GOL GUMBAZ

GOL GUMBAZ

AT

BIJAPUR

Gol Gumbaz, the mausoleum of Muhammad Adil Shah (AD 1626 –56) located in Bijapur, District Bijapur, Karnataka State is an important monument of Indo-Islamic architecture aptly known for its amazing dimensions and unique acoustic features.

Gol Gumbad situated in Bijapur district of Karnataka is the second largest dome in the world. The Gol Gumbad is second in size only to St. Peter's Basilica, Rome. The Gol Gumbad is 124 feet in diameter.

The foundation of the building is set up on bedrock and the structure itself is made of dark grey basalt and plaster. The walls are nearly 3 meters thick and 30.5 meters tall with a dome built at the top of the structure, right in the middle.

The most interesting feature of the Gol Gumbaz is the gallery around the base of the dome which can be accessed through any of the four towers at the corners of the building.

 This gallery is known as the whispering gallery because even the lightest sound or a whisper can be carried forward and heard by someone standing at the farthest distance from you in the dome.

The dome contains tombs of Muhammad Adil Shah, his two wives, his mistress, his daughter and grandson. The structure in front of the tomb has been converted in to a museum.

 Other prominent structures in the Gol Gumbad complex are a mosque, a Naqqar Khana, a gateway and a dharmashala.

The tomb is constructed on a plain square block with towers on each corner in dark gray basalt, decorated with plasterwork. Three blind arches are displayed on the exterior of the monument.

The central arch on the other hand is wider than the others and is dressed with wooden panels with small rectangular entrance and three rows of arched windows punched through.

One can enter the grandeur from the south door where a stone (Bijli pathar), that claims to guard the tomb from lighting) is suspended from the cornice. This cornice is a distinguished part of the tomb that rests on a highly carved stone.

By Air

Bijapur does not have an airport. Nearest airport is Sambre Airport.

Bijapur-164 km away Sambre Airport (IXG), Belgaum, Karnataka.

Bijapur-167 km away Hubli Airport (HBX), Hubli, Karnataka. 

By Train

You can easily get regular trains to Bijapur from other major cities of the country.

Railway Station(s): Bijapur (BJP), Bagevadi Road. 

By Bus

There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Bijapur.

Bus Station(s): Bijapur , Bijapur (CG)