SRINIVAS REDDY I bidar

Tucked away just a couple of kilometres in the east of the city of historic city of Bidar is Ashtoor village that is decked up with age-old mausoleums of the Bahamani Sultans. Much like the Egyptian pharaohs who were passionate about constructing elaborate tombs, these Indo-Saracenic tomb complex houses eight impressive mausoleums arranged in a single row, creating a striking visual impact. In the last few decades, the monuments have been deteriorating as peels of plaster falling off and the vagaries of nature taking a toll but with the sanction of funds, the Ashtoor tombs have received a new lease of life.

Speaking to Metro India, Anirudh Desai, Conservator Assistant at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Bidar said that Rs 2 crore fund has been sanctioned for the development of the Ashtoor tombs. Once the amount is disbursed, we plan to begin work on pathways, gardens, monument restoration, painting, and construction of an Interpretation Centre, installation of toilets, drinking water facilities, signage, and lighting.

Every day, hundreds of tourists from Hyderabad, Maharashtra, and various parts of Karnataka visit Ashtoor’s historic tombs, with numbers swelling into the thousands over weekends. However, the tomb complex still lacks basic amenities such as drinking water, sanitation facilities, and visitor information services.

Ashtoor, a symbol of communal harmony

Every year, Hindus and Muslims participate in the festivities, honouring 15th-century Bahmani Sultan Ahmed Shah Wali and 12th-century saint-poet Allam Prabhu. During the urs (death anniversary) of Ahmed Shah ‘Wali’ Bahami (r.1422-1436 C E) is considered a saint and worshipped by both Hindus and Muslims, the village of Ashtoor livens up as thousands from both communities come together for festivities.

Turn on Page  4