Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur

Gol Gumbaz is a mausoleum of Mohammad Adil Shah (1627-55), who ruled the Sultanate of Bijapur. This is a round dome built at the order of Adil Shah before his death by a renowned architect Yagut of Dabul. The desire of Adil Shah was that after his death his mausoleum will be built comparable to the Ibrahim Roza which is the tomb of his father, Ibrahim Adil Shah II. Ibrahim Roza is an exceptional tomb which is visited by thousands of visitors every year and known for its beautiful architecture. The most striking part about Gol Gumbaz is that this is one of the biggest single chamber structures in the World. This place is built over a floor area of 1700 sq m with a height of 51 m and diameter of 37 m. Walls of this monument is 3 m thick. There is no pillar for central dome of Gol Gumbaz and is the second largest dome next to the dome of St. Peters Basilica of Rome. If you will scream under this dome then the sound echoes 11 times and can be heard at a distance of 37 km.

Gol Gumbaz, located in Bijapur is a unique monument in terms of its structure and architecture. There is a circular balcony at the periphery of the dome for visitors. From here visitors can witness the astounding whispering gallery. From here any echo or sound can be heard clearly on the diagonally opposite side. During that time, Ibrahim Adil Shah and his Queen used to converse in the same manner and musicians used to sing here in this whispering gallery so that the sound produced could reach in every corner of the hall. There is a hall used by the dancers, right below the whispering gallery. Each tower of Gol Gumbaz consists of severn storeys and upper floor of each opens on to a round gallery which surrounds the dome. There is a square raised podium in the centre of the chamber which approaches by steps in the centre of each side. This part is an important part of Gol Gumbaz as there are tombs of Muhammad Adil Shah II and his relatives. There is a mosque to the west of the podium which also rose slightly above the floor level of the chamber.

Surroundings of Gol Gumbaz have been converted into a splendid garden and the site is now maintained by the Archeological Survey of India. There are several things to watch in this mausoleum like mosque, a dharamshala and other buildings. This tomb is built of dark gray basalt and decorated plasterwork. Walls of this structure are 3 m thick and 30.5 m in height. Each exterior face of this structure displays three great blind arches. Central arch is wider than others and dressed with wooden panels with small rectangular entrance. The main entrance of this tomb is its south door. Other fine example of this kind is the Great Mosque of Cordoba. Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, Karnataka is really a beautiful tourist attraction which must be visited during your tour.