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| Gol Gumbaz,,KA upload.wikimedia.org Credit: Meesanjay |
Gol Gumbaz, located in Bijapur, Karnataka, is an awe-inspiring architectural wonder and the mausoleum of Sultan Mohammed Adil Shah, the seventh ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Built in 1656, this colossal monument on a plot of 70acres exemplifies Indo-Islamic architecture and is renowned for its engineering brilliance, artistic detail, and historical importance.
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| Terrace, Gol Gumbaz,,KA upload.wikimedia.org Credit: Sahanakulur788 |
The name "Gol Gumbaz" is derived from Persian, meaning "circular dome," aptly describing its most iconic feature. The dome of Gol Gumbaz is the second-largest unsupported dome in the world, measuring approximately 44 meters in height and 38 meters in diameter. Remarkably, it rests on pendentives without the support of pillars—a feat of advanced engineering for its time.
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| Partial view of Gol Gumbaz, KA commons.wikimedia.org |
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| Terrace, Gol Gumbaz,,KA |
Above image: Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur, Karnataka State. Cenotaphs in the mausoleum It s one of the exceptionally large dome in the word, a good example of Adil Shahi's 17th CE architecture. In 2014 the UNESCO included this technically well advanced structure on its "tentative list" to become a World Heritage Site ,under the name Monuments and Forts of the Deccan Sultanate. The mausoleum is contained in a larger walled complex, with other buildings such as a mosque, a naqqar khana, and a dharmshala.
A highlight of Gol Gumbaz is its whispering gallery, where even the faintest sound—be it a whisper, sigh, or the rustle of clothing—echoes up to seven times across the vast dome. This acoustic marvel attracts curious visitors who test its capabilities by whispering across the walls or clapping from opposite ends of the gallery. The scientific precision behind this feature remains a subject of fascination.
The mausoleum's interior houses a raised platform where the tombs of Mohammed Adil Shah, his wives, daughters, and close relatives are laid. The structure is built entirely of dark grey basalt and features massive stone brackets, arches, and decorative medallions that showcase Deccan-era craftsmanship. The four corner minarets, functioning as staircases, lead visitors up to the whispering gallery and offer panoramic views of Bijapur.
Surrounding Gol Gumbaz are lush Mughal-style gardens that enhance the monument’s grandeur. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains the site, which also includes a museum exhibiting artifacts of the Adil Shahi period.
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| Gol Gumbaz.thehindu.com |
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| Gol Gumbaz.thehindu.com |
According to some sources, “Gol Gumbaz is suffering minor damages once in two or three years. However, it is for the first time a portion of the roof has collapsed. It is not an easy task ''to repair or fix the damaged roof due to technical issues.” Heritage lovers for several years have started crying hoarse over the deteriorating condition of Gol Gumbaz in Vijayapura.
In spite of its age Gol Gumbaz stands as a lasting symbol of Bijapur’s cultural legacy, leaving an indelible impression on all who experience its majestic scale and timeless beauty.
https://philatelyhobby.blogspot.com/2023/05/gol-gumbaz-bijapur-architectural-marvel.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gol_Gumbaz
