Bijapur lies in the Deccan region of India. Bijapur is famous in history for the Adil Shahi
dynasty. The founder of this
dynasty was Yusuf Adil Khan, one of the Generals of Mahmud Gawan. In 1492 A.D., Yusuf Khan declared independence and established the Adil Shahi
dynasty at Bijapur which included Goa under him. Bijapur enjoyed a tolerant rule and an efficient administration. Bijapur detailed its independence in 1686 A.D. when Aurangzeb annexed it.
Bijapur is 201 Kms from Belgaum originally the capital of old Adil Shahi Sultan of Bijapur, who called it ‘The City of Victory’. Bijapur abounds in architectural wealth. Some of its architectural
monuments are:
v The Gol Gumbaz – Gol Gumbaz is the mausoleum of Mohammud Adil Shah’s two wives, one of his daughter’s and a grandson. It is built in Turkish style with the 2nd largest door in the world. In its whispering galleries, a clap is echoed 10 times and even the slightest whisper can be heard from one side to the other. Its special feature is the use of intersecting arches to the support the door and the bold foliations at the base.
v Jama Masjid – Jama Masjid of Bijapur is one of the finest Indian mosques due to its harmony. It is the biggest mosque of South India. It is large in space as it can accommodate 2250 worshippers at a time. It was constructed by Ali Adil Shah I. On the whole, it is a simple building with no much of ornamentation.
v Asar Mahal – Asar Mahal was built by Mahmud Adil Shah in 1646 A.D. It served as a Hall of Justice. There are fresco paintings on the upper storey. Two hair of Prophet Mohammed are kept here as relics.
v The Citadel – The Citadel is mostly an influential structure, which is the reminance of important buildings such as Gagan Mahal, the Royal Palace, Darbar Hall and the Jala Mandir.
Few other interesting places are Anand Mahal, Chini Mahal, the Macca Masjid, also known as the Ibrahim Roza.
Bijapur and these monuments may have lost their past glory with time but even today these monuments speak and depict the glory of its times.