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Bijapur

Enticing Karnataka !

Bijapur /
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Introduction to Bijapur

Bijapur(also known as Vijapura) city is the district headquarters ofBijapur DistrictofKarnataka state. Bijapur city is well known for its historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule ofAdil Shahi dynasty. Bijapur is located 530km northwest ofBangalore and about 550km fromMumbai and 384 kms from hyderabad. Bijapur's urban population is 2.54 lakhs, estimated to have crossed 3 lakhs as at the end of year 2010 As per norms, the city should have a minimum population of three lakh.

The city was established in the10th-11th centuriesby theKalyani Chalukyas and was known asVijayapura(City of victory). The city came under the influence of theKhilji Sultanate inDelhi by the late 13th century. In 1347, the area was conquered by theBahmani Sultanate ofGulbarga. By this time, the city was being referred as Vijapur or Bijapur. Bijapur, Karnataka

Short History of Bijapur

In 1518, theBahmani Sultanate split into five splinter states known as theDeccan sultanates, one of which was Bijapur, ruled by the kings of theAdil Shahi dynasty (14901686). The city of Bijapur owes much of its greatness to Yusuf Adil Shah, the founder of the independent state of Bijapur. The rule of this dynasty ended in 1686, when Bijapur was conquered during the reign ofMughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

After the 1818 defeat of the Peshwa by theBritish in theThird Anglo-Maratha War, Bijapur passed into the hands of the British East India Company, and was assigned to theprincely state ofSatara In 1848 the territory of Satara, along with Bijapur, was annexed to Britain'sBombay Presidency when the last ruler died without a male heir. The British carved a new district by the nameKaladagi. The district included present-day Bijapur andBagalkot districts. . Bijapur was made the administrative headquarters of the district in 1885, when the headquarters were moved from Bagalkot

After India's Independence in 1947, the district became part ofBombay state, and was reassigned toMysore State, later Karnataka, in 1956. The former southern taluks of the district ere separated in 1997 to form Bagalkot District.

Tourist Attractions in Bijapur

Bijapur tours would include the ancient monuments and royal palaces in Bijapur. Tours to Bijapur will take you to the major tourist attractions :
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Gol Gumbaz Ibrahim Roja Bara Kaman Malik-e- Maidan (Monarch of the plains) Badi Kaman Meenakshi Chowk Uppali Buruz Shiva Statue

Gol Gumbaz

The piece-de-resistance among Bijapur attractions, this magnificent architecture is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah (1627 -56), the seventh ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty. An epitome of architectural wizardry, the central dome of the tomb, second in size only to the dome of St Peter's

The whispering gallery is another astonishing facet, which distinctly echoes the faintest whisper eleven times. Gol Gumbaz complex includes a mosque, a Naqqar Khana (a hall for the trumpeters) (now it is used as museum) and the ruins of guest houses.

Ibrahim Roza

The handiwork of expert Iranian artisans, this square enclosure consists the tombs of Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his family. This monument, which is believed to have inspired the creation of the Taj Mahal at Agra, is noted for its striking symmetry of proportion, exquisite minarets cupolas, parapets and cornices. This whole structure lies above a basement which houses secret passages (used to store munitions and food) and also holds living

Malik-e-Maidan

This mammoth cannon, fourteen feet long and weighing about 55 tons, is an awe-inspiring sight. Built by the Adil Shahis, the muzzle of the cannon is shaped like the head of a lion crushing an elephant to death with its huge jaws.

A unique feature of this legendary gun is that it is always cool to touch even under the blazing sun. Malik-e-Maidan(The Monarch of the Plains) the largest medieval cannon in the world. Being 4m long, 1,5m in diameter and weighing 55 tons, this gun was brought back fromAhmadnagar in the 17th century as a trophy of war by 400 oxen, 10 elephants and tens of men. It was placed on the Sherza Burj (Lion Gate) on a platform especially built for it. The cannon's nozzle is fashioned into the shape of a lion's head..

It is said that after igniting the cannon, the gunner would remain underwater in a tank of water on the platform to avoid the deafening explosion. The cannon remains cool even in strong sunlight and if tapped, tinkles like a bell. In 1854 the cannon was auctioned for Rs. 150 but the sale was cancelled in the end

Jumma Masjid

This is one of the must-sees in the region. It is the largest

There is 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

Citadel

The Citadel in Bijapur is surrounded by a wall. The Citadel in

The Citadel in Bijapur in Karnataka in India was built by Yusuf Adil Shah. While visiting the Citadel, Bijapur one must also take a look of the remains lying around the Citadel of Bijapur. The remains of the Gagan Mahal, which was built in 1561, in

The Citadel of Bijapur in Karnataka in India is a monument of its kind. The citadel characterizes the great strength of the ruler in the way it was made. The massive structure and the best of materials used to build the monument still define the prowess of the ruler. the place The citadel is encompassed by a 100 yards wide ditch which was formerly used to supply water. Citadel, Bijapur is an important Historical Monument in Karnataka and is visited by thousands of tourists every day.

The historical value of the place has attracted tourists since times immemorial. The Citadel in Bijapur is an important Tourist Attraction in Karnataka and tourists while visiting Karnataka must visit the Citadel in Bijapur to get a deep insight of the historical prominence of the state