Bijapur now known as Vijayapura holds a significant role in history of Karnataka. From witnessing Hindu, Islamic, Mughal sultanate reigns to being the part of Bombay presidency under British Raj and then being transferred to Karnataka. This district has many untold stories to tell. Revealing the layering of secrets and hidden treasures, Bijapur Gol Gumbaz (now Vijayapura) is south India’s crowning under its territory to get your attention toward this small district.
About
Mystique Marvel Bijapur Gol Gumbaz
Bijapur Gol Gumbaz is situated in Karnataka, a southern state in India. The Gol Gumbaz history traces back to the 17th century. Gol Gumbaz is a mausoleum of Mohammad Adil Shah and also includes mosque in it. He was buried near his spiritual teacher Hazrat Hashim peer Dastageer’s tomb.
Gol Gumbaz is an architectural triumph of Deccan dynasty. This historic monument is designed by Yakut of Dabul. The Gol Gumbaz is composed of cube and capped by a dome. It is a world’s largest single chamber structure enclosing 17,000 m2. Four octagonal shaped towers with 7 floors each are standing at four corners of cube. The monument is constructed using Dark grey basalt material. The astonishing architecture of Bijapur Gol Gumbaz makes it stand out from the rest in world.
The huge dome capping the cube is not supported by even a single pillar. Two rotated square creates eight interlocking intersection point which are the only support of the gigantic dome. The dome has an outer diameter of 144 feet, making it world’s second largest dome. The place will surprise you with more hidden history treasure.
Malik-e-Maidan
Malik-e-Maidan, as the name implies the meaning, “master of battlefield”. Malik-e-Maidan is battle field canon used by Shah Dynasty Ibrahim Adil during the battle of Talikota. Malik-e-Maidan is considered one of the largest canons during the medieval period. It is 4.45 metres (14.6 ft) long and 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) in diameter with a 700 millimetres (28 in) bore. The inscription on canon tells about the building of the canon by Muhammad Bin Hasan Rumi in Ahmadnagar in 1549 and also the victory of Aurangzeb over Bijapur. It is to be believed that it took 10 elephants, 400 oxen and hundreds of people to place back the canon on fort rampart between two bastions.
Highlights
Read out nitty gritty facts about Malik-e-Maidan
Built In 1656
Architect : Yaqut of Dabul
Height : 51m
Second Largest Dome
Islamic Architecture
Friday Closed
Material : Dark Grey Basalt
Dome Arches
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Wall Carvings
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Whispering Gallery
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Escape & Breathe the air of new places
Besides Bijapur Gol Gumbaz, there are lots of places to look round for a nice vacation trip. Like mausoleum of Mohammad Adil Shah II, there is a tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah, father of Mohammad Adil Shah II. Chand Bawli, built by Ali Adil Shah is a water tank named after her wife “Chand Bibi”. Asar Mahal which is now a sacred place, which housed hairs from prophet’s beard. Saat kabar, which means sixty graves has a tragic story behind it and is called as “dark tourist spot”.
If you are among the ones who had a great respect and fascination towards history, you would definitely extend your visit in Bijapur to explore more. Besides visiting places in Bijapur, Within 100 kilometers range from Bijapur there exist many of the historical places to explore around. Badami, a small but popular place for Jain and Hindu cave temples. Pattadakal, a city built by chalukyas dynasty, also called as the city of crown rubies. Take one more step and the place will surprise you.