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Places of interest
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Gol Gumbaz :- |
It is
the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah. It is 44 m in diameter and the interior of the dome
is mysteriously unsupported and has a whispering gallery under it, whose acoustics are
superb. The dome forms a highly sensitive echo-chamber. The slightest whisper
echoes seven times over and the tick of a clock held at one end can be distinctly heard at
the opposite end, 125 feet away. |
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Ibrahim Roza : |
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This monument shows the creativity of its Iranian born architect. Built on a
single slab of bed-rock, the architect has attained a perfect balance on the site, with
the mausoleum on the left and the prayer hall to the right. This whole structure lies
above a basement which houses secret passages (used to store munitions and food) and also
holds living quarters for the cavalry, with stables opposite. |
The gardens are beautifully sculpted and are enclosed within
an imposing wall and have some superb gateways. The architect's simple grave lies within
the courtyard. He was buried there at his request, to be close to the Sultan.
One cannot stop and marvel at the tremendous effort put in by the sculptors, who carved
every stone that makes up this beautiful complex.
Two stone chains (each carved from a single rock) hang from the sides of the prayer hall.
Each door (made in teak wood and re-enforced in metal) in this complex is unique, with
some excellent features. The door handles are iron and brass and provide for some
intricate patterns, which are largely intact.
The arches in the hallway surrounding the inner perimeter of the mausoleum are superbly
crafted. The facades of the building provide for some stunning art-work in stone,
including a map to the basement, which lies under the mausoleum.
An acoustic feature in this complex is worth a mention. If you are standing at the
mausoleum by the grave side of the Sultan, you can distinctly hear the prayers being said
at the other end, in the prayer hall. You could be of any religious faith to appreciate
the acoustics and the tranquillity of the environment. Of course, what you feel is what
you want to feel!
Stunning in their own right these monuments are a testimony to the architectural genius of
India's past architects and her secular heritage.
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The Malik-e-Maidan: |
is the
largest medieval cannon in the world, is 14 ft long, weighing 55 tons. According to
the legends, if you touch the gun and make a wish, it will come true. Mehtar Mahal,
Jod Gumbaz, Afzal Khan's Cenotaph, Asar Mahal, Anand Mahal and Ark-Killa are some of the
other places worth visiting. |
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Jumma Masjid: |
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is still used for worship. It has been called one of the first mosques in
India. It holds an exquisite copy of the Koran, written in gold lettering..
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 the
land after defeating the rich Ramaraja of Vijayanagar. |
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The total area of the mosque is 10,810 sq m. 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 170m x 70 m) is incomplete, lacking in 2 minarets.
Aurangzeb 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 "Mehrab", which has domes, minarets, niches with books,
flower vases & Persian writings inscribed on it.
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Mehtar Mahal: |
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.
Mehar Mahal |
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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.
Bara Kaman
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Taj Bawdi: |
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: |
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: |
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: |
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: |
Gol Gumbaz
Garden, Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Park, Netaji Park.
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