Barah Kaman constructed in 1672, is an another interesting monument in Bijapur (State: Karnataka). It is the incomplete mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II.
It is an elegant structure with 12 interleaving graceful arches. It was previously named as Ali Roza, but later ruler of Bijapur changed its name to its current name of Barah Kaman as this was the 12th monument during his reign.
It has the tombs containing the graves of Bijapur ruler Ali, and his queens.
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Upli Burj constructed in 1584, is an another interesting site in Bijapur (State: Karnataka). General Hyder Khan in the service of ruler Ibrahim II built this watch tower.
This is a circular tower measuring 80 ft in height. There are 70 steps leading to the top of the tower where there are 2 canons. This tower is also known as Hyder Burj.
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Taj Bawdi constructed in 1620, is one of the interesting sights in Bijapur (State: Karnataka). Ruler Ibrahim Adil Shah built this well in honor of his queen Taj Sultana.
It measures 223 sq feet and 52 feet deep. The entrance to the well has a 35 feet span majestic arch and is flanked by two octagonal towers. On the eastern and western sides of the tower there were the rest houses for the tired travelers. Beyond the archway is a small platform and a flights of stairs on either sides of the platform leads one to the water.
This place is not maintained that well, and if not taken care soon will be ruins. The landscape of Bijapur is full of historic monuments. Every inch of a place here has a tale of its own to depict. It is impossible to maintain them, unless the people themselves take the initiative.
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Methar Mahal constructed in 1620, this is one of the interesting sights in Bijapur (State: Karnataka). Even though by name it is called "Mahal" this is not a place. This is a turret with the Mehtar mosque behind it.
This is a two-storeyed structure with an exquisite entrance. The roof has two delicate minarets standing straight and tall.
This ornamental gateway is an excellent example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. It is embellished by a profusion of carvings in the form of brackets supporting the balconies and stone trellis work in Hindu Style.
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Bijapur (State: Karnatka) is located at a distance of 530 km northwest of Bangalore. This city was established in the 10th - 11th centuries by the Chalukya Dynasty. It was then referred as Vijayapura (City of victory).
From the 13th century onwards this city was ruled by Mughal, Bahamani rulers. The city landscape is covered with great monuments of historical importance built during the Adil Shahi dynasty. It had a citadel of 6km stretch around the city. Within the citadel are the remains of both Hindu temples and old mosques. Outside the walls are the remains of a vast city, now for the most part in ruins.
The places of interest both old and new here are:
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The grand architecture includes a huge hall having 45 compartments. Above this hall resting on the beams is the massive onion-shaped dome. The masjid occupies an area of over 10,000 square meters and can accommodate 2250 devotees.
On the either side of the arches there are small carvings at the top. The interior of each compartments are carved beautifully.
The only interior decoration at the mosque is Mihrab shown above.
