stone used in the construction, emphasizing its durability.

    View from Above: Capture the perspective of the zigzag path leading up to the Darwaza from one of the adjacent bastions to highlight the defensive design. :

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Walk the Ramparts: Explore the fort walls adjacent to the Dulhan Darwaza to understand the vastness and the complexity of the fort's triple-moat defense system.

    Study Defensive Architecture: Spend time observing the defensive features—the flanking walls, the height of the archway, and the strategic positioning of the gate within the fort’s outer line.

    Photography of the Gate: Capture the imposing scale of the laterite structure, focusing on the texture of the stone and the integration with the massive fort wall.

    Imagine the Past: Stand at the gate and imagine the historical events, battles, and sieges that this particular entrance would have witnessed over the centuries.

    Visit the Inner Monuments: After exploring the gate, pr...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Triple Moat System: It is an integral part of the renowned and complex defensive system of Bidar Fort, which includes a unique triple moat (hewn out of solid rock) and massive ramparts.

    Historical Significance: As one of the seven main gates...
    Triple Moat System: It is an integral part of the renowned and complex defensive system of Bidar Fort, which includes a unique triple moat (hewn out of solid rock) and massive ramparts.

    Historical Significance: As one of the seven main gates, it physically represents the immense military and strategic planning of the Bahmani and later Barid Shahi rulers who controlled the Deccan region for centuries.

    The Gate Architecture: It showcases the early and robust Deccan-Islamic architectural style, utilizing local laterite stone for immense strength and durability. :
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    Architecture:
    Gate Design and Fortifications: The Darwaza is a monumental entrance built using robust laterite stone and lime mortar. Its architecture is typical of the Bahmani Sultanate, blending local Deccan strength with a touch of Persian influence.

    Dime...
    Gate Design and Fortifications: The Darwaza is a monumental entrance built using robust laterite stone and lime mortar. Its architecture is typical of the Bahmani Sultanate, blending local Deccan strength with a touch of Persian influence.

    Dimensions: Exact dimensions are not readily available, but the gate is a large, high archway integrated into the thick curtain wall of the fort, designed to withstand siege. It is part of the extensive 2. 5 km long fort wall.

    Defensive Strategy: The gate is positioned within a series of zigzag defensive walls and is flanked by bastions, a strategic design intended to slow down and expose attacking forces to fire from the ramparts. Its structure is primarily utilitarian and defensive, prioritizing strength over extensive ornamentation found in inner court buildings. :
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: The nearest major airport is Hyderabad (HYD), approx. 150 kms.

    By Train: Bidar Railway Station (BIDR) is about 2. 5 kms away.

    By Road: Bidar Fort is central to the city. The gate is accessible via ...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Gumbaz Darwaza (Part of the same Fort) Fateh Darwaza (Part of the same Fort) Rangin Mahal (Inside Fort, < 1 KM) Gagan Mahal (Inside Fort, < 1 KM) Solah Khamba Mosque (Inside Fort, < 1 KM) Tarkash Mahal (Inside Fort, < 1 KM) Mahmud Gawan Madrasa (Approx. 2 KMS) Chaubara Clock Tower (Approx. 2 KMS) Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib (Approx. 4 KMS) Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah (Approx. 7 KMS)

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking over uneven surfaces in the fort ruins. Carry water and a hat.

    Packing Essentials: Take a camera for the architectural scale, and a map or GPS to navigate the extensive fort comple...

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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