Indo Islamic Heritage
The term "Chaukhandi" is derived from the Hindi words chav, meaning "four," and khand, meaning "storey," referring to a four-storey structure. However, despite being only two storeys tall, it is called Chaukhandi due to its elevated position and the multiple flights of stairs required to access it. Hadrat Khalil-Ullah, the son of Shah Ni'mat-Ullah Kirmani, arrived in Bidar from his homeland after his father's death in 834 H (1431 CE). The ruling king, 'Ala-ud-Din, welcomed him warmly, and two of Khalil-Ullah's sons, Shah Habib-Ullah and Shah MuHibb-Ullah, were married to royal princesses.
The Chaukhandi houses three graves in its main chamber, along with additional ones in the surrounding corridor. Situated on the road from Dulhan Darwaza, the structure is located near the mausolea of the Bahmani kings, about three furlongs from them, closer to the city. To reach the outer gateway, visitors first ascend five steps, walk across a paved area measuring 39 feet 5 inches by 64 feet 7 inches, and then climb seven more steps leading to a second paved area, extending 37 feet 9 inches. This path leads to the gateway's steps. The gateway itself boasts a refined fa?ade, featuring a central arch and a parapet with a trefoil design atop the wall. The wall, including the parapet, stands 30 feet 4 inches high, while the arch rises to 21 feet with a 13-foot span. The Persian-inspired arch has a stilted top. Stucco decorations on a panel display two medallions: one with a religious inscription and the other with the names of Allah, Muhammad, and Ali in Kufic script.
Year of Built: 14th Century
Address: Ring Rd, Ashtoor, Karnataka
Country: India
State: Karnataka
District: Bidar
Pincode: 585403
Longitude: 77.5562
Latitude: 17.9240