Bahmani Tombs

The sultans and members of the ruling family were buried in elaborate tombs built in a unique Indo-Islamic style of architecture.

The tombs of earlier rulers are found in the Haft Gumbaz complex at Gulbarga, which was the capital of the sultanate.

[4] In 1432, Ahmad Shah I Wali shifted the capital from Gulbarga to Bidar, and consequently, the later sultans are buried here.

[1][5] The tombs of eight Bahmani sultans, as well as some queens and other family members, are located at the complex.

The Bahmani rulers generally employed Persian architects who would design the main featured of the buildings, while Hindu masons and craftsmen would supervise the construction and fill in the details.

The tombs are square structures surmounted by bulbous domes, built of black trap masonry laid in lime.

Some of the tombs had elaborate external tile decoration, in the form of floral motifs, Islamic geometric patterns, and calligraphy.

[11] The tomb is venerated as a dargah by Muslims as well as Hindus of the lingayat sect, who take part in the Urs (death anniversary observance) of Ahmad Shah every year.

[16] The facade of the tomb is covered in enamel tiles, most of which have been lost due to deterioration by the weather and vandalism.

[1][17] The tiles, Persian blue, green, and, yellow in colour, comprise calligraphic designs and floral motifs.

A large part of the tomb of Humayun Shah was destroyed by a lightning strike in the late 19th century.

[18] The distinctive features of the tomb include the unique shape of its arches, with a wide span and low imposts, and the trabeate style of niches, which is characteristic of Hindu temples in the Deccan.

The upper courses of the dome are made up of light spongy bricks, similar to those used in Kakatiya temples.

[21] Muhammad Shah III Lashkari succeeded his brother, and ruled for nineteen years until his death in 1482.

[24] Wali-ullah (r. 1522–1525) and Kalim-ullah (r. 1525–2527) were the last Bahmani rulers, both ruling as puppet monarchs under prime minister Amir Barid.

It is the tomb of Khalil-ullah Kirmani, a Sufi saint and spiritual advisor to Ahmad Shah.

[6] The Archaeological Survey of India has listed the site as a monument of national importance.

Tomb of Ahmad Shah
Tomb of Ala-ud-din Shah
The partially collapsed tomb of Humayun Shah
The incomplete tomb of Muhammad Shah III
Tombs of Wali-ullah and Kalim-ullah with the tomb of Mahmud Shah in the background
The Chaukhandi