The fort was originally constructed by the Hindu monarch Raja Gulchand, and it was subsequently significantly enlarged in 1347 by Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah of the Bahmani Kingdom after he cut off his ties with the Delhi Sultanate.

[1][2][3] The early history of the region dates back to the 6th century when the Rashtrakutas ruled over the external areas, except Gulbarga.

[4][5] The Kakatiya power was subdued in 1321, and the northern Deccan, including the district of Gulbarga, passed under the control of the Delhi Sultanate.

[4][5] In the early 14th century, the Deccan was under the rule of Muhammad bin Tughluq of the Delhi Sultanate, whose dominions included Gulbarga.

The revolt of the Muslim officers appointed from Delhi resulted in the founding of the Bahmani Sultanate in 1347 by Zafar Khan, who eventually chose Gulbarga (named as 'Ahsenabad' during this period) to be his capital.

Bahmani sultan Ahmad Shah I Wali had inducted immigrants from Iraq, Iran and Central Asia, which changed the social, cultural and religious life in the Deccan but was well amalgamated with Hindu traditions.

In 1724, when the Mughal Empire was declining, the Nizam became independent and formed the Hyderabad State, of which Gulbarga area was a part.

[3] Upon entering the Jamia Masjid, inscriptions in Deccani Persian language are found on the left and right walls of the main entrance.

[3][4][10] Fort is in the drought prone district and experiences a meagre average rainfall of 777 millimetres (30.6 in) with only 46 normal rainy days.

With the establishment of the Bahmani Kingdom in the Deccan from 1347, the architectural styles of Persia made impressive and lasting impacts, which are seen in the fort.

Professor Desai has observed: A distinct Indo-Persian architectural style of Deccan came into existence after the establishment of the Bahmani dynasty in 1347.

[3][12][16] Apart from the other monuments, the other building of interest is the tomb of the Sufi saint Bande Nawaz, built in the Indo-Saracenic style.

An annual fair or Urs is held here in November, which attracts a large number of devotees of all religious communities.

[3] It is an important rail head on the Central Railway zone line connecting to Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad.