Karnataka • 4 monuments
An example of how a simple structure can be converted into an architectural marvel, Gol Gumbaz or Gol Gumband (Round Dome) is the mausoleum of Sultan Mohammed Adil Shah. Built in 1656, the monument boasts of a cubical structure with a huge hemi-spherical dome at the top. Its dome and the single inner chamber are counted among the largest of their kinds in the whole world. Each corner of the monument has a 7-storey octagonal tower with a round gallery at the top, offering some great views of the surroundings. The inner periphery of the dome is known as the whispering gallery. Because of its interesting acoustics, the gallery echoes every loud sound nearly 10 times and even the slightest sounds in one part can be heard in the other. Intersecting arches, captivating carvings and mesmerizing scrollwork enhance the monument’s magnificence. Apart from the grave of Adil Shah, it also houses the graves of many of his relatives. Within the complex are some other worthwhile structures like a mosque and a state archaeological museum. A Persian style garden surrounding the structure complements its unbeatable beauty.
No wonder that the visitors call it ‘Taj Mahal of the South’! Ibrahim Rauza is capable of casting a spell with its enthralling beauty which makes it hard to leave its premises. The complex consists of the tomb and mosque of Ibrahim Adil Shah II. The two structures look identical and are separated by a water tank and a beautiful fountain. Perforated screens and enticing carvings, along with ornamental entrances and elegant minarets, endow the structures with distinguished magnificence. Tomb’s dome surrounded by rows of carved flower petals is one thing you will love to explore for long. Surrounded by picturesque and lavish lawns that are skilfully manicured, the structures are constantly praised by the authors, poets and history buffs. In fact, many find its grandeur and exclusive design superior to those of Taj Mahal and Humayun’s Tomb. It is also believed that it inspired the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for the construction of Taj.
Malik e Maiden is called as the Lord of the Battlefield or the monarch of the plains. It is the world’s largest medieval cannon, which weighs 55 tonnes and made a high decibel sound when fired. Malik e Maidan was built by Muhammad Adil Shah-ruler of Bijapur in the 17th century.It is set up in the tallest tower aptly named the Lion Tower because of the majestic lion carvings on the entrance walls. Malik e Maidan is high on the South India’s must see list and despite British attempts to conquer it, it still resides proudly on Indian soil. The cannon is located on the top of the tower and the great Muzzle is shaped like a lion or a dragon with open jaws. Made of cast of alloy of copper, iron and tin, it produced a bell like sound when struck. The polished outside surface of the cannon is dark green and carry inscriptions in Persian and Arabic. The local belief is that touching the outer dark green surface of the cannon made of an alloy of tin, copper and iron brings good luck.
Mehtar Mahal is one of the oldest monuments in Bijapur. It is a grand structure built in the Indo Saracenic architecture built by the Adil Shah dynasty in 1620. MehtarMahal is an ornate gateway that leads to a beautiful mosque and a picturesque garden. The mosque is called as the Sweeper’s Palace. As per a local legend, a sweeper from the palace built the mosque within the gateway by using the gold coins spread near the cot ofKing Ibrahim Adil Shah by divine men, after praying for the King’s well-being. Another story attached to MehtarMahal brings forth that the structure is built from the handsome charity received by a Fakir from the king. MehtarMahalis a three-storied structure with beautifully carved arches. It is interesting to note that the carvings are in Hindu architectural style with brackets that support balconies and stone trellis work. MehtarMahalis one of the finest masterpieces of all times and is an architectural wonder. Deep mouldings of the coffered ceiling bring forth astonishing artwork of ancient times. The architecture has various motifs of animals and birds, the most prominent of them being a motif of a lion and an elephant. Many prominent artists like Alexander Nash have travelled across the globe to sketch this beautiful structure. Women are not allowed to enter the mosque.
Explore Way to India
© 2026 Way to India. All rights reserved.