While planning my trip to Badami caves I decided I might as well touch upon Bijapur . I mean, whenever one travels in a certain trajectory prudent to visit important places in the vicinity. But "important" is a relative term I realized when I enlightened my husband of my plan. Why the hell do you want to go to Bijapur ? The look in the eyes was as if he is face to face with a deranged woman. I said , I want to see Gol Gumbaz. The look of astonishment changed to one of appreciation and my job was done. So it was decided. We will go to Bijapur after covering Badami.
But my cocksure demeanor crumbed upon entering the city. I mean depreciated and dilapidated are the words which come to my mind. The city literally cries for maintenance. And I was like- this is such an important historical city. So why the neglect? Why don't we pay some attention to our dwindling, crumbling monuments? Sad is the feeling which prevails and stays for at least some days to come till the memory fades to the lower, deeper, (low priority ) recesses of the mind.
Bijapur is about 120 km from Badami caves.
The city was established in the 10th- 11th C by the Kalyani Chalukyas and was know as Vijaypura (city of victory). This city experienced architectural zenith under the Adil Shahi dynasty.
Bijapur is famous for Gol Gumbaz, Jumma Masjid, Bara Kamaan, Gajanan Temple, Ibrahim Rauza, Taj Bawandi, Methar Mahal, Gagan Mahal, Jala Manzil, Upli Burj etc... Leaving Gol Gumbaz all others are crying for attention and in a state of neglect.
Gol Gumbaz is a Persian word meaning a "round dome". It is the mausoleum of Adil shah, Sultan of Bijapur completed in 1656. It is made out of dark grey basalt. Its vast dome is said to be the second largest dome, unsupported by pillars,in the world after St. Peter's in the Vatican city of Rome.
Running around the inside of the dome is the "Whispering Gallery" where even the softest sound can be heard on the other side of the mausoleum due to the acoustics of the space
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Entrance of Gol Gumbaz
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| Filled with trepidation..there at last!! |
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| I am about to see the acoustic marvel-entrance |
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| Canon outside the museum |
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| Caption board with brief history |
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| Seven stories to be traversed to reach the top of Gol Gumbaz |
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| Inside Gol Gumbaz- Adil Shah's tomb |
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| Seven stories high staircase |
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| view from inside the staircase |
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| Dome from outside |
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| Famous "whispering galllery" |
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| View from the top |
The acoustics here are such that even a pin drop can be heard distinctly from a space of 38m (in the whispering gallery ). A true architectural marvel indeed. Did I mention that the central Dome stands without any pillar support?? Wow..
