Bijapur was once the capital
of the Adil Shah dynasty (1489 to 1686) and it's charm lies
largely in the architectural legacy from those days.
The Adil Shahs had broken away from the Muslim Bahamanis who
had ruled parts of south India, to establish their kingdom in
the northwest part of Karnataka.
Bijapur’s most famous monument is the Gol Gumbaz. This
gigantic mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah has to its credit the
second largest dome in the world after that of St. Peter’s in
Vatican City. It also has a whispering gallery where a message
carries through 38 meters repeating 11 times. The Nakkar Khana
museum, the Asar Mahal (palace) with its lovely frescoes, the
Sherza Burj (Lion Gate) with an enormous 55-ton cannon are
among the amazing structures around the Gol Gumbaz.
Inhabiting the other end of the town is the Ibrahim Roza,
quite at the other end of the stylistic spectrum from the Gol
Gumbaz. This graceful monument is the tomb of Ibrahim Adil
Shah and his family. Decorated with delicate stone filigree
and other sculptural work, this building is admired for its
loveliness rather than imposing grandeur. The Jami Masjid
close to it is thought to be the most beautiful mosque in
south India. The Citadel in the centre of town though mostly
in ruins still has a unique charm.
