Gol Gumbaz Travel Guide
Gol Gumbaz - Bijapur
Bijapur located 530-km north-west of Bangalore, was known as "The
city of Victory" during the reign of Chalukyas. Bijapur
experienced a great burst of architectural activity under the Adi
Shahi Dynasty. The Adil Shahi himself was an art lover who did
tremendous efforts in expending art activities.
Bijapur's greatest travel attraction comprises of Islamic
architecture - minarets, domes and resonant of burial chambers all
showcasing the panorama of the Arabian Nights.
Today Bijapur has over 50 masks, more than 20 tombs and a number of
palaces.
¤ The Magnificent Tomb
It is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah constructed during (1627 -56),
the seventh ruler of Adilshahi dynasty. The king himself started the
construction of this colossal tomb that took about 20 years to
complete.
The tomb, with a floor area of 1700 sq.m, 51m in height and 37m
diameter with walls 3 m thick, gives a massive appearance. The central
dome is the second biggest dome in the world next to the dome of St
Peter's Basalica in Rome. The unique feature of the dome is its
erection, without any support of pillars. The acoustical occurrence of
this dome is such that a sound is echoed eleven times over. Slightest
whisper, the tick of a watch or any kind of movement can be heard
across a distance of 37 m in its vast gallery. From the gallery around
the dome, one can reach up the turret passages by climbing the steps
and can enjoy the panoramic view of the beautiful city down along with
its vast landscapes.
Under the dome are the tombs of the Sultan, his two wives, his
mistress Ramba, his daughter and grandson.
¤ A Loving Fairy Tale
Ones Adil Shah along with his beloved visited the tomb. While looking
through the balcony encircling the tomb Adil Shah was extremely
fascinated by the amazing, nine storied depth of the central hall. The
king, in the mood of making fun, thought of testing his ladylove. He
said, "my lady, I know you love me a lot, would you do anything
for my sake", "Yes my lord" said the beautiful. "If
so" said the Shah facetiously, "can you jump down this
balcony for my sake?" His love at once jumped down to show her
eternal love. The heart-broken king was under utmost shock, he
accursed himself for the blunder he did and wept for the rest of his
life.
The splendor and perfection of this dome must be experienced at least
once in a lifetime. Lovers come here to whisper (aloud!), singers to
enjoy the stereophonic effect and children to test the power of their
laughter.
The building complex includes a mosque, a Naqqar Khana, a gateway and
a dharmashala. The edifice in front of the tomb has been converted
into a museum. The virgin magical dint of the Golgumbaz becomes quite
visible when heard in serenity.
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