Bijapur, also entitled as the City of Victory during the time of Chalukyas, has witnessed many architectural explosions under the Adil Shahi dynasty. This shows that this kingdom loved arts up to a great extent. Its present attractions are the minarets, domes, and reverberating burial chambers (more than 20 such tombs), all exhibiting the Islamic style of Arabian Nights.

After the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Gol Gumbaz comes next in looking for the largest domes in the world, which is 124 feet in diameter without the support of pillars. Built in 1656 A.D., there is a legend associated with this mausoleum. It is said that this monument was the result of the Adil Shah’s orders prior to his death. Adil Shah had the desire of erecting a mausoleum similar to that of Ibrahim Rauza, which is the mausoleum of his father, Ibrahim Adil Shah II.

Gol Gumbaz History

The Bahamani kingdom of the Deccan region was the first Muslim state to rule over Bijapur. During the second half of the 15th century, the Bahamani Empire was divided into five smaller kingdoms namely, Berar (1484), Bijapur (1489), Ahmadnagar (1490), Bidar (1492), and Golkonda (1512).

Then, Yusuf Adil Khan, a descendant of the Turkish imperial family took away the Bijapur region from the Bahamani kingdom. He was the pioneer of the Adil Shahi dynasty. In the reign of these rulers, Bijapur was their capital.

Monument – At a Glance

Erected in 1659 by the famous architect, Yaqut of Dabul, the monument exhibits the Islamic and Persian architecture. The mausoleum or the tomb is a chamber in this big monument that houses a mosque, a dharamshala (inn), a Naqqar Khana, and a gateway. The structure before the tomb is now a museum.

• Dome and Tomb
  Structured as a huge cube, the monument comprises of a gigantic quadrangle compartment each side measuring 50 m in height that is enfolded by a huge dome. The dome is an architectural marvel made with elegant petals having a height of 27.4 m. In the centre of the compartment, a quadrangle elevated podium that is reachable by steps in the middle of its each side. The tombs of the Adil Shah and his relatives are in the heart of this podium. A mosque can be seen to the west of the podium that is also slightly raised above the floor. Besides this, different arches, Islamic motifs as frescos, and panel motifs can be noticed across the structure.

• Acoustic Feature
  The unique feature of this structure is the acoustics of the place. This means that even the minute sound such as a whisper, tick of a watch, or a clap is reverberated nearly 11 times and can be heard clearly on the other diagonal side of the monument or at a distance of 37 km. It is believed that the Sultan, Ibrahim Adil Shah and his queen always communicated in this manner. In his reign, the musicians sang in the gallery because the sound could reach to every corner of the chamber. At the dome’s edge, there is a spherical balcony where visitors can perceive this astonishing murmuring gallery. Below the gallery, there is a hall of dancers for entertainment.
• External Towers
  The exterior of the structure contains domed octagonal cornered towers of dark gray basalt and embellished with plasterwork that are divided into seven storeys and topped by small domes. Among these, the top floor of each tower reaches to a circular gallery enclosing the large dome. These towers are not in alignment with the dome due to which they do not seem to be minarets, but somewhat like a Chinese pagoda. Further, there are three blind arches, among which the middle arch made up of wooden panels is wider that comprises of three rows of arched windows and a small rectangular entrance.
• Entrance Gate
  The entrance gate is the south door where a stone, also known as the Bijli pathar that protects the tomb from lighting is hanging from the cornice on a carved stone.

Best Visiting Time

October to March and during winters, from sunrise to sunset

Reaching Gol Gumbaz or Bijapur

By air, the nearest airport is Belgaum at a distance of 205 km.

By rail, Bijapur is connected to Bangalore, Mumbai (via Solapur), Hyderabad (via Solapur), Vasco da Gama (via Hubli and Londa), and Hospet (via Gadag).

By road, Bijapur is well connected with the major cities of Karnataka and India as well. Some of these include Belgaum (205 km), Bangalore (550 km), Bombay (486 km), Aihole (110 km), Badami (138 km), and Pattadakal (148 km).

Within Bijapur, there are taxis, auto rickshaws, and horse carriage (Tangas).

The fort is the ideal symbolic piece of nationalism, courage, heroism, and historic sacrifice by the Mewar rulers. Such a unique blend of history and culture has stimulated many tourists and writers since time immemorial.

History

Built in 7th century A.D by the Mauryans, the fort name comes from the Mauryan ruler, Chitrangada Mori that is supported by the evidences of the inscriptions on the ancient coins. According to the records, for 834 years, the fort was the capital of Mewar. Originally ruled by Guhilot and later by Sisodias of the Guhilot itself, it was hold by Bappa Rawal in 8th century, the pioneer ruler of Sisodias. Sisodias refer to the Suryavanshi group of Chattari Rajputs. In 1568 A.D., the Emperor Akbar ransacked the fort and since then, the fort was only renovated in 1905 AD.

To gain the control over the fort, the battle was fought three times between 15th and 16th century. Listed below are those three battles

• 1433 A.D.
  Allauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi conquered over Rana Ratan Singh.
• 1535 A.D.
  Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat conquered over Bikramjeet Singh.
• 1567 A.D.
  Emperor Akbar conquered over Maharana Udai Singh II who then went to Udaipur.

The Merwar rulers, soldiers, the women, and the other related people sacrificed their life to save dignity of the kingdom rather than surrendering to the Muslim rulers. However, in 1616, Jehangir – the son of Akbar, gave the fort back to the Rajput clan.

