Introduction

 

Bijapur’s official name is ‘Vijayapura’.

 

Bijapur was officially renamed as Vijayapura in 2014 by the Government of Karnataka.

 

Since we are accustomed to Bijapur, I will use ‘Bijapur’ itself in this article.

 

Bijapur is a city located in the state of Karnataka in India. It is known for its rich history and cultural significance, with a number of historical landmarks and cultural attractions.

 

Bijapur has a long and varied history, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the 3rd century BC. The city was ruled by a number of different dynasties over the centuries, including the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas, and the Bahmanis. It was also a center of art, literature, and architecture during this time, with a number of notable buildings and structures being constructed.

 

Today, Bijapur is known for its rich cultural heritage and is a popular tourist destination. It is home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Gol Gumbaz, one of the largest domes in the world, and the Ibrahim Roza, a 16th-century tomb complex featuring intricate carvings and artwork. It is also home to a number of cultural attractions, such as the Bijapur Fort, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial, and the Bijapur Bull Temple.

 

Historical landmarks

 

Gol Gumbaz: 

 

Gol Gumbaz is a historical landmark located in Bijapur. It is known for its impressive dome, which is one of the largest in the world. The dome, which has a diameter of 44 meters (144 feet) and is supported by eight arches, is considered a masterpiece of Deccan architecture and is a popular tourist attraction.

 

The Gol Gumbaz was built in the 17th century by the Adil Shahi dynasty, which ruled over Bijapur at the time. It was designed as a tomb for Mohammed Adil Shah, the seventh ruler of the dynasty, and his family. The structure is made of brick and stone and is adorned with intricate carvings and decorations.

 

In addition to its impressive dome, the Gol Gumbaz is also known for its Whispering Gallery, a circular corridor that surrounds the dome. The acoustics of the gallery are such that a person standing at one end of the corridor can hear a whisper from the other end as if it were spoken directly into their ear.

 

Gol Gumbaz is a popular tourist attraction in Bijapur and is considered a must-see for visitors to the city. It is open to the public and can be visited during the day.

 

Gol Gumbaz is also known by a number of other names, including:

 

• Gumbaz-e-Khas
• Gumbaz-e-Ala
• Gumbaz-e-Mohammed Adil Shah
• Gumbaz-e-Muhammad Adil Shah
• Muhammad Adil Shah's Mausoleum
• Gumbaz of Muhammad Adil Shah

 

Here is the location of Gol Gumbaz.

Ibrahim Roza:

Ibrahim Roza is a historical landmark located in Bijapur.
It is a tomb complex that was built in the 16th century by the Adil Shahi dynasty, which ruled over Bijapur at the time.
The tomb complex is named after its patron, Ibrahim Adil Shah II, who was the fifth ruler of the dynasty.

 

The Ibrahim Roza is considered a masterpiece of Deccan architecture and is known for its intricate carvings and artwork.
The tomb complex consists of two structures, the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II and the tomb of his wife, Taj Sultana. The tombs are connected by a covered walkway, which is supported by pillars adorned with carvings of flowers and other decorative motifs.

 

In addition to the tombs, the Ibrahim Roza also includes a number of other buildings, such as a mosque, a bath house, and a garden. The tomb complex is surrounded by walls and gates, which were built to protect it from potential invaders.

 

Ibrahim Roza is a popular tourist attraction in Bijapur and is open to the public.
It is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the city and is considered a must-see for visitors to Bijapur.

 

Ibrahim Roza is also known by a number of other names, including:

 

• Roza-e-Ibrahim
• Roza-e-Muhammad Ibrahim Adil Shah II
• Muhammad Ibrahim Adil Shah II's Mausoleum
• Tomb of Muhammad Ibrahim Adil Shah II

Here is the location of Gol Gumbaz.

Jama Masjid: 

Jama Masjid is a mosque located in Bijapur.

It is one of the largest and most famous mosques in the region, and is a major tourist attraction in Bijapur.

 

The Jama Masjid was built in the early 17th century during the reign of the Adil Shahi dynasty. The mosque was commissioned by Muhammad Adil Shah, the seventh ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty, and was completed in 1686.

 

The Jama Masjid is a large, rectangular building with three domes on top. It is built entirely of stone, and its walls are adorned with intricate carvings and designs.

The interior of the mosque is spacious, with high arches and pillars supporting the roof. There is a large prayer hall at the back of the mosque, which is used for daily prayers and other religious ceremonies.

 

One of the most notable features of the Jama Masjid is its huge main dome, which is supported by four smaller domes.
The main dome is covered with gold leaf, and it stands out prominently against the sky. The interior of the main dome is decorated with intricate patterns and designs, and the walls are adorned with beautiful tiles and frescoes.

 

In addition to being a place of worship, the Jama Masjid also serves as a cultural and educational center in Bijapur. It has a library and a madrasa (Islamic school) attached to it, and it is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims who want to learn more about Islam and the history of Bijapur.

 

Overall, the Jama Masjid is a beautiful and historic mosque that is well worth a visit if you are in Bijapur. It is a testament to the rich cultural and religious history of the region, and it is an important part of the city's identity and heritage.

 

Jama Masjid is also known by several other names, including Jumma Masjid, Jami Masjid, and Jumma Mosque.
These names are variations of the Arabic term "jami' masjid," which means "Friday mosque."

This name is used to refer to mosques that are particularly large or important, and that are used for Friday prayers, which are the most important weekly prayers in Islam.

The Jama Masjid in Bijapur is known as a Friday mosque because of its size and importance in the city. It is also called the "Great Mosque" or the "Grand Mosque" in English.

