Rangeen Mahal
The Rangeen Mahal (meaning 'Colored Palace') is arguably the most aesthetically preserved and architecturally spectacular palace within the Bidar Fort complex. It earned its name from the magnificent decoration of its walls, which were once adorned with vibrant tiles of different hues and intricate geometric and floral designs. Originally built by the Bahmani Sultan Mahmud Shah Bahmani, it was significantly rebuilt and lavishly decorated by the Barid Shahi ruler Ali Barid Shah between 1542 and 1580 CE. This palace was the Sultan's private residential quarter, a serene oasis inside the heavily fortified citadel. Its fame rests on the exceptional quality of its craftsmanship, particularly the use of mother-of-pearl (Nacre) inlay into jet-black stone, an exquisite and rare art form that remains visible today, setting it apart from all other Deccan palaces. The palace features beautifully carved wooden pillars, arched doorways, and a small courtyard with a water channel and cistern, designed for comfort and luxury. It represents the height of Barid Shahi artistic refinement and their appreciation for Persian poetry and art, with Persian verses often inscribed on the tilework and arches.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
45 minutes to 1 hourPlace Type:
Heritage, Palace, Decorative ArchitectureEntry Fees:
Part of Bidar Fort Complex Entry: The palace is within the Bidar Fort and requires the general fort entry ticket: INR 25 for Indian citizens and INR 300 for foreign tourists.
Special Access Fee: Occasionally, if a special inner chamber is op...Part of Bidar Fort Complex Entry: The palace is within the Bidar Fort and requires the general fort entry ticket: INR 25 for Indian citizens and INR 300 for foreign tourists.
Special Access Fee: Occasionally, if a special inner chamber is opened for viewing, a small additional fee might be charged, but this is rare and not a regular occurrence. The fee ensures the preservation of the sensitive wooden and mother-of-pearl elements from excessive handling and flash photography.Timing:
Daily Open Hours: Accessible during Bidar Fort hours, generally 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Since it is a fragile indoor monument, it is often secured after closing time.
Ideal Visit Time: Late morning (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) is excellent, as ...Daily Open Hours: Accessible during Bidar Fort hours, generally 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Since it is a fragile indoor monument, it is often secured after closing time.
Ideal Visit Time: Late morning (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) is excellent, as the sunlight angle usually allows natural light to enter the hall and highlight the shimmer of the mother-of-pearl inlay most effectively.Special Events:
Deccan Cultural Day: The Rangeen Mahal, as the best-preserved palace, is a centerpiece for occasional Deccan cultural events and governmental gatherings held within the fort complex, typically in the Winter season (November - February). Special lighting is often installed f...Deccan Cultural Day: The Rangeen Mahal, as the best-preserved palace, is a centerpiece for occasional Deccan cultural events and governmental gatherings held within the fort complex, typically in the Winter season (November - February). Special lighting is often installed for these events, dramatically highlighting the tile and inlay work.Best Photo Spots:
The Inlaid Doorway: The doorway with the mother-of-pearl inlay is the single most important photo spot, requiring a careful shot to capture the texture and sparkle of the work.
The Wooden Pillars: A photograph that frames the interior hall a...The Inlaid Doorway: The doorway with the mother-of-pearl inlay is the single most important photo spot, requiring a careful shot to capture the texture and sparkle of the work.
The Wooden Pillars: A photograph that frames the interior hall and captures the row of elaborately carved wooden columns leading to the courtyard.
Courtyard Perspective: A perspective shot from the courtyard towards the main hall, capturing the contrasting textures of stone, wood, and the surrounding ruined walls.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Marvel at the Inlay: Spend time examining the mother-of-pearl inlay work around the archways and on the walls, appreciating the intricate geometric and floral patterns and the subtle luminosity of the shell material. Study the wooden columns and ceilings to identify the Hindu and Muslim motifs integrated into the carving. Walk through the courtyard and imagine the Sultan relaxing by the fountain. Ask a guide to explain the historical context of Ali Barid Shah's patronage of the arts. Take a guided tour provided by the ASI staff to gain access to the restricted inner chambers (access often changes). Contrast the Rangeen Mahal's luxury with the utilitarian architecture of the nearby defensive structures of the fort. Imagine the effect of the light reflecting off the tiles and the pearl inlay during the day. ...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Pearl of the Deccan: It is famous worldwide for its incomparable mother-of-pearl inlay work set into jet black stone, which gives the interior a unique, glistening beauty that has survived centuries. This feature is the pinnacle of decorative artistry in the Deccan Sult...The Pearl of the Deccan: It is famous worldwide for its incomparable mother-of-pearl inlay work set into jet black stone, which gives the interior a unique, glistening beauty that has survived centuries. This feature is the pinnacle of decorative artistry in the Deccan Sultanates.
Finest Wood Carving: The palace's elaborately carved wooden pillars and ceilings are also a major draw, representing some of the finest surviving examples of wood craftsmanship from the 16th century Deccan region. -
Architecture:
Indo-Persian Decorative Fusion: The architecture is a stunning synthesis of Indo-Islamic (Bahmani/Barid Shahi) and Persian decorative styles.
Dimension: The palace is a relatively modest structure comprising a six-bay hall, antechambers, and...Indo-Persian Decorative Fusion: The architecture is a stunning synthesis of Indo-Islamic (Bahmani/Barid Shahi) and Persian decorative styles.
Dimension: The palace is a relatively modest structure comprising a six-bay hall, antechambers, and a courtyard, all built around a rectangular plan. The central hall features elaborately carved wooden columns and a carved wooden ceiling, an unusual element in Deccan stone architecture, showcasing a mix of Hindu and Muslim motifs. The most distinct architectural feature is the mother-of-pearl inlay work into black basalt stone, used around the doorways and wall panels. The outer walls were originally covered in vibrant encaustic tiles, remnants of which are still visible, mostly in white patterns on a dark blue background. The structure includes a small water channel (mini-canal) and a fountain/cistern in the courtyard.
Mother-of-Pearl Inlay: The exquisite mother-of-pearl work is the definitive architectural highlight, demonstrating unparalleled artisan skill. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad (140 KMS), followed by a taxi or bus ride. Bidar also has a domestic airport for limited flights.
By Train: Bidar Railway Station (BIDR) is approxima... -
Near Tourist Places:
Gumbad Darwaza (0. 2 KMS), Takht Mahal (0. 2 KMS), Hazar Kothari (0. 5 KMS), Solah Khamba Masjid (0. 3 KMS), Tarkash Mahal (0. 4 KMS), Diwan-i-Aam (0. 3 KMS), Mahammud Gawan Madarsa (2. 5 KMS), Chaubara (2 KMS), Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib (4 KMS), Ashtur Bahmani Tombs (4 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Do not touch the mother-of-pearl inlay or the wooden carvings, as they are fragile and centuries old. Flash photography is often restricted to preserve the colors.
Packing: Carry a camera with a low-light setting. Bring wa...
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