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.

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:

For more information visit https://bijapur.gov.in/en/tourist-places/

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.