Gol Gumbaz Bijapur
About the place
Bijapur (Kannada: ವಿಜಾಪುರ Vijapura ) city is the district headquarters of Bijapur District of Karnataka state. Bijapur city is well known for its historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of Adil Shahi dynasty. Bijapur is located 530 km northwest of Bangalore and about 550 km from Mumbai.
Bijapur's urban population as per 2001 census is 2.46 lakhs, estimated to have crossed 3 lakhs as at the end of year 2010 so, efforts are being made to upgrade the CMC into a Municipal Corporation(like the current corporations Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Bellary, Davangere, Tumkur, Mangalore, Mysore, Bangalore)along with Shimoga which would help in getting more funds for the development of city. As per norms, the city should have a minimum population of three lakh.
The city was established in the 10th-11th centuries by the Kalyani Chalukyas and was known as Vijayapura (City of victory). The city came under the influence of the Khilji Sultanate in Delhi by the late 13th century. In 1347, the area was conquered by the Bahmani Sultanate of Gulbarga. By this time, the city was being referred as Vijapur or Bijapur. Bijapur, Karnataka . Bijapur happens to be Karnataka’s most sought after destination owing to its palaces, mosques, tombs and forts. The fortified city protected by ramparts with prominent bastions; many of the original cannons are still in place. Originally ruled by the Bahmanis and after their falling the city became the capital of the kingdom of Adil Shahi Sultans. The city’s forts have splendid mosques, palaces and tombs built by a succession of enlightened rulers.
Religious Spots
Jami Masjid
To the south-east of the citadel is the Jami Masjid, a grand structure built in 1576 by Ali Adil Shah I. The prayer hall has been divided into some 2,250 rectangular bays to resemble prayer mats. The mosque attracts more than 2000 worshippers on every Friday prayer session. There are some more tombs and mosques present at the northern side of this mosque including the Taj Baoli tank surrounded by steps.
To the south-east of the citadel is the Jami Masjid, a grand structure built in 1576 by Ali Adil Shah I. The prayer hall has been divided into some 2,250 rectangular bays to resemble prayer mats. The mosque attracts more than 2000 worshippers on every Friday prayer session. There are some more tombs and mosques present at the northern side of this mosque including the Taj Baoli tank surrounded by steps.
Historical Monuments
The Citadel
The Citadel is in the heart of the city defined by its own fortified walls and surrounded by a wide moat. The south gate of the fortress leads to the palatial complex, now houses the municipal offices. To its northwest stands the Sat Manzil, the seven storeyed watch tower from the top of which the whole city could once be seen. Of this, only five storeys now remain. It overlooks an exquisitely ornamented miniature pavilion called the Jal Mandir. At a short distance lies the Gagan Mahal, the audience hall of Ali Adil Shah I with an arched façade facing an open space. Other fine structures within the fort complex include Anand Mahal, Mecca Masjid and Karimuddin’s Mosque.
Asar Mahal
There are several monuments outside the Citadel. To the east of the Citadel is a double-storeyed building known as Asar Mahal, built in 1646 as a hall of justice. The palace was later converted into a sacred reliquary to house two hairs of the Prophet. Chambers on the upper floor are decorated with floral patterns and some courtly scenes with European style figures. A short distance away is the Mihtar Mahal, belonging to the period of Ibrahim II (1580 – 1626).
Gol Gumbad
The Citadel
The Citadel is in the heart of the city defined by its own fortified walls and surrounded by a wide moat. The south gate of the fortress leads to the palatial complex, now houses the municipal offices. To its northwest stands the Sat Manzil, the seven storeyed watch tower from the top of which the whole city could once be seen. Of this, only five storeys now remain. It overlooks an exquisitely ornamented miniature pavilion called the Jal Mandir. At a short distance lies the Gagan Mahal, the audience hall of Ali Adil Shah I with an arched façade facing an open space. Other fine structures within the fort complex include Anand Mahal, Mecca Masjid and Karimuddin’s Mosque.
Asar Mahal
There are several monuments outside the Citadel. To the east of the Citadel is a double-storeyed building known as Asar Mahal, built in 1646 as a hall of justice. The palace was later converted into a sacred reliquary to house two hairs of the Prophet. Chambers on the upper floor are decorated with floral patterns and some courtly scenes with European style figures. A short distance away is the Mihtar Mahal, belonging to the period of Ibrahim II (1580 – 1626).
Gol Gumbad
Bijapur’s most celebrated monument, the tomb of Muhammad Adil Shah, second son and successor of Ibrahim II, is known as “Round Dome” or Gol Gumbad or sometime called as Gol Gumbaz. The dome, largest in the world after St. Peter’s in Rome, rises from a base of petals to form a fitting climax to the whole composition. Completed in 1656, the tomb surrounds a formal garden and a mosque in the west side.
The dome of Gol Gumbaz is 44 m in diameter. It is carried on eight overlapping arches with intervening pendentives. There are bulbous domes on each minaret. By climbing up the turret passages one can have the city view. The edifice in front of the tomb has been converted into a museum having ornamental objects of the Islamic era.
Ibrahim Rauza The dome of Gol Gumbaz is 44 m in diameter. It is carried on eight overlapping arches with intervening pendentives. There are bulbous domes on each minaret. By climbing up the turret passages one can have the city view. The edifice in front of the tomb has been converted into a museum having ornamental objects of the Islamic era.
The city’s most exquisite mausoleum, often described as the finest Islamic building in Deccan is situated 2 km away from the city centre. The fine structure was built by Ibrahim II for his wife. In fact, he predeceased her and was also buried here. The complex consists of a tomb and a mosque in the middle of a huge garden. A huge tank nearby has been named after his wife, Taj Sultana. The walls of the tomb are decorated with superb calligraphic and geometric designs. The outstanding monument is believed to have been an inspiration for the Taj Mahal at Agra.
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