Mehtar Mahal ,Bijapur

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.

September to March