Digitally Preserving the Ahmed Shah Wali Tomb (Bahmani Tombs, Bidar)

Deccan Heritage Foundation (DHF), in collaboration with the Factum Foundation for Digital Technology in Preservation, is undertaking a landmark digital restoration and documentation project at the mausoleum of Ahmed I Shah Wali ( d. 1436) in the royal necropolis of the Bahmanis in Ashtoor, Bidar. Famous for its unique paintings, this mausoleum, the first royal tomb of the Bahmanis in the newly established capital, was started in this verdant valley by Ahmad Shah and completed by his son and successor Allauddin Ahmad II soon after his enthronement. The non invasive restoration Factum Foundation is initiating from 3 to 17 January 2026, will bring together heritage expertise and advanced digital technologies to record and preserve one of the most significant monuments of the Deccan and the Bahmani period.

The initiative will employ LiDAR scanning, high-resolution photogrammetry, and colour panoramic photography to create a comprehensive and precise digital record of the paintings in this tomb. These new techniques allow for non-invasive documentation, capturing architectural details, surface conditions, and spatial data with exceptional accuracy. The resulting digital archive will support future conservation, research, and interpretation efforts while ensuring long-term preservation of the monument’s material and artistic legacy.

A vital component of this project is its educational dimension. Two students from the Deccani Studies Program 2025 will be trained on site by digital imaging specialists Mr Imran Khan and Ms Teresa Casado Resano from the Factum Foundation, with mentorship and institutional support from DHF. This hands-on engagement reinforces DHF’s commitment to capacity building and knowledge transfer, enabling emerging scholars to gain direct exposure to heritage documentation.

Through this collaboration, DHF continues to advance an integrated model of conservation – one that combines technology, scholarship, and training to safeguard the cultural heritage of the Deccan for future generations.

This significant initiative has been made possible through the generous support of an Anonymous Sponsor, whose commitment has enabled the realisation of this exceptional project.