BIJAPUR

ABOUT BIJAPUR:

• The ‘city of domes and minarets’ was the capital of Adil Shahi’s and is known as a ‘treasure house of Islamic architecture’.
• Chalukyan rulers of Kalyana originally founded Vijayapura or the ‘city of victory’ which came under the reigns of Bahamani rulers of Bidar in 1347.
• Yusuf Adil Shah, the Governor of Bijapur declared independence in 1481 and established the Adil Shahi dynasty.
• Adil Shahi’s were great builders and Bijapur become a centre for architectural activity.
• Town has about 50 mosques, 20 tombs and numerous palaces and it is one of the ‘classic tourism’ destinations of India.

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (HYD), 355 kms away from Bijapur city.
• Rail: Sholapur Railway Station, Sholapur, 99 kms away from Bijapur city.
• Road: Well connected by road.

ATTRACTIONS OF BIJAPUR

• Gol Gumbaz:
  • It was built in 1626-1656, by Mohammed Adil Shah, as a mausoleum for himself.
  • It is recognised as “one of the finest structural triumphs of the Indian builders”.
  • Four minarets have four stair cases, leading to the top of the enormous dome, measuring 44 metres in diameter.
  • It is regarded as the second largest dome in the world, unsupported by pillar.
  • A circular ‘Whispering Gallery’ underneath is famous for its amazing acoustical system, where a faintest whisper is echoed 9 times.
  • On a raised platform in the centre of the hall are the replica tombs of Mohammed Adil Shah and his family, while the actual tombs lie in a crypt below.
  • Gallery around the dome affords a fine view of the city.

• The Fort:
  • Huge fort built by Yusuf Adil Shah-I, has relics of palaces and pleasure gardens.
  • Gagan Mahal was built in 1561, as a royal residence as well as Durbar Hall.
  • Sat Manzil, the seven storeyed palace of Mohammed Adil Shah and the Jala Manzil are noted for its architectural beauty.
  • Another attraction is the Malik-i-Maidan, a 55 tonne, 4.3 metres long cannon of Adil Shahi’s, which is perhaps one of the largest bell metal guns in the world.
  • Bara Kaman, located nearby is the incomplete mausoleum of Ali-II and is noted for its graceful arches.

• Jama Masjid:
  • Largest and oldest mosque of Bijapur was built by Adil Shah-I between 1557 and 1686.
  • Finely proportioned, rectangular mosque is known for its graceful minarets and bulbous domes.
  • Aurangzeb added a grand entrance and painted the floor with 2,250 musullahs (space for prayers).

• Ibrahim Rauza:
  • Exquisite group of buildings lie on the western outskirts of the city.
  • Palatial mosque and tomb with delicate minarets at each corner is regarded.
  • One of the most beautifully proportioned Islamic structures in the country and an inspiration for the famous Taj Mahal.

Asar Mahal:

• It was built in 1646 by Muhammad Adil Shah as ‘Hall of Justice’ and has some holy relics of Prophet Mohammed.