Bijapur is a popular tourist destination in Karnataka known for the Gol Gumbaj and Ibrahim Rauza, which are regarded as the Taj Mahal of the Deccan, and its magnificent old monuments. An important commercial area in the state of Karnataka is Bijapur. Bijapur was originally called as Vijayapura when it was built by the Kalyani Chalukyas in the tenth or eleventh century. The name Vijaypura means “City of Victory” in English. There are several mosques, including Jumma Masjid, castles, and citadels among other significant sites.
Gol Gumbaz
The tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, the former sultan of Bijapur, is known as Gol Gumbaz. He served as the Adil Shah Dynasty’s sixth king. In the year 1656, the Dabul-based architect Yaqut built this spectacular monument. The word “Gola Gummata” or “Gol Gombadh,” which both refer to a “circular dome,” is whence the monument gets its name. One of India’s most important monuments, Gol Gumbaz, is located in the state of Karnataka and was built in the Deccan architectural style.
The monument’s great structure is made up of two cubes that are connected by a dome with an exterior diameter. There is a “whispering gallery” throughout the enormous dome. These are so named because, thanks to the space’s acoustics, even the tiniest sound can be heard on the opposite side. The building of Gol Gumbaz began in the year 1626 AD, and it was finished in around 30 years. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) looks after it.
Ibrahim Rauza
The bones of Adil Shah King Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his wife Taj Sultana are kept in this building, which is often referred to as The Taj Mahal of the Deccan. Malik Sandal created it, positioning a mosque to the right and a tomb to the left. The monument was constructed by Adil Shah II with the assistance of a Persian architect as a representation of peace between Hindus and Muslims. This ancient monument’s stunning architecture makes it one of the state’s more well-known and historically significant attractions.
Jama Masjid
It is one of the earliest mosques in India and was constructed by Ali Adil Shah to commemorate his victory in the Battle of Talikota. This Masjid is 10810 square meters in size and has an exquisite design, including twin minarets, lovely arches, and a dome.
Asar Mahals
It was initially intended to be a Hall of Justice but was converted into a place of worship for Muslims by Muhammad Adil Shah in the 1640s. Here, on the upper floor where women are not permitted, Persian architecture is on exhibit…
Bijapur Fort
The Citadel, which has its outside walls and moat, is home to palaces, gardens, and halls from the Adil Shahi Dynasty. Most of it is in disrepair. The most remarkable buildings here are the Regal Gagan Mahal, Durbar Hall, Sat Manzil, Jala Manzil, and Bara Kaman.
A significant historical landmark located in Bijapur is the Bijapur Fort. It is affectionately referred to as the Agra of South India and was constructed under the Adilshah reign. It is surrounded by a 50-foot-long moat and is also known as Vijapura Fort. Different buildings inside the fort were constructed over time by kings of various dynasties.
Bara Kaman
Adil Shah II began construction on the Bara Kaman, an incomplete mausoleum with 12 exquisite arches, in 1672 AD and it is located in Bijapur. The tomb of King Ali and his wives was to be surrounded by twelve arches that ran vertically and horizontally along the edifice. But since Adil Shah II was assassinated by his father and because he did not want Bara Kaman to overshadow Gol Gumbaz’s architectural masterpiece, the tomb, and the arches were left unfinished.
Mehtar Mahal
Mehtar Mahal, which is located inside the boundaries of the Bijapur Fort and dates back to 1620, is regarded as the most exquisite building there. The carvings on the minarets are in the Hindu architectural style, although being built in the Indo-Sarcenic style.
