Bijapur Important information

 Bijapur

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

Tourist Acctration in Bijapur 

• Gol Gumbaz
• The Fort
• Jama Masjid
• Ibrahim Rauza
• Asar Mahal 

Gol Gumbaz : It was built in 1626 -1656, by Mohammed Adil Shah, as a mausoleum for himself and is recognised as "one of the finest structural triumphs of the Indian builders". The four minarets have four stair cases, leading to the top of the enormous dome, measuring 44 mtrs. 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. The gallery around the dome affords a fine view of the city.

The Fort : The huge fort built by Yusuf Adil Shah-I, has relics of palaces and pleasure gardens. Gagan Mahal was built in 15 61, as a royal residence as well as Durbar Hall. The 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 mtrs. long cannon of Adil Shahi's, which is perhaps one of the largest bell metal guns m the world. Bara Kaman, located nearby is the incomplete mausoleum of Ali-II and is noted for its graceful arches.

Jama Masjid : This largest and oldest mosque of Bijapur was built by Adil Shah -I betweenl 557 and 1686. The finely proportioned, rectangular mosque is known for its graceful minarets and bulbous domes. Aurangzeb added a grand entrance and painte\ the floor with 2,250 musullahs (space for prayers).

Ibrahim Rauza (2 kms.) : This exquisite group of buildings lie on the western outskir of the city. The palatial mosque and tomb with delicate minarets at each comer i regarded as one of the most beautifully proportioned slamic structures in the country and an inspiration for ; lhe famous Taj Mahal.

Asar Mahal (5kms.) : It was built in 1646 by hammad Adil Shah as 'Hall of Justice' and has Some holy relics  of Prophet Mohammed. Adil shah as Hall of justice and has some holy relics of Prophet Mohammed.

REACHING THERE

Airport: Hyderabad (375 kms.).

Rail : Connected by rail. Convenient railhead Sholapur (99 kms).

Road : Connected by road  Aihole(129kms.),Badami(132 ;c kms.),  Belgaum  (205  kms.), Bangalore (581 kms.).