Gol Gombaz, Bijapur, Karnataka in India, en.Wikipedia. org |
Gol Gombaz meaning "rose dome", is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah ((reign 1627-55), Sultan of Bijapur who was the most powerful leader in Bijapur history. The tomb, located in Bijapur, Karnataka in India, was completed in 1656 by the architect Yaqut of Dabul; it a beautiful piece of Deccan architecture. He ascended the throne at a pretty young age- just 18 years of age. During his regime, Bijapur enjoyed peace and prosperity and Adil Shah also expanded his territory.
The structure is composed of a cube, 47.5 meters (156 ft) on each side topped by a dome 44 meters (144 ft) in external diameter. With an area of 1,700 m2 (18,000 sq ft), the mausoleum has one of the biggest single chamber spaces in the world. In fact, it is said, that it is the second largest dome in the world. Often comparison is made between this huge dome and those at St. Paul's in London - tomb chamber (18338 sq. feet) and the Pantheon in Rome (15833 sq. feet).
Gol Gombaz, Bijapur, Karnataka in India,: en.Wikipedia. org |
Plan of Gol Gumbaz."en.Wikipedia. org
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Above image: Plan of Gol Gumbaz."Eight intersecting arches created by two rotated squares dome-capped octagonal tower......
The acoustics are even quite impressive in the morning, when this place is calm and quiet. Not too busy or noisy in the morning hours and later due to a continuous steady stream of visitors to this fascinating architectural wonder, the effects of acoustics are feebly audible. However, when it is quiet inside, one can enjoy the acoustics – sound coming as if very near a source and not actually 40 meters away from the other side.
Insie, Gol Gombaz,www.panoramio.com |
The prayer room, in the west possesses nine arched entrances. The depth is 5 spans, creating a large space that is capable of containing many religious people as Jama Masjid. The actual grave is in the middle of the podium inside the mausoleum hall. It is believed that Adil Shah died before his tomb was accomplished. He died on 4 November 1656.
Muhammad Adil Shah II with courtiers and attendants.en.wikipedia.org |
Gol Gumbaz.,Bijapur. Dr SN Prasad, Mysore, India - blogger |
Ref:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gol_Gumbaz
(minor corrections made: June 11, 2015 )