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Gol Gumbaz
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1 km literally meaning the 'round dome', it is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah (1627-56), the 7th ruler of this dynasty. Built at his orders before his death, the gigantic mausoleum dominates the landscape of Bijapur for miles around. It has a floor area of 1700 sq., a height of 51 m. and a diameter of 37 m. the walls are 3 m. thick. The central dome, second in size only to the dome of St.Peters Basilica Rome, stands unsupported by any pillars. The tick of a watch or the rustle of paper can be heard across a distance of 37 km. In the whispering gallery. The acoustical phenomenon of this dome is such that a sound is echoed 11 times over. Under the dome are the tombs of the Sultan, his two wives his mistress Rambha, his daughter and grandson. The octagonal turrets which project at angle and the huge bracketed cornic below the parapet, are the important features of this monument. From the gallery around the dome which can be reached by climbing up the turret passages , one can have a fabulous view of the town. The building complex includes a mosque, a Naqqar Khana, a gateway and a dharmashala. The edifice in front of the tomb has been converted in to a museum.
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Mehtar Mahal
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1 Km, this finely wrought gateway to the mosque is an excellent example of the
Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. It is embellished by a profusion of carvings in the form of brackets supporting the balconies & stone trellis work in Hindu Style.
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Ibrahim Rauza
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2 Km, Rauza literally means a garden. A garden as built around the tomb of Prophet Mohammed at Madina situated just outside the west city wall, the square encl0sure consists of 2 buildings - one housing the tombs of Ibrahim Adil Shah II & his family & the other a mosque. The tomb, evidently executed under the orders of Ibrahim Adil Shah (1580-1627) is noted for its striking symmetry of
pro[potion, exquisite minarets cupolas, parapets & cornices & is supposed to have been an inspiration for the Taj Mahal at Agra.
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Malik-I-Maidan
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1 Km, One of the largest bell metal guns in the world, it measures 4.45 m in length, 1.5 m in diameter & weighs 55 tons. Placed on the walls of the city, a unique feature of this legendary cannon of the Adil Shahis is that it is always cool to touch even under the blazing sun & when tapped gently it tinkles softly like a bell. The muzzle of the gun is shaped like the head of a lion with open jaws & between the carved fangs is depicted an elephant being crushed to death.
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Bara Kaman
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5 Km, this unfinished mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah, if completed, might have surpassed all others of its kind. Its 12 graceful arches which give it the name Bara Kaman, makes one feel the power of time & death.
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Jumma
Masjid
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1 Km,
also called Jumma Masjid because the Khutba is recited
here on Jumma ie. Friday, it is the largest & first
constructed mosque in Bijapur. It was built between 1557
-1686, most of it during Ali Adil Shah reign, who acquired
after defeating the rich Ramaraja of Vijayanagar. The
total area of the mosque is 10,810 sq mt. The main part of
the mosque stands to the west & has nine huge arches
on their facade that deepen into five arches & form 45
compartments. The majestic tomb rises above the roof in a
semicircle resembling the bud of a flower. This imposing
mosque(the rectangle is 170 Mt. x 70 Mt.) is incomplete,
lacking in 2 minarets. Aurangazeb extended the mosque in
the east, the south & the north verandah & built
the eastern gate. The original gateway is on the northern
side. The interior of the mosque shows restraint, except
for some decorative motifs on the apexes of the arches.
The heavy curtain hangs over the "Meharab",
which has domes, minarets, niches with books, flower vases
& Persian writings inscribed on it.
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Taj Bawdi
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1 Km, the great tank commemorates Ibrahim II 's first wife Taj Sultana. Its front is a majestic arch flanked by 2 octagonal towers, the east & west wings of the towers form spacious rest houses.
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Asar Mahal
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5 km. It is believed to contain some relics of Prophet Mohammed. It was constructed about 1646 by Mohammed Shah., There are Landscape paintings and designs on the walls and ceiling of the hall. Women are not allowed inside.
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Gagan Mahal
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5 Km, this mansion was constructed by Ali Adil Shah I in 1561. It served as a royal palace for some time. There are three magnificent arches, the central one being the wildest. The ground floor was the Durbar Hall & the first floor, now in ruins, was the private residence of the Royal family.
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Museum & Art Gallery
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There is a museum maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India in front of the Gol
Gumbaz. It contains stone sculptures, inscriptions, manuscripts, arms & weapons, chinaware, wood carvings & carpets.
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Gardens & Parks
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Gol Gumbaz Garden, Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Park, Netaji Park.
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