Mahmud Gawan, Scholar, Statesman and Administrator

Madarasa of Mahmud-Gawan

Mahmud Gawan, who had served the Bahmani kingdom of South India in different posts in the reigns of three successive rulers, was an erudite scholar, statesman and a great administrator. A trader by profession, he was born in Iran and came to Bidar in 1453 A.D.

Mahmud Gawan was synonymous with honesty, loyalty and simplicity. He was given the title of Mallik-Ul-Tujjar. A skillful military leader, he brought the Bahmani kingdom to its greatest extent.

A strong proponent of literacy among the people, Mahmud Gawan is credited with the establishment of many schools and colleges. Chief among them is the college which he got built in Bidar. This three storied building, known as Mahmud Gawan's Madarasa, with its massive walls and grand minarets is one of the chief attractions in Bidar (in Karnataka) today.

Mahmud Gawan fell prey to the intrigues of the Decanni nobles who were jealous of his rise and instigated the Bahmani Sultan Muhammad Shah III who, in a drunken state, ordered his execution on 5^th April, 1481.