India, Karnataka

Bijapur, Karnataka: A Photo Essay

Capital. Dynasty. Sultanate.

The ancient city of Bijapur (Vijayapura) is a historical and architectural trove. Losing out to its more popular cousin Hampi, Bijapur is one of the underrated tourist destinations in Karnataka.

Known as the City of Victory, Bijapur experienced regime changes time and again. Established by the Chalukyas of Kalyani, the capital shifted hands to the Yadavas, the Khilji, the Bahmani and rested in the hands of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Post the the end of the Adil Shahi era, the city came under the influence of Aurangzeb, the Nizam of Hyderabad, the Marathas and finally the British East India Company following the defeat of the Third Anglo Maratha War.

Under the Adil Shahi rule, the city grew into a cultural and architectural hub. Most of the monuments of their era still stand strong.

 

Premises of Gol Gumbaz
The most famous of all is the Gol Gumbaz. It houses the tomb of Adil Shah

 

The majestic structure
The majestic structure. The Dome is considered to be the largest in India. The ‘Whispering Gallery’ on the topmost floor is a wonder in itself. One can hear the other person loud and clear even if they whisper from a considerable distance.

Read: The Gol Gumbaz of Bijapur

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Structure that holds the spiral staircase at Gol Gumbaz

 

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One of the structures at Ibrahim Rouza. The tomb of Adil Shah II is here. It is believed that Ibrahim Rouza served as an inspiration to Taj Mahal

 

Maze on the door
Entrance to the inner chamber
Carvings on the structure

 

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Jod Gumbaz. Built in the memory of Khan Mohammed and Abdul Razzak Qadiri who helped Aurangzeb defeat the Adil Shah rule

See: Maldives – A Photo Essay

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The entrance to Taj Bawdi. Built to suffice the water supply needs of the residents. The tank has a capacity to hold approximately 20 million litres of water

 

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Malik-e-Maidan. Considered as the largest medieval cannon in the world weighing 55 tons. The nozzle has a carving of an Elephant being crushed to death

 

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A structure in ruin in the premises of Gol Gumbaz.

See: Ladakh – A Photo Essay

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The ruins of the walled city

See: Chittorgarh – A Photo Essay

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The ruins of the walled city

 

The city holds so much history that it was near to impossible to cover it during my one day trip. Hoping to go back soon to learn and explore more of stories the city has tucked away in secrecy.

Until then!

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Nupur

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