TOMBS OF BIJAPUR

CITY OF BIJAPURThe city established in the 10th-11th centuries by

the Chalukyas of Kalyani was referred as Vijayapura (City of victory).

The city came under the influence of the Khilji Sultanate in Delhi by the late 13th century. In 1347, the area was conquered by the Bahmani Sultanate

of Gulbarga. The city consists of three distinct portions: the citadel,

the fort and the remains of the city. Within the citadel are the remains of Hindu

temples, which prove that Bijapur was an important town

in pre-Islam times.

The architecture of the Deccan is marked by its distinct originality and independence of style, unlike the architectural styles of the other provinces which combined both the temple architecture and the Islamic building ideals. It derived its elements from the architectural styles of the Sultan of Delhi and that of the distant Persia.

ABOUT THE TOMBSoIn many tombs of Bijapur, roofed by heavy and at times oppressive domes, the light from the skies was prevented from reaching anywhere near the graves of the Kings.oThe interiors are, in fact, so dark and gloomy that it is impossible for the eye to discern much without the aid of artificial light.oThe strong inclination for building these types of tombs was given its earliest stimulation under Ibrahim II .

oThe Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur constructed several mosques, tombs and palaces. The development of the dome reached its acme during their reign. o They also borrowed some elements like the use of symbol of crescent from the Ottoman Empire. The most distinct monument of this period is, undoubtedly, the Gol Gumbaz built by Mohammad Adil Shah, which is largest masonry dome in the world.

ONE OF THE TOMBS

oThis small tomb, set in a spacious walled compound, lies on the Jami Masjid Road. oIts spherical dome is raised on a high octagonal drum with pairs of arches on each face. oThe simple but elegant facade consists of three arches, each with triple-arch openings along the middle.

BARAH KAMAN

oThis structure, the tomb of Ali Adil Shah II, was intended to surpass all others. It remainedunfinished except for the arcade of arches around the central tomb chamber. oAt the centre of the inner enclosure is the granite tomb of Ali Adil Shah II, placed on a raised platform.o As per the plan twelve arches were placed vertically as well as horizontally surrounding the tomb of Ali Adil Shah. oHowever due to unknown reason the work on the structure was left incomplete and only two arches were raised vertically. Still, the remains of the twelve arches placed horizontally can be seen.

Ornamented by carved medallions and hanging stone chains, built on a high stone terrace, the monuments are framed by a lofty tower, ornamented with four graceful minarets approached by a path through formal gardens.

RAUZA OF IBRAHIM

o This is the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II (ruled 1580-1627), the fifth king of the dynasty and, like the Mughal emperor Akbar, known for religious tolerance.o Built on a single rock bed, it is noted for the symmetry of its features. oIt is said that the design for the Ibrahim Rauza served as an inspiration for that of the famous Taj Mahal.o The entrance gateway is in the distinctive style of the Adil Shahi rulers,featuring slender minarets topped with small domes.

oThe square enclosure consists of 2 buildings, one housing the tombs of Ibrahim Adil Shah II & his family & the other a mosque.The tomb, is noted for its striking symmetry of proportion, minars and domes. oThe 115 ft (35m) square structure of the tomb and the mosque stand at either end of a 360 ft (110m) long and 150 ft(46m) wide platform, located in the middle of a 450 ft(137 m) square sward of grass defined by hastily put together enclosing cloisters.oThe central burial chamber of the mausoleum is of 40 ft(12m) side surrounded by 2 concentric arcaded verandahs.

GOL GUMBAZ

oThe name merely suggests "round domed building". The tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, boasts of the second-largest tomb in the world.oThe interior of the tomb is mysteriously unsupported and has a whispering gallery under it, whose acoustics are superb. Located in the north-eastern part of Karnataka, Bijapur used to be the home of the Bahamani Sultans.

Gol Gumbaj is one of the biggest single chamber structures in the world.

▲View from the southeastThe mosque and the Tomb A:MosqueB:Tomb ①②From southeast③④The south facade of the tomb

oThe simple square is almost of 136ft(41.5m)side inside and as much as 205 ft(62.5m) outside.oThe 4 lofty walls are over 10 ft(3m) thick and 110 ft(33.5m) high.oThe diameter of the octagonal buttresses is 25 ft(7.6m) rising to a height of 150 ft(45.7m).oThe hemispherical dome is of 144 ft(44m) diameter outside and 125 ft(38m) diameter inside.oIts apex is over 200 ft(60.9m) from ground leveloThe whole structure in height alone is equivalent to a 20 storeyed structure of modern times.

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