Bijapur

The heritage city of Bijapur lies in the Deccan Plateau and is originally known as the Queen of Deccan. Bijapur, the land of five rivers and the domain of different cultures, is an ancient city. The city established in the 10th and 11th centuries by the Chalukyas of Kalyani was known as Vijayapur (City of victory). The one-time capital of the Adil Shahi kings (1489-1686), Bijapur is dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces, fortifications, watchtowers and strong gateways. The city boasts of more than 50 mosques, 20 mausoleums and many palaces – remnants of the regal past. Bijapur is a heritage destination known for its medieval monuments, which are a unique form of Islamic architecture. It is well known for its historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Bijapur’s regal monuments attract a large number of tourists. 

Tourist Attraction

Gol Gumbaz 

Gol Gumbaz the colossal tomb, has a height of 51m and a diameter of 37m having a floor area of 1700 sqm. It is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah (ruled 1627-1657). It is the largest dome in India and most famous monument in Bijapur. A particular attraction in this monument is the central chamber, where every sound is echoed seven times. Another attraction at the Gol Gumbaz is the Whispering Gallery, where even minute sounds can be heard clearly 37 metres away. The building in front of the tomb has been renovated to a museum in the present day. Gol Gumbaz complex includes a mosque, a Naqqar Khana (a hall for the trumpeters) (Now it is used as museum) and the ruins of guest houses. 

Jumma Masjid

It is the first and the largest constructed mosque during the reign of Adil Shah after acquiring the land of Bijapur. Ali Adil Shah I, after his triumphant victory over Vijayanagara built this mosque. It is the largest and oldest mosque in the Deccan. The total area covered by the mosque is 10810 sqm and has nine huge arches on the facade forming the building. It is at 1200 yards to the east of the citadel. It is a mosque, rectangle in shape, about 400 feet (120 m) from east to west and 280 feet (85 m) from north to south. The interior of the mosque is decorated with motifs on the arches. The main entrance is from the east side and there is a pavilion ascribed to Aurangzeb at the entrance. Including the entire big open court spread between two wings, the mosque occupies an area of 116,300 square feet (10,800 m2) and unmatched by any building in Bijapur. 

Ibrahim-Rauza

The Ibrahim-Rauza, built by Ibrahim 'Adil Shah II (1580-1627), consists of his tomb and mosque within a square compound, both rising face to face from a common raised terrace, with a tank and fountain between them. Ibrahim Rauza also known as Ali Rauza was built in 1627. This architecture is known as a black Taj Mahal as it is said that this was inspirational design for The Taj Mahal. It was originally intended to be the tomb for the queen. It is a fine square structure with twin buildings with delicate carvings. It was designed by the Persian architect, Malik Sandal. There is a wonder in these two structures. If a person stands in the corner of Masjid and says something in soft voice it can be heard in the inner part of Ibrahim Rauza.