A fort that symbolises independence of Deccan from the clutches of Delhi Premium

The magnificent remains of the 14th Century Gulbarga Fort, from where around eighteen Bahmani kings ruled for 200 years (from 1347 to 1527 AD), is a symbol of the history, art and legacy of Bahmani Sultanate – the first independent Muslim Kingdom of the Deccan.

The magnificent remains of the 14th Century Gulbarga Fort, from where around eighteen Bahmani kings ruled for 200 years (from 1347 to 1527 AD), is a symbol of the history, art and legacy of Bahmani Sultanate – the first independent Muslim Kingdom of the Deccan.

Around 677 years ago, in August, 1347, the Bahmani Kingdom rose to power under the Turkish governor Alauddin Hassan Gangu Bahman Shah (earlier known as Zafar Khan), who revolted against the Delhi Sultan – Muhammad Bin Tughlaq – to establish an independent Deccan state covering parts of the present-day Karnataka, Maharashtra and parts of undivided Andhra Pradesh, with Kalaburagi / Gulbarga (earlier known as Hasnabad) as its capital.

The founder of the Bahmani Sultanate, Alauddin Hasan Gangu Bahman Shah, implemented the administrative reforms, established state administrations, and enacted policies to promote tax collection. Although his reign was short, his vision and achievements laid the foundation for the prosperity and longevity of the Bahmani kingdom, acknowledge historians.

Though the foundation of the Gulbarga fort is known to have been laid by Kakatiyas of Warangal in the 12th century and was further fortified by the Qutub Shahi dynasty to some extent, it was the Bahmani Sultans who reconstructed the engineering marvel of the time by building a two-layered fortification of 50-feet-thick fort wall with the inner layer higher than the outer one.

It displays an almost impregnable system with 90 feet-wide moat surrounding its three miles of fortifications. Around 15 towers with 26 canons – including the world’s largest cannon measuring 29 feet in length -- made it one of the mightiest fortresses of South India. The juxtaposition of an ancient astounding fort with Sharanabasaveshwar Lake (formerly known as Mehboob Sagar) in the background creates a picturesque tableau that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the visitors.

The Bahmani Sultans contributed to art by encouraging craftsmanship from different regions. The combination of Persian, Turkish and Indian art and architectural techniques resulted in the evolution of a distinctive Deccani style that could be seen in Gulbarga Fort which also displays some of the finest aspects of Persian architecture.

The Bala Hisar situated at the eastern entrance is a formidable structure equipped with three cannons placed on circular towers. Standing at an altitude of 61 feet, it is the highest peak in the fort which offers panoramic views of the Fort and the city. This structure was built as a donjon (inner stronghold of a fort) as a last resort against invading forces.