Mahmud Gawan Madrasa – The Forgotten University of Bidar

Hidden in the heart of Bidar, Karnataka, stands a magnificent monument that once echoed with the voices of scholars, poets, and philosophers. The Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, built over five centuries ago, was one of the greatest centers of learning in medieval South India. Even though parts of it now lie in ruins, its walls still tell stories of wisdom, art, and devotion.

The madrasa was founded by Khwaja Mahmud Gawan, a Persian-born scholar and prime minister of the Bahmani Sultanate. He arrived in India from Gilan, a region in present-day Iran, and quickly became known for his intelligence, honesty, and vision. Inspired by the great universities of Persia and Central Asia, Mahmud Gawan dreamed of building a similar institution in the Deccan, where knowledge could flourish freely. In 1472, his dream took shape as the grand Mahmud Gawan Madrasa in Bidar.

This madrasa was not an ordinary school; it was a complete university. It had lecture halls, teachers’ quarters, student hostels, and a vast library containing over three thousand manuscripts on subjects like astronomy, mathematics, literature, theology, and philosophy. Scholars from Arabia, Persia, and across the Indian subcontinent came here to teach and learn. It was a place where minds met, and ideas grew without boundaries.

The architecture of the madrasa reflects the beauty of Persian design blended with local craftsmanship. The building stands on a high platform with large arches, domes, and intricate tile decorations. The main entrance once had two tall minarets covered with blue, green, and yellow glazed tiles decorated with Arabic calligraphy. Though only one minaret survives today, the remaining patterns still shine in the sunlight, giving a glimpse of its lost glory. Inside, a wide courtyard is surrounded by three-storey arcades that once echoed with the sounds of students and teachers.

Time, however, was not kind to this masterpiece. Wars, neglect, and a tragic explosion that destroyed its library left the madrasa in partial ruin. Yet, its surviving walls still stand strong, reminding every visitor of an age when knowledge was more precious than gold. Today, the Archaeological Survey of India protects and maintains this monument, ensuring that future generations can witness its timeless elegance.

The Mahmud Gawan Madrasa is not just a historical monument; it is a symbol of enlightenment, culture, and unity. It reminds us that true greatness lies not in power or wealth, but in the spread of knowledge. Every brick of this ancient university whispers the legacy of Mahmud Gawan’s vision — a vision that made Bidar the city of learning in its time.

For travelers and history lovers, a visit to Bidar is incomplete without walking through the arches of this madrasa. Stand in its courtyard, look up at the surviving minaret, and imagine the vibrant life that once filled this space. The spirit of learning still lingers here, carried by the wind that moves through its ancient corridors.

Mahmud Gawan Madrasa remains a living memory of the past, a place where faith and wisdom met under the same roof. It is not just a ruin; it is a heartbeat of history that continues to inspire all who see it.

Check out Videos of this amazing monument on our YouTube channel.

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