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Inside Basavakalyan Fort, Bidar, India

“The height of sophistication is simplicity”

Clare Boothe Luce

Inside Basavakalyan Fort, Bidar, India

An extensive fort with many layers and structures within, Basavakalyan or Kalyani fort has survived many centuries. It offers a lot more than just being a slice of history. Designers, architects, and history buffs, will find interesting elements in the fort complex. My previous post described the citadel in its entirety but missed out on showcasing the remarkable interiors. We can find imprints of many dynasties in the interiors, of which a glimpse follows.

Ruins in the fort complex

Keep an eye for noticing these while you walk through the fort. Every turn of the gate, the ceiling, the frontal walls, and even the canons display minute details.

Part of a panel depicting soldiers fighting an elephant - ImageWrighter
Part of a panel depicting soldiers fighting an elephant
A well-carved hippopotamus? - ImageWrighter
A well-carved hippopotamus?
The preferred transport of warriors - ImageWrighter
The preferred transport of warriors
Royal escort carved of stone - ImageWrighter
Royal escort carved of stone
Lions on one of the many gateways - ImageWrighter
Lions on one of the many gateways
Beautifully designed mouth and carvings on the Nav-Gaz canon - ImageWrighter
Beautifully designed mouth and carvings on the Nav-Gaz canon
The artistry on the entrance of the temple - ImageWrighter
The artistry on the entrance of the temple

Interiors of Basavakalyan Fort

The Raj Mahal and Rani Mahal are replete with beautiful carvings, so are the recreation areas.

Niches decorate the interiors of the Raj Mahal - ImageWrighter
Niches decorate the interiors of the Raj Mahal
Intricately carved dome of the Raj Mahal - ImageWrighter
Intricately carved dome of the Raj Mahal
Cusped arches of the royal enclosure in the dancing hall - ImageWrighter
Cusped arches of the royal enclosure in the dancing hall
Look closely for the detailing on the walls of the Rangeen Mahal - ImageWrighter
Look closely for the detailing on the walls of the Rangeen Mahal
A floral wreath on a door of the Rani Mahal - ImageWrighter
A floral wreath on a door of the Rani Mahal

A place of interest having so much to explore deserves time. It takes around three to four hours to savour this heritage. So whenever you are on NH65, find half a day to detour 10 km from the highway, and enjoy the quiet. A well-stocked museum with ruins and statues from the fort is just outside the main gateway.

Next week on ImageWrighter, Naldurg in Maharashtra…

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