 

Cultural attractions

 

As we know, the city was once the capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty, which ruled over the region from the late 15th to the early 17th century.
During this time, Bijapur became a center of learning, culture, and art, and many of the city's landmarks and cultural attractions were built during this period.

 

Some of the most notable cultural attractions in Bijapur include:

 

Bijapur Fort: 

Bijapur Fort, also known as the Citadel of Bijapur, is a historic fort located in Bijapur.

It is an important cultural attraction in the region and is known for its rich history and impressive architecture.

The fort was built in the 16th-century.

 It is an imposing structure that is surrounded by high walls and gates, and it covers an area of approximately 200 acres. 

The fort was built by the Adil Shahi dynasty and it is an important cultural attraction in the region.

 

The Bijapur Fort is a well-preserved example of military architecture from the medieval period. It has multiple gates and bastions that were designed to defend the fort against attacks from enemies. 

The main entrance to the fort is through the Delhi Gate, which is guarded by two massive bastions.
There are also four other gates that provide access to the fort, including the Bara Darwaza, the Gagan Mahal Darwaza, the Mehtar Mahal Darwaza, and the Taramandal Darwaza.

 

In addition to its defensive features, the Bijapur Fort also has several buildings within its walls that are of cultural and historical significance. 

One of the most notable buildings is the Ibrahim Roza, a tomb and mosque complex that was built as the mausoleum of Ibrahim Adil Shah II, the fifth ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty. 

The complex is made up of two main buildings, the tomb and the mosque, which are connected by a bridge. The tomb is a square building with a large dome on top, and the mosque is a rectangular building with a series of smaller domes.

The complex is surrounded by gardens and is known for its beautiful carvings and intricate designs.

 

Another important building within the fort is the Jami Masjid, a large mosque that was built by Muhammad Adil Shah in the early 17th century. 

The mosque is a rectangular building with three domes on top, and it is built entirely of stone. The interior of the mosque is spacious, with high arches and pillars supporting the roof. The walls of the mosque are adorned with intricate carvings and designs, and the main dome is covered with gold leaf.

 

The Bijapur Fort is also home to the Bijapur Museum, which displays artifacts from the Adil Shahi dynasty and other periods in the city's history. The museum has a collection of sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, coins, and other artifacts that provide insight into the culture and history of the region.

 

Yalguru:

Yalguru is a village located in the Bijapur district of Karnataka, India. It is situated approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city of Bijapur and is known for its rich cultural and natural heritage.

 

The village is located in the heart of the Deccan Plateau and is surrounded by a number of natural attractions, such as the Malaprabha Dam, which is a popular destination for boating and fishing. 

The village is also home to several ancient temples, such as the Gudikote Temple and the Yalguresha (Anjaneya)  Temple, which are popular destinations for tourists and devotees alike.

 

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Yalguru is also known for its agricultural production. The village is an important center for the cultivation of crops such as rice, wheat, and sugarcane.

 

Toravi Narasimha Temple:

Toravi is 7 Kms from the city of Bijapur.

There is a Beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha - a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple has nice architecture and is well maintained. Devotees worship a well clad, mesmerizing idol of Lord Narasimha with Lakshmi Devi here.

 

Outdoor Activities

 

Begum Talab:

Begum Talab is a lake located in Bijapur.

The lake is named after Begum Shah Bano, the wife of the famous ruler of Bijapur, Muhammad Adil Shah.
It is a popular tourist attraction in the city and is known for its beautiful surroundings and peaceful ambiance.

 

The lake is surrounded by a beautiful garden, which is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
The garden is well-maintained and has several benches and seating areas where visitors can relax and take in the peaceful ambiance of the lake.
The lake itself is home to a variety of birds, and is a popular spot for birdwatching.

 

Begum Talab is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year. It is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet. The lake is well-maintained and is an important part of the city's cultural and recreational landscape.

 

In addition to the lake, the Begum Talab area is also home to several other attractions, such as the Bara Kaman, a monument built in the memory of Muhammad Adil Shah, and the Gol Gumbaz, a famous mausoleum known for its massive dome and acoustics. The area is an important hub of culture and history in Bijapur and is well worth a visit for those interested in exploring the city's rich heritage.

Malaprabha Dam:

 

Malaprabha Dam is a dam built across Malaprabha river in the Bijapur district of Karnataka.

It is a popular tourist attraction in the region and is known for its scenic surroundings and recreational facilities.

 

The dam was built in the 1970s to meet the irrigation and drinking water needs of the surrounding region.
It is a gravity dam, which means that it relies on the weight of the water to hold it in place.
The dam is approximately 60 meters (197 feet) tall and has a capacity of 16.5 billion cubic meters of water.

 

In addition to its primary function as a source of irrigation and drinking water, the Malaprabha Dam is also a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. 

The dam is surrounded by a beautiful garden, which is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The garden is well-maintained and has several benches and seating areas where visitors can relax and take in the scenic surroundings.

 

The dam also has a number of recreational facilities, such as boating and fishing, which are popular among visitors. There are also several restaurants and snack bars in the area, which offer a variety of refreshments and snacks.

 

The Malaprabha Dam is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year. It is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet in the beautiful surroundings. The dam is well-maintained and is an important part of the region's recreational and cultural landscape.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Bijapur is a city located in the state of Karnataka, India, and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The city is home to a number of popular places of interest, including the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial, the Bull Temple, Anand Talab, Begam Talab, and the Malaprabha Dam. Each of these places offers something unique and is worth a visit for those interested in exploring the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

 

Whether you are interested in history, religion, or natural beauty, Bijapur has something to offer for everyone. The city is well-connected by road and rail, and is an easy day trip from nearby cities such as Bangalore and Hubli. So if you are planning a trip to Karnataka, be sure to include Bijapur on your itinerary and discover all that this beautiful city has to offer.