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Destination of the Month

 
Places of interest
 

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. 

Gol Gumbaz

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Ibrahim Roza :

Ibrahim Roza

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.

The Malik-e-Maidan

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Jumma Masjid:

Jumma Masjid

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.

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

Mehtar Mahal

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Bara Kaman:

Mehtar Mahal

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

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.
   

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.
   

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.
    

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.
 

Gardens & Parks:

Gol Gumbaz Garden, Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Park, Netaji Park.
   

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