Celebrating the fusion of cultures

The Sufi movement in Kalaburagi, under the Bahmani rule, made several cultural contributions that enriched the region. One of the most eminent early Chishti mystics scholar, Sufi saint Sayyid Muhammad al-Hussaini, also contributed significantly to this movement. Born on July 30, 1321, he was popularly known as Khwaja Bandanawaz Gesudaraz. On the invitation of Taj ud-Din Firuz Shah, who was the sultan of Bahmani Kingdom during the period, Gesudaraz made Kalaburagi his home.

The sultan had also constructed a monastery for the saint outside the walls of the fort. Gesudaraz lived in Kalaburagi for 22 years until he died in 1422. According to the Sajjada Nasheen Syed Shah Khusro Hussaini, a researcher on Sufism, Gesudaraz was not only a reputed mystic but was also an erudite scholar who wrote close to 200 books in Persian and Arabic languages. An exceptional scholar, Gesudaraz embraced learning with an open mind. Gesudaraz played an important role to bring about a cultural synthesis that ultimately resulted in socio-cultural harmony.

A shrine has been built in Kalaburagi in his memory. It is here that his annual urs (death anniversary) celebrations take place and is attended by many devotees from across the country. Devotees from various walks of life assemble to celebrate the urs of Gesudaraz which takes place at the Sufi’s tomb on the 15th, 16th and 17th day of Zul-Qa’dah of the Muslim calendar every year. This year, it will take place for three days from today onwards.

The Khwaja Bandanawaz Dargah and the 19th century Sharana Basaveshwara Temple share a unique bond. Two unique practices are testimony to this connection. In the past, during the urs celebration, the sandal paste which was anointed on the mazar (tomb) of the Sufi saint  would be brought through the back gate of the Sharana Basaveshwara Temple by the flower merchants to the Mehboob Gulshan garden. From here, it would be taken in a procession to the dargah. This tradition was followed until Deccan became independent.

Indo-Turkish style
During the annual car festival of the Sharana Basaveshwara Temple, the chariot is drawn only after the arrival of the flowers from the dargah. This tradition is followed even today. Gesudaraz’s universal message of love and compassion has created a permanent bond between the Hindus and the Muslims in the region.

Persian architects and artisans planned the architecture of Khwaja Bandanawaz complex. One can see several tombs and domes here. The domes are constructed in Indo-Turkish style by the Bahmanis. The interior of the domes and walls are decorated using natural colours in Persian style. Geometric designs and floral patterns cover the interiors. As the dome to Gesudaraz’s tomb disappeared three decades ago, glass work was used to replace the paintings. However, one wall of Sufi Sayyid Shah Khabulullah Husaini, which is located in the eastern part of the complex, has original paintings.

Intricate designs
The finest black stone work can also be seen on the ceilings of several structures here. The major stone carving is seen on the southern side and is known as Bijapuri arch. According to scholars, the Bijapuri arch with intricate designs of Rajasthani architecture was constructed by Afzal Khan, the famed general of the Adil Shahi kings during the 15th century. Sayyid Mohammed Gesudaraz Research Academy and a library are located in the premises of the dargah. The academy has a collection of around 5,000 books on different subjects written in different languages.

Another interesting monument is the tomb of Sayyid Akbar Hussaini, the elder son of Gesudaraz. It is decorated with Persian paintings. In front of this tomb is the mannati kashti (a boat) that has been carved in black stone. The boat has relief works and displays the Bahmani emblem. Another monument present here is called the khali gumbad (vacant tomb). The whole structure has been built in black stone and has beautiful geometric and floral patterns. The tomb is said to have been built for Chand Bibi, wife of Ali Adil Shah I. However, as she died in battle, she was not buried here. One can also see huge minars and an arch entrance while walking around the complex. Many devotees say that they find peace of mind at the dargah complex of Gesudaraz.