Bijapur (Karnataka)

Bijapur, the city of victory was the capital of the Adilshahi dynasty from 1489 to 1686 A.D. One among the confederacy of five states which saw the eclipse of Hindu rule in the south, the Bijapur kingdom played a significant role in the history of Karnataka by its contribution to art and architecture and by propagating Islam in the land. The main attraction of the city is the well-known Golgumbaz. Dominating the landscape of Bijapur is its hemispherical dome that is believed to be the world's second largest.

The city abounds in mosques, mausoleums, palaces and fortifications. These art heritages of Karnataka appear starkly simple when compared to the exuberance of the Chalukyan and Hoysala architecture but are rated as some of the finest Islamic architecture in the world.

Population: 193,131 (1991)

Best time to visit: October to February

Places of Interest

Gol Gumbaz:
The tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, the most important attraction in Bijapur boasts of the second-largest tomb in the world.44 m in diameter. The interior of the dome is mysteriously unsupported and has a whispering gallery under it, whose acoustics are superb. The architecture of this building is unique with the four minarets being the four staircases leading to the top dome. Located in the northeastern part of Karnataka, Bijapur used to be the home of the Bahamani Sultans the most illustrious of whom was the Adil Shah. Adil Shah began the task of building his own tomb, quite earnestly and went on with this work for over 20 years.

Ibrahim Roza:
Further to the edge of the city is the Ibrahim Roza, a beautiful tomb with artistically laid out corridors and interconnecting buildings with richly decorated walls and perforated stone windows. Ibrahim Roza, the mausoleum of Ibrahim Adil Shah II, is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal in Agra. At the centre of the town are large arches signifying the forts and its beauty in moonlight. Even though many of the structures were damaged by Aurangazeb, Bijapur remains a must see town.

Jama Masjid:
Jama Masjid is the other attraction of this city, still used for worship, has been called one of the first mosques in India. It holds an exquisite copy of the Quran, written in gold. Also dating back to the period of Adil Shah. This is the largest Masjid in the region. Barah Cummon (12 arches) is another wonderful piece of architecture created simply with twelve interleaving arches as a centre stage for art festivities.

Gagan Mahal:
Built by Ali Adil Shah I around 1561 to serve the dual purpose of a royal residence and a durbar hall.

Taj Bawdi:
A water tank that commemorates Taj Sultana, Ibrahim Adil Shah II’s wife. Its front is made up of a majestic arch flanked by two octagonal towers.

Malik-E-Maidan
The largest medieval cannon in the world is 14 ft long, weighing 55 tons. It means king of the plain. It was cast and brought to Bijapur in 1549 as a war trophy. Legend has it that if you touch the gun and make a wish, it will come true!

Bijapur Castle:
The 16th-century Bijaipur Castle entices tourists with its location right next to a wildlife sanctuary where leopards and wild boar, blue bulls and spotted deer roam free. Built by Rao Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap Singh in the 16th century, the castle is being run as a heritage hotel by the Bijaipur royal family now. The castle provides excellent lodging facility with an option of jeep safari in the nearby villages and opportunity to enjoy the traditional Mewar hospitality. A must visit site of Bijaipur.

Excursion

Aihole
Along with Badami and Pattadakal, Aihole completes the third dimension of Chalukyan architectural centres. Situated some 129 km off Bijapur, the place had an important position during the rule of the Chalukyas. There are a number of richly carved Hindu temples constructed in the 6th and 7th centuries. Some of the important temples of Aihole are Lad Khan Temple, the Meguti Temple, and the Durga Temple. There is also a small museum run by the archaeological department that showcases objects found in Aihole, mostly of the Chalukyan era.

Asavana Bagevadi :
The birthplace of Saint Basaveshwara, Asavana Bagevadi is a famous pilgrimage situated at a distance of 43 km from Bijapur. The place is well known for its temples.

Gulbarga
Situated at a distance of around 150 km from Bijapur, Gulbarga is known for its association with the mighty Bahamani kingdom. The main attractions of Gulbarga are the Gulbarga fort, the Jama Masjid, tombs of Bahamani kings and the tomb of Hazrat Gesu Nawaz.

Badami
The capital of the ancient South Indian kingdom of the Chalukyas, Badami is situated in North Karnataka near a beautiful red sandstone ridge. The main attractions of Badami are its rock-cut temples, the Agastyatirtha Tank, Bhootnath Temple, Archaeological Museum, Jambulinga Temple, and Badami Fort.

Kundalasangama
Kudalasangama is an important pilgrim centre associated with social reformer and poet-saint Basaveshwara of the 12th century. Kudalasangama is situated around 67 km away from Bijapur.

How to get there