Nagara Khana
The Nagara Khana (also spelled Naqqar Khana), literally meaning the 'Drum House', is a historical structure situated atop one of the main defensive gateways of the Bidar Fort, specifically the Shara Darwaza. This building's primary function was to house the royal band of drummers (Naqqar) and trumpe ters who would announce the arrival or departure of the Sultan, members of the royal family, or important dignitaries, and sound the general time of day or warnings. It served a crucial ceremonial and military purpose, controlling and marking the passage of people through the key entrance of the fort complex. It is strategically placed to command a wide view of the approach road, reinforcing its role as a key observation and control point. Although the original wooden structure and instruments are long gone, the stone rooms and platforms remain, reminding visitors of the daily, rhythmic pulse of life in the medieval capital. This structure, along with the gate below it, would have been built or significantly renovated during the reign of the Barid Shahi dynasty, possibly under Ali Barid Shah, who was known for his love of art and fortification enhancement. The location also makes it a high vantage point for sentries.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
20 minutes (Viewing/Photography)Place Type:
Heritage, Gatehouse, Ceremonial StructureEntry Fees:
Part of Bidar Fort Complex Entry: Like Hazar Kothari, the Nagara Khana has no separate ticket. Entry is covered under the general Bidar Fort complex fee: INR 25 for Indian citizens and INR 300 for foreign tourists, administered by the ASI.
The ...Part of Bidar Fort Complex Entry: Like Hazar Kothari, the Nagara Khana has no separate ticket. Entry is covered under the general Bidar Fort complex fee: INR 25 for Indian citizens and INR 300 for foreign tourists, administered by the ASI.
The Importance of Preservation: The modest fee helps fund the preservation of the laterite stone structure against weathering and the stabilization of the upper walls, especially against monsoon damage.Timing:
Daily Open Hours: The structure is accessible during Bidar Fort hours, generally 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. However, access to the rooms on top might be restricted for safety or preservation reasons.
Ideal Visit Time: Late afternoon (4:00 PM...Daily Open Hours: The structure is accessible during Bidar Fort hours, generally 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. However, access to the rooms on top might be restricted for safety or preservation reasons.
Ideal Visit Time: Late afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) is highly recommended. The low, warm sun illuminates the red laterite stone of the gate beautifully, enhancing the texture of the carvings and the grand scale of the gatehouse.Special Events:
Republic Day Flag Hoisting: As a gate structure of a major national fort, the Shara Darwaza below the Nagara Khana is often a focal point for Republic Day (January 26) or Independence Day (August 15) events, where local dignitaries may use the vantage point for speeches or f...Republic Day Flag Hoisting: As a gate structure of a major national fort, the Shara Darwaza below the Nagara Khana is often a focal point for Republic Day (January 26) or Independence Day (August 15) events, where local dignitaries may use the vantage point for speeches or flag hoisting.Best Photo Spots:
Overlooking the Moat: The best photo spot is from the approach road outside the Shara Darwaza, framing the entire arch and the Nagara Khana atop it, capturing the symmetry and defensive grandeur.
Inside the Gate: A high-angle shot from the N...Overlooking the Moat: The best photo spot is from the approach road outside the Shara Darwaza, framing the entire arch and the Nagara Khana atop it, capturing the symmetry and defensive grandeur.
Inside the Gate: A high-angle shot from the Nagara Khana's window/opening (if accessible) down onto the inner fort road.
Close-up of Tiger Carvings: Detailed shots of the two tiger (Sharza) carvings flanking the gate arch.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Climb and Observe: Climb to the upper platform (if access is permitted by ASI) to imagine the ceremonial fanfare and take in the strategic view of the fort's layered defenses. Capture the iconic Sharza Darwaza from the outside, using the Nagara Khana as the crowning feature above the arch. Spend time studying the gateway’s defensive architecture, including the bastions and the massive wooden doors (if preserved), understanding the gateway as a whole. Read about the historical use of military bands (Naubat or Naqqar) in medieval India to fully appreciate the structure's purpose beyond just a room. Wait for the sound of the evening prayer (Azaan) from a nearby mosque and listen from the gate area, momentarily replacing the sound of the drums with a different historical soundscape. Walk the path of a royal procession, starting outside the gate and passing und...
Information
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Why Famous:
Ceremonial Significance: It is famous as the place where the royal entry and departure rituals were marked by the sound of drums and trumpets, lending an air of regal majesty to the act of entering the capital. The drumming was a constant auditory reminder of the Sultan's p...Ceremonial Significance: It is famous as the place where the royal entry and departure rituals were marked by the sound of drums and trumpets, lending an air of regal majesty to the act of entering the capital. The drumming was a constant auditory reminder of the Sultan's presence and power.
Observation Deck: The structure is famous for being one of the best spots to view the multiple defensive layers of the Bidar Fort's triple moat and the complex winding approach, showcasing the fort's impenetrable design. -
Architecture:
Utilitarian Gatehouse Architecture: The Nagara Khana is architecturally defined as a gatehouse or drum tower, built above the arch of the Shara Darwaza.
Dimension: It occupies the upper level of the gate structure, consisting of a series of ...Utilitarian Gatehouse Architecture: The Nagara Khana is architecturally defined as a gatehouse or drum tower, built above the arch of the Shara Darwaza.
Dimension: It occupies the upper level of the gate structure, consisting of a series of stone-built rooms and platforms. The gate itself features imposing bastions and the iconic carvings of tigers (Sharza) on the outer walls, lending a fierce and defensive aesthetic. The rooms of the Nagara Khana are structurally robust, designed to support heavy drum sets and the vibrations of loud musical performances. The architecture is sturdy, utilizing laterite stone and lime mortar, with small windows or openings for observation and sound projection. The design is simple and functional, focusing on access control and visual command over the exterior approach, typical of the secondary gates of the Deccan forts.
Strategic Vantage Point: The strategic location ensures maximum sound projection and an excellent vantage point. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major international airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad (140 KMS), followed by road transport. Bidar also has a domestic airport for limited flights.
By Train: Bidar Railway Station (BIDR) is... -
Near Tourist Places:
Shara Darwaza (below), Gumbad Darwaza (0. 5 KMS), Rangeen Mahal (0. 2 KMS), Takht Mahal (0. 3 KMS), Hazar Kothari (0. 5 KMS), Solah Khamba Masjid (0. 4 KMS), Ashtur Bahmani Tombs (4 KMS), Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah (6 KMS), Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib (4 KMS), Papnash Shiva Temple (6 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be mindful of steep or damaged steps when climbing the ramparts near the gate. The stone can be very slippery after rain.
Packing: A small flashlight can be useful for looking into the darker archway areas below.
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