Historical Places in Bijapur for a Peek into the Past

Gol Gumbaz is the crypt of Mohammed Adil Shah, who was the Sultan of Bijapur. He was the seventh ruler of Adil Shah Dynasty. This magnificent monument was constructed by the architect Yaqut of Dabul, in the year 1656. The monument derives its name from "Gola Gummata" or "Gol Gombadh", which mean a "circular dome". Constructed as per the Deccan architecture, Gol Gumbaz is one of the most significant monuments of India located in the state of Karnataka.

Also known as The Taj Mahal of the Deccan, it is home to the remains of the Adil Shah ruler Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his wife Taj Sultana. It was designed by Malik Sandal and has a mosque to the right and a tomb to the left. Adil Shah II built the monument as a symbol of harmony between Hindus and Muslims with the help of a Persian architect. The beautiful architecture of this ancient monument makes it one of the state's more popular and culturally significant attractions.

Built by Ali Adil Shah to celebrate his victory in the Battle of Talikota, it is one of the first mosques in India. This Masjid is spread over 10810 sq m and displays fine architecture with the twin minarets and beautiful arches and the dome.

With its own surrounding walls and a moat, The Citadel houses palaces, gardens and halls from the Adil Shahi Dynasty. It is mostly dilapidated. The royal Gagan Mahal and the Durbar Hall, Sat Manzil, Jala Manzil and Bara Kaman are the most fascinating structures here.

Built by Muhammad Adil Shah in 1640s, it serves as a place of worship for Muslim devotees, originally meant to be a Hall of Justice. Persian architecture is displayed here in the upper storey where women are not allowed.

Bijapur Fort is an important monument of historical importance situated in Bijapur. It was built during the rule of Adilshah dynasty and is endearingly known as the Agra of South India. It is also known as Vijapura Fort and is enclosed within a moat of 50 feet.

Built in 1672 AD by Adil Shah II, Bara Kaman is an unfinished structure situated in Bijapur. The structure was supposed to have twelve arches vertically and horizontally surrounding the mausoleum of the king and his wives. However, the mausoleum and the arches was left unfinished as Adil Shah II was murdered by his own father and the construction of Bara Kaman was left incomplete as he did not want Bara Kaman to lessen the architectural marvel of Gol Gumbaz.

Built by Adil Shah I in 1561, Gagan Mahal or endearingly known as Heavenly Mahal (Sky Mahal) is known for its architectural finesse and design. Boasting of three arches, the two stoteyed monument had the Darbar Hall on the ground floor and the upper storey was supposed to be the residence for the royal family.

Situated inside the premises of the Bijapur Fort, Mehtar Mahal dates back to the 1620 and is known to be the most elegant structure within the fort. Built in the Indo-Sarcenic style, the carvings on the minarets are in the Hindu architectural style.

Saath Kabar literally translates to sixty graves and has a very tragic story behind it. It is believed that the army chief of Adil Shah II's court killed his 63 wives in cruel jealousy that they might remarry after he died in the battle with Shivaji.

At a distance of 8 kms from Bijapur, Sangeeth Nari Mahal is situated in Navraspur. Built in the 16th century, the palace was used for celebration and parties.The Mahal is currently in ruins but still has a pond in the centre.

Malik-Maidan is a historical importance site in Bijapur and means "Lord of the Battlefield". It basically showcases a large cannon which was placed on Sherzah Burj by Adil Shah II in 1549. The cannon also has an inscription made by Aurangzeb on top of it.

Built in the 16th century by Hyder Khan, Upli Buruj or Upli Burj is basically a watchtower that stands at a height of 24 meters. The tower has two massive cannons placed at the top and offers a panoramic view of the city below.