Gulbarga Fort

Karnataka, India

---

Gulbarga Fort, situated in Kalaburagi district of Karnataka, was initially built by Raja Gulchand of the Kakatiya dynasty in the 12th century and significantly expanded by Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah, founder of the Bahmani Sultanate, in 1347 when Gulbarga became the capital.

Known for its robust double fortifications and a 30-foot-wide moat, the fort spreads across approximately 57 acres with a 3-kilometer perimeter. It features 15 bastions and 26 cannons, including the world's longest cannon, Bara Gazi Toph.

Within the fort lies the Jama Masjid, built in 1367 in Persian architectural style with numerous domes and arches, notable for having a fully covered prayer hall without an open courtyard. The fort complex also includes the tomb of Khwaja Bande Nawaz, a revered Sufi saint, and various mosques showcasing Indo-Persian architecture.

The fort marks a significant chapter in Deccan history reflecting Islamic art, architecture, and military strategy, and remains a major historical and tourist attraction.