JOIN USThere are numerous structures in Bidar that stand testimony to the ingenuity of the artisans and the creative capacity of the kings who ruled the region in different periods of time. Among them are five specially-designed iron doors (called as darwazas) found in Bidar Fort and Old City. Of them, four doors, Sharjah Darwaza, Mangal Pet Darwaza, Fateh Darwaza, Shahaganj Darwaza, found in the fort area, are built during the regime of Bahamani sultans. These magnificent doors are built using teak wood and sheesham wood. Iron frames are fixed on the borders of the doors. The height of these doors is about 30 feet. These doors were later renovated under the Nizam rule. One can see iron panels on the doors, with Arabic script on them.
"These heavy iron doors have saved the fort and its people during invasions," says historian Samad Bharati. Sentry rooms and watchtowers can be seen on both sides of these doors. Here the access road winds in 'S' shape as straight accessibility may lead to breakage of the doors during the time of wars. The doors are fitted with iron nails to stop even the elephants from breaking into the fort.
After the Nizams took over the fort, they renovated the darwazas as per their interests. The modified design is seen clearly in Sharjah Darwaza. Writer Basavaraj Ballur feels that the authority concerned should make concerted efforts to save these distinctive doors.