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Karnataka

Tarkash Mahal

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January

12.3 - 32.4 °C

February

14.9 - 35.5 °C

March

17.2 - 39.1 °C

April

19.6 - 40.9 °C

May

20.9 - 42.2 °C

June

20.3 - 40.2 °C

July

20.0 - 34.1 °C

August

19.5 - 32.2 °C

September

19.4 - 32.8 °C

October

17.0 - 33.4 °C

November

14.6 - 31.7 °C

December

12.3 - 30.7 °C


Major Airports :

Bidar Airport (IXX), Bidar

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad

Kalaburagi Airport (GBI), Kalaburagi

Nearest Railway Station :

Bidar Railway Station (BIDR)

Major Airports :

Bidar Airport (IXX), Bidar

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad

Kalaburagi Airport (GBI), Kalaburagi

A glimpse into Bidar's architectural legacy

Tarkash Mahal stands as a striking reminder of Bidar's ancient legacy of rulers from both Bahmani and Baridi reigns, providing tourists with an exciting journey back in time. This architectural wonder stands as a tribute to all these various dynasties.

A mosaic of history

Tarkash Mahal offers an exquisite glimpse into history. At first glance, it may appear to be an amalgamation of different dynasties' influences woven throughout its very structure. For example, its upper levels showcase Baridi kingdom's emblem as a proud reminder of their artistic prowess. Records from Bijapur and Golkonda kingdoms also mention Tarkash Mahal along with its counterpart Gagan Mahal as contemporary dynasties competed to achieve architectural glory - bestowing identical names onto their respective palaces as they competed to achieve architectural glory;

Although today the mahal stands as a partially intact relic, its weathered walls still offer glimpses into its past. Visitors to its confines can still marvel at a hall with exquisite tile and stucco decorations from bygone years; such art displays attest to the artistic excellence of a bygone era.

Fascinating architecture

Once inside Tarkash Mahal, you'll discover fascinating architecture. When exploring further, smaller rooms flanking the grand hall reveal fascinating glimpses into its past splendour; these rooms were once covered with luxurious encaustic tiles that revealed tales of past decadence and luxury. Ascending further up, you may notice remnants of an older parapet on the second-floor walls that suggests the third-floor addition was more recent — an indication of evolving architectural vision at that time.

Tarkash Mahal's history goes far beyond grandeur and elegance; during its earlier days, its ground floor served as storage for various articles and ammunition storage; rockets were discovered within these very rooms during the early nineteenth century, providing yet another layer of intrigue to this architectural gem and reminding us of all of their uses in history.

Present-day remnants show that it once stood as a two-story structure, suggesting it might have been an extension of Tarkash Mahal that provided additional chambers for royalty or their entourage.


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Bidar, Karnataka, India/ December 8, 2018: A Bidri craftsman engraves a traditional design on a vase, its grooves which will then be filled with fine silver wire.

History behind the art

The name "Tarkash", offers insight into this palace's past. It was built for the Turkish wife of a Bahmani sultan in the 14-15th century.  It is thought that this monument was built to honour the Turkish wife of a ruling king; thus adding an air of romance. Likewise, remnants of buildings near Mahal suggest there may have been upper floors where royal ladies resided - evoking images of their luxurious lives within these walls.

A repository of treasure

At present, Tarkash Mahal remains inaccessible to visitors; however, its impressive exterior can still be appreciated from Solakambha Mosque nearby. When exploring this historic neighbourhood be sure to stop at other attractions such as Gagan Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam Royal Pavilion Hazar Kothari Naubat Khana etc - each holding historical and cultural significance and history enthusiasts will surely enjoy discovering them as they explore this vast fort! Bidar Fort itself offers visitors an immersive historical and cultural experience which makes visiting Bidar Fort an invaluable destination!

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