Tomb of Ali Barid

Bidar, India

The tomb of Ali I (d. 1580/987 AH) is the masterpiece of the group of Baridi sultan tombs in a necropolis to the west of Bidar. The tomb dates to 1577/984 AH, three years before the sultan's death. It is situated on a plinth in the middle of a charbagh garden, with a small mosque beyond. The main entrance is through a gateway from the south, but remains of doors on the north, east, and west sides are visible. The domed tomb is open on all four sides, a plan which became popular in Bidar, and is known for its ornament. The exterior is decorated on either side of the arched openings with carved stone dados up to a height of 2.03 m, mostly of eight-petaled flowers. Ornamental arched recesses are arranged in pairs above, with five horizontal bands above the arches, now plain but likely intended for colored tilework decoration. Traces of mosaic faience medallions remain in the spandrels of the arches. The interior has rectangular panels with verses from the Persian poet Attar and bands of Quranic text, along with stone dados continued from the exterior.