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| Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) fort, |
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| Kalaburagi fort, KA dreamstime.com/ |
Gulbarga Fort: A Symbol of the Bahmani Legacy in Karnataka
The Gulbarga Fort, located in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, stands as a prominent historical monument, representing the rich cultural and architectural legacy of the Bahmani Sultanate. This fort, a major tourist attraction today, showcases the evolution of power in the Deccan region, from Hindu rulers to Islamic dynasties.
Historical Overview: Evolution of Gulbarga’s Rule
Early Dynasties
The history of Gulbarga dates back to the 6th century, when the Rashtrakutas ruled much of the Deccan, although Gulbarga itself remained outside their control. After the Rashtrakutas, the region saw the rise of several powerful dynasties:
- Chalukyas
- Kalachuris of Kalyani
- Yadavas of Devagiri
- Hoysalas of Halebid
In the 12th century, the Kakatiya Dynasty of Warangal took control of the Kalaburagi and Raichur districts, marking an important phase in the area's history.
Control by the Delhi Sultanate
In 1321, the northern Deccan, including Gulbarga, came under the control of the Delhi Sultanate led by Muhammad bin Tughluq. However, his oppressive rule sparked revolts. Dissident officers in the region, including Ala-ud-din Hasan Bahman, rebelled and established the Bahmani Sultanate in 1347.
Founding of the Bahmani Sultanate
With the establishment of the Bahmani Sultanate, Gulbarga became the capital of the new kingdom. From 1347 to 1424, the Bahmani Sultanate grew in strength, with Gulbarga serving as its power center. In 1424, the capital was moved to Bidar due to its more favorable climate.
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| Gulbarga Fort. KA Sturdy alloyed canon en wikipedia.org |
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| Gulbarga Fort. KA pinimg.com |
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| Sultan Muhammad Adil Shah ,Bijapur collections.lacma.org |
Later Rule: From the Adil Shahis to the Mughals
Adil Shahi Dynasty (r.1627-1656)
In 1565, the Adil Shahi dynasty of the Bijapur Sultanate took control of Gulbarga after defeating the Vijayanagara Empire at the Battle of Talikota. They rebuilt and further fortified the Gulbarga Fort.
Mughal Conquest
The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb captured Gulbarga Fort in 1687 and appointed Asaf Jah I (Nizam-ul-Mulk) as the governor of the Deccan. With the weakening of the Mughal Empire, Asaf Jah I declared independence in 1724, forming the Hyderabad State, which included Gulbarga.
Integration into India
Following India's independence from British rule in 1947, Gulbarga became part of Hyderabad State. After the State Reorganization Act, most of Gulbarga district was incorporated into Mysore State (later renamed Karnataka), while two taluks were transferred to Andhra Pradesh.
The Architecture of Gulbarga Fort: A Defensive Masterpiece
Construction by Ala-ud-din Hasan Bahman Shah
Built by Ala-ud-din Hasan Bahman Shah, the Gulbarga Fort is an impressive example of military architecture. The fort was expanded to serve as the Bahmani Sultanate’s defense hub and was strategically fortified for protection against invaders.
Design and Fortification
The fort, covering an area of 0.5 acres with a perimeter of about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles), is surrounded by a 30-foot wide moat. It boasts 15 towers, each with provisions to mount 26 large guns, some of which are 8 meters (26 feet) long. These cannons, well preserved, reflect the Bahmani Sultanate’s advanced knowledge of metallurgy and gun-making.
Unique Defensive Features
The fort's design features double fortifications, with a continuous parapet of merlons (raised sections) and narrow slits through which muskets were fired. The bastions and moat were built to make the fort difficult to access for invaders, while the thick, tall walls prevented climbing.
Cultural and Religious Monuments within the Fort
Gulbarga Fort houses many Islamic monuments, including mosques, palaces, and tombs. The fort’s buildings, particularly the arches and crowns, are adorned with symbols like the crescent and disk, reminiscent of Sassanian crowns. This reflects the Bahmani Sultanate’s claim of lineage to the Sassanian Empire
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulbarga_Fort
karnataka travel. blogspot.com
https://www.tripoto.com/india/trips/gulbarga-home-to-worlds-longest-cannon-5c9e316da6241
https://www.navrangindia.in/2019/01/worlds-largest-cannon-bara-gazi-toph.html