Legend

According to the legend, Bhima, the second elder brother among Pandavas mentioned in the  Mahabharata, using his fist hit the ground very powerfully. Already blessed with the mighty strength, the hit resulted in water emerging out that formed a large reservoir. This water pool was named as Bhimlat kund. After creating this artificial water pool, it is believed that Bhima was the pioneer in the construction of this fort.

Fort Complex – At a Glance

Similar to a fish’s shape, its circumference is of 13 km. A twisty route covering a bridge of limestone, above 1 km in length starting from the newly built town of Chittorgarh, reaches until the main west gate known as the Ram Pol. Ten arches support this bridge on the Gambhiri River.

The fort complex comprises of historical and magnificent palaces, 130 temples, gates, and the two eye-catching memorial towers. A circular road is to be approached to visit these attractions of the fort.

Once upon a time, the fort housed 84 water bodies such as ponds, wells, and steep wells; out of which only 22 can be seen now. The waters enter these bodies through natural catchment and rainfall and are capable of fulfilling the thirst of 50,000 army for four years.

Gates

There are eight gates (called pol in local language) namely the:

• Padan Pol
• Bhairon Pol
• Hanuman Pol
• Ganesh Pol
• Jorla Pol
• Suraj Pol
• Laxman Pol
• Ram Pol (gate of Lord Rama – main entry point)

These gates are huge stone structures built from the security point of view. Further, the doors contain sharp arches to attack elephants and cannon shots. On the top of each gate, jagged parapets are reinforced for the archers for shooting at the invader’s army. At each gate, memorial monuments of Jaimal, a statue of a Rajput soldier on horseback, and Patta are a must to see art piece.

Let’s see the significance of these gates.

• Padan Pol
  Death place of the Prince Bagh Singh in 1535 A.D.
• Bhairon Pol and Hanuman Pol
  Death place of the Prince Jaimal of Badnore and his clansman Kalla (killed by Akbar) in 1567 A.D. between these two pols marked by construction of Chattris (pavilions built by Akbar).
• Ram Pol
  Chaatri erected for 15 year old Patta of Kelwa who lost his father, mother, and wife in the battle
• Suraj Pol
  Entry to the eastern wall, the Darikhana or Sabha (council chamber to the right of the gate), Ganesha temple (behind the chamber), the zenana (chambers for women), Rana Kumbha palace, and a huge water (on the left of the gate)
• Jorla Pol (Joined Gate)
  Existence of two joined gates and connection of the upper arch of the gate with the foot of Lakshman Pol (a unique construction not found anywhere else in India)

At the northern end, is the Lokota Bari, whereas at the southernmost tip, is a small opening to throw enemies in a deep hole.

Jaya Stambh (The Victory Tower)

Known as the symbol of Chittor, it was built by Rana Khumba somewhere in between 1458 and 1468 in memory of his triumph over Mahmud Shah I Khalji (the Sultan of Malwa) in 1440 AD. It took 10 years to built this fort with a height of 37.2 m and nine storeys. To reach until the 8th storey for a picturesque view of the plains and new town, one needs to pass through the 157 steps of circular staircase.

Kirti Stambh

Having a height of 22 m, it is a monument decorated with the Jain sculpting style built by a Bagherwal Jain merchant named Jijaji Rathod somewhere in the 12th century. It is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankara (revered Jain teacher/apostle). There are six storeys that are reachable after climbing 54 steps. The lowest floor houses figures the other Jain tirthankars.

Rana Kumbh Palace

Near the entrance of the Vijaya Stamba, is the oldest Rana Kumbha’s palace (in ruins), the birthplace of Maharana Udai Singh who discovered Udaipur and the house of Rani Meera – the famous saint and devotee of Lord Krishna.

Built with plastered stone, the palace housed a temple of Lord Shiva, a marvelous set of balconies, and elephant and horse stables. It was at this place that Rani Padmini set into the funeral pyre, the event also being called as the jauhar. Close by attractions are the Nau Lakha Bandar meaning the nine-lakh treasury building, a museum, an archeological office, and the Singa Chowri temple.

Fateh Prakash Palace

Situated close to the Rana Khumba palace, it comprises of modern houses and a small museum.

Gaumukh Reservoir

This is a water spring that origins from the cow’s mouth in a cliff. During the sieges, this was the source of water.

Padmini’s Palace

A white three storied building, this is located in the south direction of the fort having pavilions on the roofs. Its gates were made from bronze that were removed by Akbar. This is the place where Alauddin saw the mirror image of the Rani Padmini, the wife of Maharana Rattan Singh and was infatuated with her beauty. Rani Padmini’s beauty is equivalent to that of Cleopatra and her legendary story is a never-forgiving memory in the history of Chittor. To obtain the queen, Alauddin decided to destroy Chittor wherein the Maharana Rattan Singh was defeated and killed. To save dignity, the queen performed jauhar – killed by setting in a funeral pyre.

Meera Temple

Built in an Indo–Aryan style by Rana Khumbha near Kirti Stambh, it is dedicated to Meerabai who devoted her life to Lord Krishna and composed bhajans called Meera Bhajans. A popular belief holds that she survived due to the blessings of Lord Krishna after taking poison sent by an enemy.

Kalika Mata Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Kali, it can be reached from the Padmini’s palace. Originally, it was a sun temple in 8th century, but the Sun God being destroyed in the 14th century, the temple was rebuilt.

Tulja Bhavani Temple

This is dedicated to Goddess Tulja (a divine form of Shakti). The tope khana (house of cannons) is just near this temple.

Festivals

The grand Rajput festival named the Jauhar Mela is held here annually when there is an anniversary of one of the jauhars, most memorial is of Rani Padmini. This festival takes place to tribute the courage of Rajputs and all three jauhars occurred in the fort. To celebrate, Rajputs carry out a procession.