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Bijapur Travel Guide

BIJAPUR - The history of the city dates back to the 11th century when it was founded by the Chalukya dynasty. They referred to it as Vijayapura.

Since the 14th century the city is being called Vijapur or Bijapur when it came under the Bahamani sultanate of Gulbarga. Bijapur was taken over by the Adil Shah dynasty in the 15th century. Much of the city's greatness belongs to the monuments that were constructed during this period.

Must Visit Tourist Places in Bijapur

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Bara Kaman

Bara Kaman is the incomplete mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II in Bijapur, Karnataka. Ali Adil Shah, the ruler of the Adil Shahi Dynasty, wanted to build a tomb of exceptional quality. According to the plan, twelve arches were to be placed vertically and horizontally around the tomb. However, because of some unknown reasons, the work was left incomplete. As a result, only 2 arches were placed vertically. However, the remains of the 12 arches that were placed horizontally are also visible on the premises. It was also planned that the shadow of Bara Kaman would touch the Gol Gombaz.

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Gol Gumbaz

This is the second largest dome in the world and was built by Yaqut of Dabul, the renowned architect under the patronage of Mohammed Adil Shah. The room is an architectural marvel. The dome has been erected without the help of any pillars. There are four minarets with stairs that lead to the dome from where a magnificent view of the town can be seen. The most unique feature of the structure is the whispering gallery. Even the tiniest of sounds get echoed several times in the gallery. Any whisper, clap, or sound gets echoed 9 times (11 times with fading) and creates an ideal stereophonic stage even for the weak-lunged singers.

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Jumma Masjid

This is one of the must-sees in Bijapur. 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 are 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.

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Malik - e- Maiden

The largest medieval cannon in the world is 14 ft long, weighing 55 tons. Legend has it that if you touch the gun and make a wish, it will come true! Malik-e-Maidan, considered as one of the largest bell metal guns in the world, is situated around 3 km away from Bijapur District. The meaning of the word 'Malik-e-Maidan' is 'The Monarch of the Plains'. It was built in 1549 by Ali Adil Shah I and was considered as a war trophy. The cannon is sitting on top of the Sherzah Burj facing west towards the plains outside the city. It is believed that the legendary cannon always remains cool and tinkles like a bell on tapping.

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Mehtar and Asar Mahal

Mehtar Mahal is a very beautiful building in the region of Bijapur and is located close to Jumma Masjid. A richly decorated gateway leads to a three-storied building with exquisitely drawn windows and high minarets. On the northern side of this building is the Asar Mahal which stands supported by four pillars. It was constructed to be a hall of justice. There is a stepwell near the building. Women are not allowed to enter the upper story which has Persian style decoration but a little bit of persuasion might work. There is an annual festival held at this place which is called urs.

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The Ibrahim's Rouza

Further to the edge of the city is the Ibrahim Roza, a beautiful tomb with artistically laid out corridors and interconnecting buildings with richly decorated walls and perforated stone windows. Ibrahim Roza, the mausoleum of Ibrahim Adil Shah II, is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal in Agra. At the center of the town are large arches signifying the forts and its beauty in moonlight.

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Upri Burj

Upari Burz is located to the north of Dakhani Idgah in the district of Bijapur. It is an 80 ft high tower, which was built around 1584 AD by Hyder Khan. Spherical in shape, it has stone steps all around. Furthermore, it contains various guns, powder chambers, war material, and water cisterns. This tower is also known by some other names such as Hyder Burj and Upri Burj. Tourists can also enjoy an aerial view of the city from the top of this tower.