Bijapur

Enticing Karnataka !

Bijapur /

Introduction to Bijapur
Bijapur (also known as Vijapura ) city is the district headquarters of Bijapur District of Karnataka state. Bijapur city is well known for its historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of Adil Shahi dynasty. Bijapur is located 530 km northwest of Bangalore and about 550 km from Mumbai and 384 kms from hyderabad. Bijapur's urban population is 2.54 lakhs, estimated to have crossed 3 lakhs as at the end of year 2010 As per norms, the city should have a minimum population of three lakh.

 The city was established in the 10th-11th centuries by the Kalyani Chalukyas and was known as Vijayapura (City of victory). The city came under the influence of the Khilji Sultanate in Delhi by the late 13th century. In 1347, the area was conquered by the Bahmani Sultanate of Gulbarga. By this time, the city was being referred as Vijapur or Bijapur. Bijapur, Karnataka

Short History of Bijapur

In 1518, the Bahmani Sultanate split into five splinter states known as the Deccan sultanates, one of which was Bijapur, ruled by the kings of the Adil Shahi dynasty (1490 1686).

The city of Bijapur owes much of its greatness to Yusuf Adil Shah, the founder of the independent state of Bijapur.
The rule of this dynasty ended in 1686, when Bijapur was conquered during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

 After the 1818 defeat of the Peshwa by the British in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, Bijapur passed into the hands of the British East India Company, and was assigned to the princely state of Satara In 1848 the territory of Satara, along with Bijapur, was annexed to Britain's Bombay Presidency when the last ruler died without a male heir. The British carved a new district by the name Kaladagi. The district included present-day Bijapur and Bagalkot districts. . Bijapur was made the administrative headquarters of the district in 1885, when the headquarters were moved from Bagalkot

 After India's Independence in 1947, the district became part of Bombay state, and was reassigned to Mysore State, later Karnataka, in 1956. The former southern taluks of the district ere separated in 1997 to form Bagalkot District.

Tourist Attractions in Bijapur

Bijapur tours would include the ancient monuments and royal palaces in Bijapur. Tours to Bijapur will take you to the major tourist attractions : Gol Gumbaz Ibrahim Roja Bara Kaman Malik-e- Maidan (Monarch of the plains) Badi Kaman Meenakshi Chowk Uppali Buruz Shiva Statue Jumma Masjid

Gol Gumbaz

The piece-de-resistance among Bijapur attractions, this magnificent architecture is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah (1627 -56), the seventh ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty. An epitome of architectural wizardry, the central dome of the tomb, second in size only to the dome of St Peter's Basilica in Rome, stands unsupported by any pillars.

 The whispering gallery is another astonishing facet, which distinctly echoes the faintest whisper eleven times. Gol Gumbaz complex includes a mosque, a Naqqar Khana (a hall for the trumpeters) (now it is used as museum) and the ruins of guest houses.

Ibrahim Roza

The handiwork of expert Iranian artisans, this square enclosure consists the tombs of Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his family. This monument, which is believed to have inspired the creation of the Taj Mahal at Agra, is noted for its striking symmetry of proportion, exquisite minarets cupolas, parapets and cornices. 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.

Malik-e-Maidan

This mammoth cannon, fourteen feet long and weighing about 55 tons, is an awe-inspiring sight. Built by the Adil Shahis, the muzzle of the cannon is shaped like the head of a lion crushing an elephant to death with its huge jaws.

 A unique feature of this legendary gun is that it is always cool to touch even under the blazing sun. Malik-e-Maidan (The Monarch of the Plains) the largest medieval cannon in the world. Being 4 m long, 1,5 m in diameter and weighing 55 tons, this gun was brought back from Ahmadnagar in the 17th century as a trophy of war by 400 oxen, 10 elephants and tens of men. It was placed on the Sherza Burj (Lion Gate) on a platform especially built for it. The cannon's nozzle is fashioned into the shape of a lion's head..

 It is said that after igniting the cannon, the gunner would remain underwater in a tank of water on the platform to avoid the deafening explosion. The cannon remains cool even in strong sunlight and if tapped, tinkles like a bell. In 1854 the cannon was auctioned for Rs. 150 but the sale was cancelled in the end

Jumma Masjid

This is one of the must-sees in the region. It is the largest mosque and covers an area of 10,810 sq m and rises up to 120 ft. There is a fountain at the center and a lot of well designed arches and rooms.

 There is a big hall and a huge dome with 33 domes surrounding it. There are 12 arches constructed with 12 interleaving arches. There is an elaborately designed gateway designed by Aurangzeb. It has the unique distinction of being one of the first mosques in India. The mosque contains a copy of the holy Koran inscribed in gold.

Citadel

The Citadel in Bijapur is surrounded by a wall. The Citadel in Bijapur in Karnataka encompasses many palaces, halls and gardens which belonged to the Adil Shahi rulers. The Citadel, Bijapur is in a state of ruin but still holds the magnificence with a strong appeal. The remains of Hindu temples in the Citadel in Bijapur prove the fact that the city bore a great importance during the pre-Islam times.

The Citadel in Bijapur in Karnataka in India was built by Yusuf Adil Shah.

While visiting the Citadel, Bijapur one must also take a look of the remains lying around the Citadel of Bijapur. The remains of the Gagan Mahal, which was built in 1561, in

 The Citadel of Bijapur in Karnataka in India is a monument of its kind. The citadel characterizes the great strength of the ruler in the way it was made. The massive structure and the best of materials used to build the monument still define the prowess of the ruler. the place The citadel is encompassed by a 100 yards wide ditch which was formerly used to supply water. Citadel, Bijapur is an important Historical Monument in Karnataka and is visited by thousands of tourists every day.

 The historical value of the place has attracted tourists since times immemorial. The Citadel in Bijapur is an important Tourist Attraction in Karnataka and tourists while visiting Karnataka must visit the Citadel in Bijapur to get a deep insight of the historical prominence of the state