Madarsa Mahmud Gawan

Madarsa Mahmud Gawan is an Islamic educational complex in Bidar arranged around an open courtyard enclosed by three halls on its sides. Two tall towers flank the entrance and define the main façade of the monument.

A Persian merchant named Khwaza Mahmud Gawan built this university in 1472 during the Bahmani Sultanate while also serving as prime minister. The structure later suffered damage through centuries of change and conflict in the region.

The walls display ornate decorations combining glazed tiles in geometric patterns with Quranic verses written in Thuluth script. These embellishments represent an important example of Islamic artistic craftsmanship from the period.

The monument sits close to Bidar's center and is straightforward to reach from the main areas of town. Wear sturdy shoes since the grounds are uneven in places and some sections remain exposed to the elements.

The inscriptions on the walls follow a precise geometric arrangement that the original builders incorporated into the structure itself. This marriage of design and religious text gives the building its distinctive architectural character.

Location: Bidar district

GPS coordinates: 17.91480,77.53010

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:23