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Gol Gumbaz
 Location
: Bijapur, Karnataka
Unique Feature
:
Whispering Dome
Significance
:
Second Largest Dome in the World
Built In
:
1656
Built By
:
Muhammad Adil Shah
Gol Gumbaz, situated in Bijapur is an astounding engineering feat. Its enormous "Whispering" dome is second in size only to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The dome is the second largest in the world, 124 feet in diameter.
The dome stands unsupported by pillars. The fantastic acoustical system in the dome carries the faintest whisper around the dome and returns it to the listener nine times.
Even the tick of a watch or the rustle of paper can be heard across a distance of 37 m in the whispering gallery. The gallery around the dome provides a fabulous view of the town.
The architecture of this building is unique with the four minarets being the four staircases leading to the top dome. The beauty and excellence of this dome must be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
The Magnificent Tomb
 It is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah constructed during (1627 -56), the seventh ruler of Adilshahi dynasty. The king himself started the construction of this colossal tomb that took about 20 years to complete.
The tomb, with a floor area of 1700 sq.m, 51m in height and 37m diameter with walls 3 m thick, gives a massive appearance. The central dome is the second biggest dome in the world next to the dome of St Peter's Basalica in Rome. The unique feature of the dome is its erection, without any support of pillars. The acoustical occurrence of this dome is such that a sound is echoed eleven times over. Slightest whisper, the tick of a watch or any kind of movement can be heard across a distance of 37 m in its vast gallery. From the gallery around the dome, one can reach up the turret passages by climbing the steps and can enjoy the panoramic view of the beautiful city down along with its vast landscapes.
Under the dome are the tombs of the Sultan, his two wives, his mistress Ramba, his daughter and grandson.
A Loving Fairy Tale
Ones Adil Shah along with his beloved visited the tomb. While looking through the balcony encircling the tomb Adil Shah was extremely fascinated by the amazing, nine storied depth of the central hall. The king, in the mood of making fun, thought of testing his ladylove. He said, "my lady, I know you love me a lot, would you do anything for my sake", "Yes my lord" said the beautiful. "If so" said the Shah facetiously, "can you jump down this balcony for my sake?" His love at once jumped down to show her eternal love. The heart-broken king was under utmost shock, he accursed himself for the blunder he did and wept for the rest of his life.
The splendor and perfection of this dome must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Lovers come here to whisper (aloud!), singers to enjoy the stereophonic effect and children to test the power of their laughter.
The building complex includes a mosque, a Naqqar Khana, a gateway and a dharmashala. The edifice in front of the tomb has been converted into a museum. The virgin magical dint of the Golgumbaz becomes quite visible when heard in serenity.
A MONUMENTAL MAUSOLEUM
The Gol Gumbaz, is not only the last resting place of Muhammad Adil Shah (AD 1626-56), the seventh ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty, but also the landmark of Bijapur and the hallmark of the erstwhile Adil Shahi rulers. It dominates the skyline of Bijapur and is a must see tourist spot for anyone visiting the town.
STYLE-ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
The Gol Gumbaz is an excellent example of Islamic architecture as seen in India in general and the Deccan region in particular. It has all the trademarks of the traditional Islamic or Persian style of architecture, which includes a dome, different type of well-formed arches, geometric proportions and use of Islamic motifs. Local influence can be seen in the highly foliated drum below the bulbous dome, and in the use of the local dark brown stone- typical features of Bijapur buildings of that period.
HOW TO REACH
Bijapur is well connected by train to Hubli, Badami, Bangalore, and Sholapur. From Sholapur, one can get connecting trains for Hyderabad, Vijawada, Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai. There are daily buses from Bijapur to Badami, Belgaum, Bidar, Hospet, Hubli, and Bangalore, which is 630 kilometer away.
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