Bahmani Tombs

The Bahmani Tombs at Ashtur are a group of royal mausoleums located about 5 km east of Bidar in Karnataka. Built during the 15th and early 16th centuries for the rulers of the Bahmani Sultanate, the complex contains 12 tombs including that of Ahmad Shah I Wali. Notable for Indo-Islamic architecture with large domes, arches and Persian-influenced decoration, it is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Visitors can expect an open complex of 12 domed tombs set in a semi-arid landscape east of Bidar. Structures are built in stone with large hemispherical domes, arched entrances, and remnants of colourful tile work and calligraphy inside. The tomb of Ahmad Shah I Wali is the largest and most decorated. The site is sparsely developed with open grounds between tombs allowing walking and photography of architecture and surroundings.

The tombs were built for the rulers of the Bahmani Sultanate which ruled the Deccan from 1347 to 1527 with Bidar as its capital from 1429. The Ashtur complex contains the tombs of eight Bahmani sultans including Ahmad Shah I Wali (r. 1422-1436) and later rulers, along with tombs of family members. Construction spans the 15th to early 16th century and reflects the sultanate's patronage of Persian-influenced architecture.

The complex represents Indo-Islamic funerary architecture of the Deccan with Persian influences in dome construction, arch forms, tile decoration and calligraphy. It is an important example of Bahmani architectural style and is valued as a heritage and pilgrimage site associated with Ahmad Shah I Wali, revered locally.